Mr. William N. Thornton

Manufacturing Engineer, Center for Manufacturing Support
142 Ayers Hall
(256) 782-8504
wnthornton@jsu.edu  

Mr. Thornton graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2002 with a degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems from the Department of Applied Engineering. He brings over 17 years of manufacturing, design, safety, and management experience to the Center for Manufacturing Support, where he has served since November 2019.

His career has centered on the design and production of metal components and processes, with expertise in technical drawings, CAD/CAM programming, robotic programming (FANUC, KUKA, Panasonic, and Universal Robots), fixture building, specialty welding techniques, laser welding, laser additive manufacturing, and new process development. At JSU, Mr. Thornton is a certified instructor who trains both industrial personnel and students in robotics certification programs. He also works with regional manufacturers to support their facilities and production needs by applying the latest advanced manufacturing techniques and designs. In this role, he works closely with student workers, senior-level students, and industry partners to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications.