Connecting Design and Manufacturing: Michael Beckett’s Career in Modular Innovation

When Michael Beckett joined McKinstry shortly after graduating college, he wasn’t entirely sure where a degree in mechanical engineering would take him. What started as an internship quickly became a full-time opportunity. Nearly 12 years later, that willingness to explore has taken him across engineering, BIM management, construction project management and off-site manufacturing.

Today, Beckett serves as a senior technical product manager within McKinstry’s Modular Products team, helping guide the design and development of large modular products that support some of the industry’s most complex projects.

“In my role, I manage the design side of new products we introduce for Modular Products,” Beckett said. “That includes customer-facing submittals, coordination with engineering, construction and manufacturing teams, and ensuring what we design can be efficiently fabricated and delivered.”

That broad range of experience has become one of Beckett’s greatest strengths. Having worked across several parts of the project lifecycle, he understands how early design decisions shape what happens next.

“Success for me is making sure we’re setting up the next team for success,” he said. “The more clarity we can provide up front, the smoother the process is for everyone involved.”

Over the years, Beckett has become especially focused on helping teams navigate complex challenges. He enjoys working through questions with designers, engineers, construction teams and manufacturing specialists to keep projects moving.

“To move fast and effectively on complex work, communication has to be constant,” Beckett said. “Things will change, so the focus has to remain on alignment and forward progress.”

Looking ahead, Beckett is focused on helping teams turn complex ideas into practical, buildable solutions while strengthening the connection between design and manufacturing.

Outside of work, Beckett stays busy tackling house projects, spending time outdoors and staying active through volleyball, fishing, boating and golf. He and his wife also recently welcomed their first child, Boden.

He’s also rekindling a longtime passion for music. A former jazz performance minor at Gonzaga University, Beckett still plays saxophone and enjoys finding time to keep music in his life.

Whether he’s collaborating on the next design challenge, working on a project at home or picking up his saxophone, Beckett is motivated by the same mindset that has guided his career at McKinstry: stay curious, keep learning and be willing to try something new.