About
With 24 years of expertise in mechanical engineering and welding/fabrication, I deliver precision CAD designs, tool designs, and prototypes optimized for manufacturability. I’ve led composite tooling projects for defense applications, saving millions in costs through innovative designs and material sourcing. At a major agricultural equipment manufacturer, I designed fixtures and 3D-printed tooling, enhancing production efficiency. My 14 years as a welder/fabricator, including TIG welding for aviation standards, ensure practical, production-ready designs. Proficient in SolidWorks, Creo, and FEA, I offer non-regulated consulting for startups, manufacturers, and inventors. As a non-licensed engineer, I focus on high-quality, cost-effective solutions for your next project. Let’s bring your vision to life!
... more »
« less
Experience
-
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Composites Tooling Lead
Leading Aerospace Company · Full-time
Oct 2023 –
Present
2 yrs 2 mos
Tucson, AZ, United States
Designed 3D models and drawings for composite tooling in defense applications using Creo.
Sourced high-performance materials, achieving significant cost savings.
Resolved quality issues with calibrated tooling, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
-
Owner-Operator
Cickavage Fabrication LLC · Full-time
Feb 2008 –
Oct 2023
15 yrs 8 mos
New Hartford, IA, United States
Designed and fabricated custom projects using CAD and welding expertise.
Consulted with clients on one-off designs, managing material sourcing and delivery.
-
Tool Design Engineer III – Manufacturing Equipment
Major Agricultural Equipment Manufacturer · Full-time
Nov 2017 –
Sep 2023
5 yrs 10 mos
Waterloo, IA, United States
Created fixtures, jigs, and 3D-printed tooling using SolidWorks, meeting ergonomic and quality standards.
Performed stress/deflection calculations and FEA to validate designs, improving efficiency.
Recognized for innovative tooling solutions in company publications.
Updated lifting devices and safety standards for assembly lines.
Supported continuous improvement projects, enhancing line safety and productivity.
-
Welder/Fabricator
Aviation Equipment Firm · Full-time
Oct 2008 –
Jan 2016
7 yrs 3 mos
Fargo, ND, United States
Designed and fabricated TIG welding fixtures for aviation-grade equipment.
Improved production efficiency by 20% through custom fixture designs.
Education
-
North Dakota State University
Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Machine and Power
2010 – 2016
Other experience
-
Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op, Heavy Equipment Manufacturer
Designed safety-compliant lifting devices and welding fixtures using SolidWorks.
Performed FEA analysis to validate designs, improving assembly productivity.