Hello, aerospace industry colleagues! Whether you’ve worked with me in the past or are meeting me for the first time, I’m excited to connect and share a bit about myself. Let’s take a stroll through my career journey and a few personal highlights.
With over 25 years in manufacturing and a strong technical background in plastics and chemical engineering, my career has taken me on a fascinating ride through coating technologies, polymer stabilization, and, most notably, aerospace materials. Recently, I served as market segment manager – transportation with Röhm, before joining Spartech.
My passion for science and engineering started young. My best grades were always in math and science. Encouraged by fantastic high school teachers who brought math and chemistry to life, I pursued a degree in chemical engineering with a minor in chemistry from the University of Rochester, graduating with high distinction. Along the way, I was a proud member of Tau Beta Pi and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, mentoring fellow students and serving as a peer advisor.
Fast forward to today; I live in Texas, with my wonderful wife of 24 years, Meeghan, and our two boys, Gavin and Kobey. Gavin is proudly serving in the Air Force, while Kobey is navigating high school and balancing work at Chick-fil-A. In our downtime, you’ll find me on the golf course or training our two Dobermans, who are obedience and protection rockstars.
My career has been as dynamic as the materials I work with. Early on, I thought plastics might just be a temporary stop, but it quickly turned into a lifelong passion. I was fortunate that my first job with Cyro allowed me to grow within the company, by being promoted approximately every five years.
In the early 2000s I started working with aircraft acrylics as a process engineer and began diving into MIL-SPEC products. Every step has been a learning experience. Understanding how stretching the material makes the sheet lighter weight and provides more clarity, then watching a customer mold the aircraft canopies, is an incredible experience. Helping to create products that protect pilots and enhance flight safety is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
What keeps me motivated is the constant evolution of the aerospace industry and the technical nature of the work. Selling plastics for interiors or cockpit windows isn’t just about materials — it’s about science, safety, and innovation. Plus, mentoring colleagues and watching them achieve their goals has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
If I could sum up my career in a few words, I’d say: utility player, wide skill set, dependable. And if I could offer advice to the next generation? Don’t shy away from feedback, stay curious, and always look for opportunities to grow. Your success builds the foundation for others to thrive — a lesson I’ve learned time and time again.
Here’s to many more years of innovation and collaboration in aerospace!
Andy Baumler
Spartech
andrew.baumler@spartech.com
