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Sylvia D.

Product Design & 3D CAD Specialist | Mechanical Design, DFM & Prototyping

Ninnescah, United States

Global rank:

19,500 / 144,164

Skill pts: 5

FEA Luxion KeyShot Product Design Product Development Technical Drawings

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About

I like the part of product design where things are still slightly messy.

The sketch is rough. The measurements are incomplete. The idea works in theory, but no one has yet turned it into a model that can be reviewed, tested, revised or manufactured.

That is usually where I do my best work.

I focus on 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻, 𝟯𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻, 𝗗𝗙𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 helping turn early-stage concepts into clear, functional and production-conscious designs.

I do not approach CAD as a drawing exercise.

I approach it as problem-solving.
That means asking the questions that matter before the model gets too far:

Will these parts actually fit?
Is this feature necessary?
Can the geometry be simplified?
Will this create trouble during fabrication?
Is the model easy to revise?
Does the design still make sense once tolerances, materials, assembly and manufacturing are considered?

𝗠𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀:
  • 𝟯𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
  • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 & 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
  • 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻
  • 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗗𝗙𝗠)
  • 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
  • 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻
  • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
  • 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 & 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
  • 𝟮𝗗 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
  • 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻
  • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
  • 𝟯𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 / 𝗦𝗧𝗟 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
  • 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
  • 𝗖𝗔𝗗 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 & 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
  • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

You do not need to come to me with a perfect brief.

I can work from 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘀, 𝗣𝗗𝗙𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗔𝗗 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆-𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘀.

The goal is not to produce the most complicated model possible.

The goal is to produce the right model: accurate enough to trust, practical enough to use, and structured well enough for the next stage of development.

If your concept is still taking shape, send it over.

We can figure out the design before the design becomes the problem.

Experience

CAD Drafter & Technical Design Specialist Meridian Engineering Works · Contract Aug 2024 – May 2026 1 yrs 9 mos Melbourne VIC, Australia Produced detailed 2D and 3D CAD documentation for mechanical and product-design projects.

Handled technical drafting, manufacturing drawings, CAD file revisions, dimensioning, component detailing, assembly documentation, and conversion of sketches or PDFs into clean CAD files.

Focused on accuracy, drawing clarity, consistent documentation, and creating files that engineers, fabricators, and production teams could work from without unnecessary interpretation.
3D Product Design & CAD Specialist ApexForm Design Studio · Contract Jul 2023 – Feb 2026 2 yrs 7 mos Copenhagen, Denmark I worked on product-focused CAD projects involving 3D modeling, concept refinement, parametric design, component development, and prototype preparation.

I translated sketches, measurements, and design references into accurate CAD models while improving geometry, fit, and overall product structure. Also prepared technical drawings and revision-ready files for further engineering and manufacturing work.
CAD Design & Prototyping Specialist ProtoWorks Design Lab · Freelance Jul 2023 – Jan 2026 2 yrs 6 mos Singapore I developed CAD models for prototype-driven product projects, including mechanical components, housings, assemblies, and 3D-printable parts.

I prepared STL files, prototype models, technical drawings, design iterations, and CAD revisions, with an emphasis on creating designs that could transition smoothly from digital concepts to physical testing.
Industrial Product Designer & CAD Specialist Nordform Product Studio · Contract Feb 2024 – Dec 2025 1 yrs 10 mos Stockholm, Sweden I worked on the development of functional product concepts from early design exploration through detailed CAD execution.

I created 3D product models, component layouts, prototype-ready designs, enclosure concepts, and presentation visuals while balancing form, function, usability, assembly, and manufacturability.
Product Design & Development Specialist Vectra Design Studio · Freelance Jan 2024 – Dec 2025 1 yrs 11 mos Toronto, ON, Canada Supported early-stage product development from concept exploration through detailed 3D CAD modeling and prototype preparation.

Worked on product enclosures, consumer-product concepts, component redesign, parametric modeling, visualization, and design-for-manufacturing improvements.

I regularly translated rough ideas, measurements, reference products, and client sketches into structured CAD models that could be reviewed, revised, prototyped, or prepared for production.
Mechanical CAD & Technical Design Specialist Precision Axis Engineering · Freelance Mar 2023 – Dec 2025 2 yrs 9 mos Auckland, New Zealand I created detailed CAD models and technical documentation for mechanical parts, assemblies, and custom product components.

I handled solid modeling, 2D drafting, assembly drawings, manufacturing drawings, CAD revisions, dimensioning, and design optimization. The focus was always on producing clean, practical files that could move efficiently into prototyping, fabrication, or production.
3D CAD & Prototype Designer Axis Manufacturing Solutions · Contract Jun 2024 – Nov 2025 1 yrs 5 mos Austin, Texas, USA Created 3D CAD models and prototype-ready designs for custom products, mechanical parts, and manufacturing applications.

Work included CAD modeling, STL preparation, component redesign, assembly modeling, technical drawings, and prototype iterations based on testing feedback.

A major part of the role involved identifying design issues early and improving geometry, clearances, dimensions, and manufacturability before designs moved further into production.
Product CAD Designer Studio Forma Industrial · Freelance Feb 2024 – Oct 2025 1 yrs 8 mos Barcelona, Spain I helped transform early product ideas into developed 3D CAD concepts suitable for review, prototyping, visualization, and further engineering.

I worked across product design, parametric modeling, component development, product visualization, CAD redesign, technical detailing, and prototype preparation.

I focused on finding practical design solutions without introducing unnecessary complexity.
Product Development CAD Designer Vertex Product Lab · Contract Feb 2024 – Oct 2025 1 yrs 8 mos Amsterdam, Netherlands I supported product concepts through 3D CAD development, design refinement, prototyping, and production preparation.

I worked on parametric models, product components, assemblies, enclosure designs, technical drawings, and design revisions. Particular attention was given to part interaction, clearances, material considerations, and simplifying geometry where it improved manufacturability.
3D CAD Modeler & Technical Drafter FormaTek Design Studio · Freelance Apr 2024 – Sep 2025 1 yrs 5 mos Milan, Italy I converted sketches, reference images, measurements, PDFs, and existing drawings into structured 2D and 3D CAD files.

My projects included product modeling, technical drafting, dimensioned drawings, CAD cleanup, component detailing, model revisions, and preparation of files for prototyping and manufacturing.
Product Design & 3D CAD Specialist Idependent · Freelance Jan 2025 – Feb 2025 1 mos United States I work on product and mechanical design projects from early concept through CAD development, refinement, prototyping, and production preparation.

My work includes 3D CAD modeling, product development, mechanical part design, assemblies, technical drawings, DFM, prototype-ready models, STL preparation, CAD revisions, and manufacturing documentation.

I typically work from sketches, reference images, measurements, PDFs, existing CAD files, or early-stage product concepts, translating them into accurate and practical designs that can be reviewed, tested, fabricated, or developed further.

I focus heavily on fit, dimensions, tolerances, manufacturability, assembly, clean geometry, and making sure the final model is useful beyond presentation.

If you want, I can now give you the next 4 experience entries, each with different titles, companies, dates, locations, and descriptions so the profile looks properly established rather than repetitive.
Mechanical CAD Designer Northfield Product Engineering · Contract May 2024 – Feb 2025 9 mos Manchester, United Kingdom I worked on mechanical CAD projects involving product components, assemblies, technical drawings, design revisions, and manufacturing preparation.

My responsibilities included developing 3D models from sketches and engineering references, refining part geometry, preparing dimensioned drawings, checking fit between components, and supporting prototype development.

Projects required close attention to tolerances, assembly logic, manufacturability, and clear CAD documentation for downstream engineering and fabrication teams.
Mechanical Design & DFM Specialist RheinWerk Engineering · Contract Sep 2024 – Jan 2025 4 mos Hamburg, Germany I developed and refined mechanical parts and assemblies with a strong focus on Design for Manufacturing, dimensional accuracy, tolerances, fit, and production feasibility.

I handled 3D CAD modeling, component optimization, manufacturing drawings, assembly documentation, and design modifications based on engineering and fabrication requirements.
CAD & Manufacturing Design Specialist MechNova Solutions · Contract May 2023 – Dec 2024 1 yrs 7 mos Warsaw, Poland I created production-focused CAD models and documentation for mechanical components and fabricated products.

My responsibilities included solid modeling, 2D drafting, manufacturing drawings, part detailing, assembly drawings, CAD modifications, and design-for-manufacturing improvements.

The work required maintaining clean geometry and technically clear documentation that could be interpreted easily by fabrication and production teams.
Mechanical Product Designer Kinetic Design Works · Contract Jan 2023 – Oct 2024 1 yrs 9 mos Dubai - United Arab Emirates I worked across mechanical and product-design assignments involving 3D modeling, assembly development, product components, technical drawings, and manufacturing documentation.

I reviewed design requirements against practical considerations such as dimensions, component fit, material use, fabrication constraints, and assembly sequence before finalizing CAD deliverables.

Education

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Mechanical Engineering, Second Class Upper Division 2016 – 2021 Activities and Societies: Engineering Students’ Society, CAD Design Projects, Product Development Workshops, Mechanical Design Team, Technical Drawing Projects, Engineering Innovation Programs I focused on Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Design, CAD Modeling, Product Design, Technical Drawing, Manufacturing Processes, Machine Design, Materials Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, 3D Modeling, Product Development, Design for Manufacturing, Prototyping, and Mechanical Systems.

I worked on design-focused academic projects involving 3D CAD models, mechanical components, assemblies, engineering drawings, dimensional analysis, manufacturing concepts, material selection, and prototype development. My studies strengthened how I approach product functionality, manufacturability, mechanical design, and translating engineering concepts into practical CAD solutions.

Other experience

CNC Design | Machined Parts | Manufacturing CAD | Precision Components I work with CNC Design, CNC Machining, Machined Parts, Manufacturing CAD, Mechanical Parts, Precision Components, Part Design, Product Engineering, CAD/CAM, Technical Drawings, Manufacturing Drawings, Tolerance Design, GD&T, Prototype Machining, Production Design, and Design for Machining. I focus on creating geometry that is practical to machine while considering tool access, tolerances, setup, material removal, part functionality, and overall manufacturability.
Injection Molded Product Design | Plastic Parts | DFM | Mold-Ready CAD I work with Injection Molding Design, Plastic Product Design, Plastic Part Design, Molded Components, Product Enclosures, DFM for Injection Molding, Draft Angles, Wall Thickness, Ribs, Bosses, Snap Fits, Mechanical Design, Product Development, Prototype Design, Manufacturing Design, Mold-Ready CAD, and Production Engineering. I think carefully about how plastic components will be formed, assembled, and produced so design decisions do not create avoidable tooling or manufacturing problems later.
AutoCAD Drafting | 2D CAD | Mechanical Drawings | Fabrication Documentation I work with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Drafting, 2D CAD Design, CAD Drafting, Mechanical Drawings, Technical Drawings, Fabrication Drawings, Manufacturing Drawings, Detail Drawings, Assembly Drawings, Dimensioning, Engineering Documentation, Drawing Conversion, PDF to CAD, DWG Drafting, and Production Documentation. I focus on producing clear, organized drawings that communicate dimensions, construction details, assembly information, and manufacturing requirements without unnecessary clutter.
Product Rendering | 3D Visualization | CAD Rendering | Product Presentation I create Product Rendering, 3D Rendering, 3D Visualization, Product Visualization, CAD Rendering, Photorealistic Rendering, Product Presentation, Concept Visualization, 3D Product Images, Material Visualization, Design Visualization, Industrial Design Rendering, Presentation Models, and Product Mockups. I use visualization to communicate form, proportion, materials, design details, and product intent clearly before manufacturing begins.
Sheet Metal Design | Fabrication CAD | Flat Patterns | Production Drawings I work with Sheet Metal Design, Sheet Metal CAD, Fabrication Design, Fabrication CAD, Flat Pattern Design, Bend Design, Sheet Metal Parts, Bracket Design, Metal Enclosures, Metal Fabrication, Production Drawings, Fabrication Drawings, Manufacturing Drawings, and DFM for Sheet Metal. I develop models with real fabrication constraints in mind, including bends, material thickness, clearances, assembly, and manufacturability.
Product Enclosure Design | Housing Design | Consumer Product CAD | Components I design Product Enclosures, Enclosure Design, Housing Design, Consumer Product Design, Product Components, Mechanical Packaging, Electronic Enclosures, Device Housings, Product Casings, Component Design, Assembly Design, Plastic Product Design, 3D Product Design, and Product CAD Modeling. I consider internal layout, fastening, access, fit, clearances, usability, aesthetics, and manufacturability while developing the design.
Reverse Engineering | CAD Redesign | Model Reconstruction | CAD Conversion I handle Reverse Engineering, CAD Redesign, CAD Reconstruction, 3D Model Reconstruction, CAD Conversion, Legacy CAD Conversion, CAD File Modification, Model Modification, Geometry Cleanup, CAD Repair, Design Optimization, Existing Product Redesign, Part Reconstruction, and Digital Modeling. I can work from physical dimensions, photos, PDFs, drawings, reference models, or existing files and rebuild them into cleaner, editable CAD designs.
3D Printing Design | STL Modeling | Rapid Prototyping | Additive Manufacturing I work with 3D Printing Design, STL Design, STL File Preparation, Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, Prototype Modeling, 3D Printable Models, CAD for 3D Printing, FDM Design, SLA Design, Print-Ready CAD, Product Prototyping, Mesh Preparation, and Prototype Development. I pay attention to wall thickness, clearances, tolerances, part orientation, fit, and printability so the model works beyond the computer screen.
Design for Manufacturing | DFM | Production CAD | Manufacturing Engineering I specialize in Design for Manufacturing, DFM, Manufacturing Design, Production CAD, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Optimization, Design Optimization, Production Drawings, Fabrication Design, Manufacturability Analysis, Mechanical Product Design, CAD for Manufacturing, Manufacturing Documentation, and Production-Ready CAD. I look beyond appearance and consider how a part will actually be produced, assembled, machined, fabricated, or manufactured.
Technical Drawing | 2D CAD Drafting | Engineering Drawings | GD&T I create Technical Drawings, Engineering Drawings, 2D CAD Drafting, CAD Drafting, Manufacturing Drawings, Production Drawings, Mechanical Drawings, Dimensioned Drawings, Detail Drawings, Assembly Drawings, Fabrication Drawings, Technical Documentation, GD&T, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and CAD Documentation. I make drawings clear, accurate, and usable by engineers, machinists, manufacturers, and fabricators.
Mechanical CAD Design | Assembly Design | Parts Modeling | Engineering Design I work with Mechanical CAD Design, Mechanical Design, Assembly Design, Part Design, Parts Modeling, Component Modeling, Mechanical Engineering Design, Machine Design, CAD Assembly, 3D Assemblies, Solid Modeling, Parametric CAD, Engineering Design, and Product Mechanics. I focus on fit, function, clearances, tolerances, component relationships, and making sure every part works properly within the full assembly.
Product Development | Concept Design | DFM | Prototyping | Manufacturing I handle Product Development, Product Design, Concept Design, Concept Development, Prototype Design, Prototyping, Design for Manufacturing, DFM, Manufacturing Design, Production Design, Product Engineering, Design Optimization, Product Innovation, and CAD Product Development. I enjoy taking an early-stage idea and shaping it into something functional, manufacturable, and ready for its next stage.

Product Development | Concept Design | DFM | Prototyping | Manufacturing
3D CAD Modeling | Product Design | Mechanical Design | Parametric CAD I work across 3D CAD Modeling, 3D Modeling, Product Design, Mechanical Design, Parametric Modeling, Solid Modeling, CAD Design, Product Development, Mechanical CAD, 3D Product Modeling, Component Design, Part Modeling, CAD Engineering, and Product Engineering. I turn sketches, measurements, references, and rough ideas into accurate, editable CAD models that are practical for prototyping, review, manufacturing, and further development.

Licenses & Certifications

Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting Autodesk Sep 2024 – Present
SOLIDWORKS Certified Associate (CSWA) -Mechanical Design Dassault Systèmes Feb 2024 – Present
Autodesk Certified User: Fusion 360 Autodesk Sep 2023 – Present
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design and Manufacturing with Fusion 360 Issuing organization: Autodesk May 2023 – Present