Meet our Engineers

Kyle Morris - Senior Director of Operations

Kyle MorrisKyle Morris

What has been your favorite innovation at Echo? 

I have some very interesting pieces we have developed throughout my 10 years here, my favorite project is the instant silicone prototype program and how it has evolved into something larger than I imagined. We are using hybrid technologies together to create something great. It has become a tool that our teams use on a daily basis. 

What’s your education history/certifications/etc.?

Architecture + MET

What led you to Echo and what keeps you motivated? 

We work with various materials and industries. Each day is something new and a new problem that we are tasked with solving.

What are your proudest accomplishments from this past year? 

Watching my team develop and conquer the adversities of 2020 while still pushing forward with our goals.

Do you think your job is an art or a science?

Managing is an art, engineering is science, managing design engineers is an artistic mad science.


Andrew Benson - Engineering Manager

What has been your favorite innovation at Echo?

Innovation is probably the Rapid Silicone Technology we have implemented.  It helps us test and validate new designs and theories without causing any time delay or function issues with our projects.

What’s your education history/certifications/etc.?

I have an A.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Ivy Tech. Solidworks - CSWP, SAE - GD&T Fundamentals: ASME Y14.5-2009, and UWM Elastomer Technology Certificate - In progress

What are your proudest accomplishments from this past year?

Becoming a father during this ever-evolving world we live in. Having the ability to stay fluid and adapt with the needs of our current global pandemic.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

My hobbies include disc golf, playing poker, Tennessee Titans Football (NFL as a whole), and fast cars.  I currently have a 650hp Nissan 240sx and an ATS-V that I enjoy at the track and on the weekends with my friends.

Andrew BensonAndrew Benson

Daniel Burtner 

Daniel BurtnerDaniel Burtner

What has been your favorite innovation at Echo?

Our Instant Silicone prototypes have been exciting to see develop over the past year. It’s allowed us to validate unproven designs, and get to production quicker.

What’s your education history/certifications/etc.?

I have my BA in Economics from Butler University and my BA in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Butler partners with IUPUI to offer a 5-year Dual Degree Engineering Program

What led you to Echo and what keeps you motivated?

Material Science was my favorite course in undergrad, specifically the sections on thermoplastic materials. I also spent several summers designing plastic components for a company I interned with. Echo allowed me to continue my desire to be a design engineer in the thermoplastic industry.

The thermoplastic/elastomer industry is continuously evolving from a materials, processing, and capabilities standpoint. Every day I come across a new project that challenges me and keeps me motivated to learn and understand more about our industry.

What are your proudest accomplishments from this past year?

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some exciting and innovative projects with top companies in the automotive industry. I’m proud to see where those projects originated and where they are now as we prepare to go into production.


Sam Newblom, P.E.

What has been your favorite innovation at Echo?

Instant Silicone Prototyping -  Being able to develop functioning prototypes in a few days vs. a few weeks has made it easier to improve and build confidence in our designs and solutions before and during a product launch.

What’s your education history/certifications/etc.?

B.S. Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University,  Licensed Professional Engineer since 2018.

What are your proudest accomplishments from this past year?

Creating our Instant Silicone Prototyping program and continue to develop prototyping abilities.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

Disc Golf, Cycling, Hiking, Weight Lifting, and Building Stuff…

What was your dream job as a kid?

Professional K’nex Builder, but I was pretty positive I wanted to be an engineer at a young age.

Do you think your job is an art or a science?

Both! A solution can be broken down to how and why it works using science.  But, how you get to that solution requires art and creativity in the process.