My Story Vault: Building a Career in Microelectronics at 22

Jordan Callahan, a lifelong Berkshire resident, reflects on his journey from an energetic student at Pine Cobble School to Lead Manufacturing Technician at Noble Carbon, a microelectronics clean tech company developing smart circuit breakers. After choosing McCann Technical School in eighth grade, Jordan immersed himself in computer-assisted design, exploring mechanical engineering, architecture, and animation before focusing on mechanical design. He recalls designing projects like a prototype waffle maker and discovering early on that building and understanding how things work energized him.

Jordan’s path shifted during his senior year when COVID disrupted his planned co-op experience at General Dynamics. Instead of heading directly into a defense manufacturing role, he worked at Advanced Auto Parts alongside friends, gaining early workforce experience and learning how to navigate workplace conflict and advocate for himself. A family connection eventually introduced him to the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), where he began working with a member company focused on ergonomic solutions and 3D printing.

Through the BIC Manufacturing Academy and later the MIT-designed TechAMP Technologist Program, Jordan deepened both his technical and leadership skills. He credits those programs with strengthening his adaptability, self-leadership, and willingness to commit to long-term growth. While participating in TechAMP, he was recruited by Noble Carbon co-founder Jared Lebos and stepped into a full-time role. Today, Jordan balances hands-on manufacturing responsibilities with advanced coursework, earning 28 college credits toward a mechatronics degree while continuing to grow within the clean tech sector. His story highlights an alternative pathway that blends vocational training, industry experience, and higher education.

Links:

Jordan Callahan – Noble Carbon:

https://noblecarbon.io/

Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program:

https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program

Narrative Research Group:

https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/

For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org