My highest value to any company lies in providing CAD support and leveraging my practical experience in fabrication and machining of components. With 25 years of hands-on experience, I bring valuable expertise to collaborations with senior engineers, helping bridge the gap between theoretical design and practical implementation. Another 15+ years of mechanical design I can talk with engineers in engineering terms.
A startup company needed a cost-effective dynamic balancing solution. I constructed a mechanical balancer in a day without electronics, using a simple strobe light. This balancer worked for years and outperformed a high-tech computerized alternative, which required a year to correct its software.
An irrigation machine suffered from a 10-15% failure rate for inserting wicks. I identified and resolved the issue within an hour, reducing the error rate to near-zero.
A mixer company faced bearing failures due to cementitious fluid seepage. I implemented a simple yet effective solution by adding a drain port and separation, which eliminated the problem and remained in use for years.
Developed a parts inspection and quality control system for a supplier of parts to Western Star Trucks. I identified process errors and implemented solutions. Within 6 months we went from several rejects per week to none in over three months.
Brought manufacturing from being outsourced to inhouse. Developed the MRP system and manufacturing processes to reduce cost, increase quality while effectively reducing stock.
Working with accounting to develop methodologies of production cost accounting. Amortization of fixtures, one man many machines, tooling and insert costing, cost of stock and shelf space. This resulted in an inclusive true cost of parts on the shelf.
"The part that doesn't exist never fails!"
"Everything is a spring"
"Always go back to first principles"
"Compliant Design when possible"
This philosophy has guided me to design solutions that prioritize simplicity and reliability.