Get to know Chiaki Kako, Applications Manager

The world is fast-paced and constantly changing. With a new iPhone and Samsung Galaxy coming out every year, technological advancements are constant, including in the fabrication industry. With all of these advancements also means advancements in Mazak laser-cutting technology. Chiaki Kako is a perfect example of how Mazak employees advance as well. Chiaki joined the Mazak team in 2018 as a software engineer and by October 2020 she had transitioned into a new role as an applications engineer. She is currently an Applications Manager at Mazak Optonics. 

Chiaki brings a lot to the Mazak team. Tim O'Donnell, Software Supervisor, explains, "Chiaki joins Mazak Optonics with 13 years of experience programming in a laser production environment. We are excited to add her strong drive and self-motivating style to our software team." 

Tim Tapper, Applications Manager, agrees with O'Donnell saying, "Chiaki came to Mazak with extensive manufacturing experience. This combined with her programming knowledge, makes her a perfect fit as an Applications engineer. She is a welcome addition to our Applications team.”

Learn more about Chiaki through this quick Q&A session. 

What is your background involving laser technology and the fabrication industry?

“I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a mechanical design degree. I like art but I wanted a degree in something that was more practical. I wanted to study industrial design but my school did not have it. So I went with mechanical design. I was a mechanical designer for more than 10 years in automotive, furniture and HVAC industries." 

"At my previous employer LB White in Wisconsin, I was originally working as a designer and it was a part of my responsibilities to make CNC programs for turret punch machines. In 2014, the company decided to purchase a fiber laser machine and needed a fulltime programmer. That’s how I got into lasers. I handled not only the transition of programming and day-to-day tasks, but also a connection between nesting software and their ERP system to automate data transaction of laser work orders." 

"Moving from the Engineering to the Operations department, I realized that I needed to gain more knowledge on factory management. So I decided to go to graduate school to study Manufacturing Engineering. It was a great opportunity to gain hands-on experiences with the fiber laser technology at work while I was learning foundations of Manufacturing Engineering at school."

“At Mazak, I previously was a software engineer. Which involved training customers for Mazak Smart System (MSS) software, installing MSS on customers’ computers, assisting customers through customer service support and providing time studies for our sales team." 

"What I like most is seeing this other side of the business. I see why things are done a certain way and it is a new point of view and a new learning experience." 

What is your current role at Mazak?

"As to be expected of all Mazak applications engineers, I will be assisting customers cutting concerns through phone support and assuring that the machine is operating properly. I will also be performing feasibility cuts as needed. Additionally, I will be focused on developing the curriculum for operator training on the laser machines, as well as teaching the classes themselves." 

What is your definition of great customer service?

“Providing effective solutions to customers in a timely manner is great customer service. Being able to promptly call customers back with solutions is ideal. But if I don’t immediately have the answer to their problem, I investigate to find the best solution possible." 

"I have been on the customer side, I understand the wants, needs and issues that our customers have. I know how both sides work which can lead to a better customer service experience."

What are you hobbies and interests?

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