In 1965 Star Engineering and Machining was founded on the premise of providing customers with quality machined parts, delivered on time. This has been a guiding principle for our business and has allowed us to become one of the leading CNC contract manufacturers in the region.

With the introduction of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines in the 1980s, manufacturers were able to maintain an increased level of precision with respect to tolerances and production quality.

Acquisition by the U.S. Group in 1990 provided necessary capital for Star to strategically invest in CNC technology. As a result, rapid expansion through increased production capability occurred in the 1990’s and 2000’s.

In 2008, a new 40,000 square foot facility, further increased production capacity, engineering expertise, and service offerings. Continued advancement in automated machinery continues to allow Star to deliver on the promise of Making Contract Manufacturing Simple.

Today, Star Engineering & Machining is a multinational company proud to serve a variety of industries by providing CNC contract manufacturing services. While times continue to change, we have not deviated from our original premise of providing quality machined parts, delivered on time.
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Our Team

Bryce Isch

CEO

Bryce Isch

CEO

A lifelong hoosier from Bluffton, Bryce has extensive experience in the automotive and medical device industries. His previous professional  career experience includes design and product development engineering, as well as working for a private equity firm as Director of Innovation and Technology.  He has held various management and leadership roles with Biomet Orthopedics and Ambassador Enterprises, and has been granted multiple United States patents for his work. Raised on a small farm, Bryce has observed first-hand how preparation and hard work provide the opportunity for success. 

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Bryce married his high school sweetheart, with whom he has three small children. Bryce is an active outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, hunting, watersports and working on projects in the garage. He and his family happily spend their free time at the lake, taking care of their pets, and traveling to new locations.

Keith Steffen

VP of Sales

Keith Steffen

VP of Sales

Keith Steffen grew up in a machine shop. Helping his father Harry establish and build Star Engineering is where he started. Assuming many roles at Star, Keith assumed the role of President in 1991, and has been growing customer relationships through dedicated service ever since. In 2021, Keith began his transition to lead the Sales group and continues to identify and meet customer needs through innovative CNC contract manufacturing solutions. In addition, Keith plays a significant role with strategic planning initiatives and pursues his passion of working with customers on product development projects.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Along with his wife Kay of 45 years, Keith spends a lot of his free time with their 3 children and 13 grandchildren. Family and church duties and functions are very important and take up most of his time when not at work.

Tom Steffen

Accountant

Tom Steffen

Accountant

Tom leads the accounting and finance department at Star Engineering. Over the last several years Star has invested in new accounting and ERP technologies to better serve our customers. Tom oversees the day-to-day functions and continues to pursue new software integrations to keep pace with business.

Outside of the office

Outside the office, Tom enjoys spending time with his family and friends.  He and his wife Lyn have four daughters and is blessed with several grandchildren….. Tom is actively involved with his church in several different capacities. In his free time, he really enjoys vacationing to places like Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach along with getaways to places around the Midwest.  Tom also likes to spend time getting fresh air while walking with his wife.

Eric Steffen

Director of Technology

Eric Steffen

Director of Technology

Eric joined Star Engineering in 1984, and during his tenure has served in a variety of roles. In his current position Eric leads implementation of new technology initiatives. Throughout his approach, Eric is responsible for identifying user needs and delivering innovative solutions. Eric’s experience puts him in a unique position to provide solutions for Star Engineering customers.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Outside the office, Eric enjoys yard work, helping his family with home projects and woodworking. Eric is actively involved in his church and family. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking.

Kelly Aschliman

Production Coordinator

Kelly Aschliman

Production Coordinator

Kelly coordinates and directs new part estimates, scheduling and purchasing functions for all non-automotive products. In Kelly’s role as Sales Engineer, he works to maintain current and establish new customer relationships. In this position, Kelly is able to combine his 40+ years working at Star Engineering to assure customer expectations are being met.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

My wife and I enjoy doing life together with our family, extended family and church family.  We have currently eight grandchildren that have been a joy to see growing up.  I love to be active outdoors playing tennis, pickleball or walking.  I enjoy woodworking projects along with some stained glass art work.

Jason Phillippe

Plant Supervisor

Jason Phillippe

Plant Supervisor

Jason began his career with Star Engineering in 1995. Throughout his tenure he has served in varying roles on the production manufacturing department and gradually moved into a supervisor role for the production floor. Jason now oversees all production operations and plays and integral role in scheduling production jobs on a daily basis.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Jason is married, with three children. He enjoys watching his children practice and play for multiple sports teams, including basketball, volleyball, and softball. For several years Jason has been involved in coaching with the local junior/senior league softball organization. In his free time, he enjoys landscaping, lawn care, and working on projects around the house.

Rod Surbaugh

Production Coordinator

Rod Surbaugh

Production Coordinator

Rod is a lifelong resident of Bluffton Indiana. Rod began working at Star Engineering in 2022 after spending several years managing stores in the retail industry. Rod’s focus is working with the Turbocharger side of the business, ordering raw material, coordinating production and shipments, and determining operational workflow. Rod looks forward to growing existing customer relationships and building new ones.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Rod enjoys spending time with his wife, son and dog. They enjoy watching movies together either at home or in the theater. Rod enjoys attending events that his son or nieces and nephews are involved in. Family plays a huge role in Rod’s life. He is an avid sports fan, following the Chicago Cubs, University of Michigan, and Indianapolis Colts. Rod enjoys traveling and experiencing new locations.

Jonathan Fifer

Quality Engineer

Jonathan Fifer

Quality Engineer

Jonathan served in a variety of roles prior to arriving at Star Engineering. Jonathan has experience in Quality Management Systems related to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 and is tasked with keeping the Star Engineering system up to date. In addition, Jonathan assists with creating inspection criteria for the production group, as well as supporting the Quality Control Lab.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Jonathan and his wife have 3 children and 1 grandchild which Jonathan loves to spoil. Jonathan enjoys being outdoors and riding his motorcycle. When time permits Jonathan and his wife Amanda, attend motorcycle rallies, and take part in benefit rides throughout the year. Jonathan also enjoys rebuilding and customizing motorcycles in his shop during his free time.

Alley Nickles

Production Coordinator Assistant / Buyer

Alley Nickles

Production Coordinator Assistant / Buyer

Alley began working at Star Engineering in 2021 and has served in several roles ranging from buying activities to production coordination. Alley’s focus is supporting customers within the Rolloff, Mining, Energy, General Production, Oil & Gas, and other industries that support new growth opportunities.

Her duties include ordering raw materials, coordinating production and shipments and determining operational workflow. Alley leverages existing customer relationships and strives to exceed expectations.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

When not at work, Alley enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. Alley also enjoys spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and traveling to see new places.

Andrew Lund

Manufacturing Engineer

Andrew Lund

Manufacturing Engineer

As Manufacturing Engineer, Andrew leads development of new production setups and processes, pursues increased productivity for existing machining and machining-adjacent operations, and fills various internal engineering needs. He also provides engineering support to customers, including design consultation, engineering asset development (drawings, models), and reverse engineering service. This is made possible through a full suite of professional digital engineering tools, reverse engineering equipment, and a well-seasoned team of manufacturing personnel at his disposal to help fill customer needs.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Andrew and his wife enjoy mentoring middle & high school students interested in STEM careers through their local FIRST Robotics team and volunteering with their local church. Andrew helps with the family farm and likes reading & enjoying time with friends.