“I had to try,” said Lynn Baker as she reflects on her long-time career as a CNC machinist. It all started 38 years ago. Lynn was working at a manufacturing company and they needed machinists. “They put up a sign-up sheet and encouraged people to take classes. I thought to myself: Go for it and see what happens.”

Lynn spent one week working on a machine during the training. She was one of the best in the class. She got the job. 38 years later, she is now a Value Stream Lead at IDEX Health & Science in Bristol, CT where she has worked for the last 34 years.

“I am the lead for the plate line (the beginning of the manufacturing process). I help move material through the area and make sure everybody has work. I also work on my own CNCs.”

She admits she had no intention to become a CNC machinist, but she does remember how tough it was being a woman entering a male dominated industry. “Back then, it was a boys club in this industry. There were hardly any CNC machinists that were women, and you were not taken seriously. It was tough, but things have gotten much better,” said Lynn.

The IDEX Health & Science facility in Bristol continues to grow their female workforce with CNC machinists. They currently have five machinists that are women—recruiting some of them from local colleges—all of them eager to learn and grow.

“Even after 34 years, IDEX Health & Science helps me to keep growing with training, new products and projects. I learn new things every day. It’s never stagnant. The people here are good to work with. When there is a challenge, we find a way to make it work. Plus, it’s a very clean, organized environment and the benefits are very good.

My advice to women entering this field? Don’t limit yourself just because it’s a male dominated field. I’m proof that it can turn out to be a wonderful, fulfilling career,” said Lynn.

Interested in a career as a technician?

Join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, generous time off, and training opportunities.

Tieng never liked doing computer or paperwork. “I like being hands on,” she said, and Tieng choose the perfect career to keep her interested. She’s a Mechanical Engineering Technician at IDEX Health & Science in Bristol, CT. Her role involves many hands-on product focused tasks – from testing, to assemble, and training.

Tieng immigrated to the United States from Thailand when she was 4 years old. “I came from a large family with 6 kids. College was not a priority.” She persevered and attended Naugatuck Community College in Waterbury, CT and got a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. She started working at IDEX when she was in college and has been employed there for over 7 years.

“I enjoy my job at IDEX. I am doing a lot of different things, and there are a lot of challenges that are fun to figure out. I like having a voice in the process,” added Tieng.

There are many challenges that keep Tieng on her toes. “Part of my role includes writing instructions, so people can follow how to assemble a product. At first it was intimidating. It was not my favorite thing to do. Now that I know the job better, it got easier.

IDEX has been a great opportunity and career path for me. I really enjoy the job and the people that work here,” said added. For Tieng, finding a job that involved hands-on tasks was not the only thing that mattered. “I also appreciate that IDEX is helping the community with donations. That’s important to me,” she said.

Giving back to the community is one of the top considerations for job seekers when seeking a new employer. IDEX has a strong commitment to giving back and recently received recognition for its volunteer efforts. The Bristol location is making this a top priority in the coming year and has already participated in several community efforts.

Tieng’s advice to people thinking about entering the field? “If you enjoy hands-on tasks like me, go for it.” Careers in engineering have experienced steady growth over the last few years and it’s projected to remain steady for years to come.

Interested in a career as a technician?

Join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, generous time off, and training opportunities.