About
I am Santiago Alarcón Acosta, a mechanical design-focused industrial designer with over a decade of hands-on experience in product development. I excel at design for manufacturing, prototyping, and CAD/CAM, turning complex concepts into production-ready drawings and 3D models using SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD.
I believe in the power of teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration. I’ve led multidisciplinary design teams, managed vendor relationships, and driven human-centred design and design thinking to deliver innovative solutions on time and within budget. I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and I enjoy solving challenging manufacturing problems through creative, practical approaches.
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Experience
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CAD Designer
050 25 Ave, Surrey, BC, Canada · Full-time
Sep 2023 –
Nov 2025
2 yrs 2 mos
Surrey, BC, Canada
● Engineered manufacturing and processing procedures, set machine parameters for equipment controls, oversee production and inspect processes.
● Developed detailed working plans, comprehensive layouts, and production-ready drawings for parts, components, and complex assemblies using SolidWorks.
● Prepares diagrams, schematics, part breakdowns and interconnect lists from sketches, notes, and the Sales Team’s requests.
● Collaborated with the sales team to transform concepts into detailed drawings, developing efficient manufacturing processes.
● Reduced design lead time by 15% through improved workflow for SolidWorks plans and drawings.
● Maintained accuracy and compliance by managing documentation control and drawing revisions.
● Ensured drawings comply with standards as set by the Manager.
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Machinist/Fitter
EEC · Full-time
Feb 2023 –
Aug 2023
6 mos
North Vancouver, BC, Canada
● Programmed and set up CNC machines for production runs, while also proficiently operating manual milling machines, lathes, and fitting components for general fabrication.
● Oversaw the progress of each stage of the design process, taking corrective action to maintain project momentum and meet established timelines.
● Evaluated prototype samples and selected the most suitable option for client specifications, resulting in high customer satisfaction.
● Calculate dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements; measure and mark machining materials, ensuring accuracy and adherence to specified tolerances.
● Machined and assembled components with precision using hand/power tools, conducting rigorous quality inspections that reduced rework and ensured 100% compliance with design specifications.
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Product Design Project Manager
University Foundation Compensar · Full-time
Feb 2021 –
Dec 2021
10 mos
Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia
● Led cross-functional product development teams and managed a network of multi-disciplinary consultants to ensure projects were completed on time and aligned with business goals and client needs.
● Managed vendor relationships and collaborated with external partners to achieve project goals and meet customer requirements.
● Defined and tracked project scope, goals, and timelines, monitoring progress to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
● Maintained a customer-centric approach, incorporating customer feedback into product design and development processes.
● Conducted quality control testing and implemented corrective actions to improve product quality and reliability.
● Created and maintained documentation and technical specifications for products and services, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
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Industrial Designer
Freelance · Full-time
Dec 2020 –
Feb 2021
2 mos
Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia
● Experienced in 3D modelling and prototyping for various industries, including injection moulding fabrication, exhibition booth design, commercial interior design, architectural models for construction projects, and façade decoration.
● Served as an independent instructor in SolidWorks modelling, providing instruction to 20+ students and achieving high ratings for effectiveness and clarity.
● Consulted on product development, guiding over 15 entrepreneurial projects from concept to fabricable products through hands-on prototyping.
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Lead Designer Manager
4P Design Workshop · Full-time
Feb 2015 –
Dec 2020
5 yrs 10 mos
Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia
● Utilized Human-Centred Design and Design Thinking to develop 50+ successful projects for clients.
● Proactively managed the design process and prioritized activities based on client requirements, providing alternative solutions to meet their needs and budget constraints.
● Established and led a network of multi-disciplinary consultants from up to 4 different fields, managing them through assertive communication to ensure the proper development of client desires, needs, and budgets.
● Managed the end-to-end prototyping process, from initial 3D modelling to final production, utilizing laser cutting, CNC routing, and 3D printing to create over 300 models that reduced design iteration times and increased client approval.
● Authored detailed blueprints and digital models in SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, and Illustrator, creating machine-ready files, reducing manufacturing iterations.
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Industrial Designer
Freelance · Full-time
Jan 2014 –
Dec 2014
11 mos
Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia
● Experienced in 3D modelling and prototyping for various industries, including injection moulding fabrication, exhibition booth design, commercial interior design, architectural models for construction projects, and façade decoration.
● Served as an independent instructor in SolidWorks modelling, providing instruction to 20+ students and achieving high ratings for effectiveness and clarity.
● Consulted on product development, guiding over 15 entrepreneurial projects from concept to fabricable products through hands-on prototyping.
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Jr Designer
Esmalglass of Brazil · Part-time
Jul 2013 –
Nov 2013
4 mos
Morro da Fumaça, SC, Brazil
● Lead product development projects, including new ceramic tile designs.
● Had a strong understanding of global market trends and developed over 30 unique designs, resulting in various successful products in the market.
Education
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EAFIT University
Master of Engineering, Product Redesign, Master's
2020 – 2021
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EAFIT University
Master of Engineering, Mechanical Design, Master's
2020 – 2021
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Pontifical Xavierian University
industrial design, Industrial Design, Bachelor’s
2009 – 2013
Activities and Societies:
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Licenses & Certifications
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Learning SolidWorks CAM
LinkedIn
Jan 2024 –
Present
See credential
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Verified International Academic Qualifications
World Education Services
Nov 2023 –
Present
See credential
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SOLIDWORKS: Sheet Metal Design
LinkedIn
Oct 2023 –
Present
See credential
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Learning SOLIDWORKS PDM
LinkedIn
Oct 2023 –
Present
See credential
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SOLIDWORKS: Tools Suite
LinkedIn
Oct 2023 –
Present
See credential
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F SET English Certificate 94/100 (C2 Proficient)
EF SET
Jun 2023 –
Present
See credential
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SOLIDWORKS: Advanced Tools
LinkedIn
Jan 2023 –
Mar 2026
See credential
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Learning AutoCAD
LinkedIn
Oct 2022 –
Present
See credential
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ASSOCIATE - Mechanical Design
Dassault Systèmes
Jul 2020 –
Present
See credential