Name: Jerrald Novak
Company: VacuBraze
Position: Process Engineer
Commercial Heat Treater
Years in Industry: 11

Jerrald Novak has spent the past 11 years growing alongside VacuBraze, building a career defined by curiosity, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to advancing the science of heat treat. What began as a part-time student position has evolved into a key technical leadership role, reflecting both his determination and the confidence his colleagues place in his expertise.

Today, as a process engineer, Jerrald develops heat treat cycles tailored to clients’ performance requirements, helping ensure every process delivers the metallurgical results needed for demanding applications. He is constantly looking for ways to improve processing methods and expand the company’s capabilities, applying both practical experience and his education in materials science and engineering to solve complex technical challenges.

Jerrald’s passion for learning extends well beyond his own development. He leads the company’s training program, sharing his knowledge of heat treat processes and laboratory techniques with coworkers while helping build a stronger technical foundation across the organization. At the same time, he is pursuing an MBA through Penn State, demonstrating the same commitment to personal growth that has characterized his career from the beginning.

Approachable, knowledgeable, and generous with his expertise, his willingness to invest in both people and process improvements has made him an emerging leader to watch within the heat treat industry.

Nominated by: VacuBraze