Steven Acker

Managing Director - Metals

Somerset, Wisconsin, United States

About

As Director of Metals Market at Preco, I lead technical and business development efforts focused on advancing laser processing solutions for the metals industry, including laser welding, heat treating, cladding, and cutting applications. My goal is to collaborate with manufacturers to support where their manufacturing process is currently at from development, to laser process service support, to building custom equipment that fits their ecosystem, product, and process. With a background in materials science and engineering and project management, I bridge the gap between metallurgy, process development, and production efficiency, guiding customers from concept validation through full-scale implementation. My work spans industries such as aerospace, defense, agriculture, mining, and energy, where reliability and precision are critical. I’m passionate about connecting with industry peers, engineers, and manufacturers who share an interest in advanced manufacturing technology and process.

Experience

  • Managing Director - Metals at Preco
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

  • PPG (Full-time · 7 yrs)
    • Global Key Account Manager
      Jun 2024 - May 2025 · 1 yr

      Work directly with owners and engineers (EPC) on corrosion and fireproofing material selection and design for new construction projects globally. Follow up with coordination of logistics and communications of projects from design to completion.

    • Manager - Fireproofing & Engineering Projects
      Apr 2022 - Jun 2024 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    • Engineering and Project Manager
      Jun 2018 - Jun 2022 · 4 yrs 1 mo

  • Plasma Coatings (3 yrs 1 mo)
    • Engineering Project Manager
      Jun 2017 - May 2018 · 1 yr

      Responsibilities: Project qualification, engineered surface enhancement consultation, quotation, research, first article trials, project kickoffs/new product introduction, cost studies, production schedule management, and continual improvement.

    • Sales Engineer
      May 2015 - Jun 2017 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Solve various issues such as performance or cost of parts and equipment through surface enhancement technology.

  • Undergraduate Researcher at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
    Jan 2015 - May 2015 · 5 mos

    Undergraduate research for Materials Assistant Professor Benjamin Church. Project: Investigation of processing-structure-property-performance relations of a nanomaterial in high-temperature corrosive environments

  • Metallurgical Engineer Co-op at Modine Manufacturing Company
    Jun 2014 - Dec 2014 · 7 mos

    Focus on Metallurgy -Failure Analysis -Quality Control -Supplier Approval -Corrosion Testing