Dario D.
Senior Industrial & Vehicle Designer | 20+ Years Experience | 3D CAD & Product Development
About
I am the founder of Apsolutni Dizajn j.d.o.o., a Croatian industrial design and product development company providing professional design and engineering services to international clients.
My expertise covers a wide range of industries, including automotive, commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, municipal and special-purpose vehicles, autonomous robotics, medical devices, industrial equipment, and innovative mobility solutions.
I specialize in transforming initial ideas and sketches into technically feasible, visually refined 3D concepts, combining creative industrial design with practical engineering knowledge and an understanding of manufacturing processes.
**Core competencies:**
- Industrial Design & Product Development
- Automotive & Transportation Design
- Concept Sketching & Design Development
- Advanced 3D Surface Modeling
- SolidWorks, Rhinoceros 3D & Siemens NX
- Mechanical Concept Design & CAD Modeling
- Product Visualization & Rendering
- 3D CAD Models & STEP Data Delivery
- Prototype Development Support
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Considerations
Throughout my career, I have contributed to the development of passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, municipal cleaning vehicles, composite buses, autonomous robotic platforms, medical robotic systems, and specialized industrial equipment.
My professional experience includes collaborations and projects involving Daimler Truck, BMW, RASCO, DOK-ING, Ronna Medical, INETEC, and other European engineering and technology companies.
I studied Mechanical Engineering in Zagreb and completed a Master's program in Transportation Design at Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD) in Milan, Italy.
**What I offer**
Through Apsolutni Dizajn, I provide flexible B2B design and product development services, from early concept exploration and styling to advanced surface modeling, CAD development, and prototype preparation.
I work remotely with international clients using professional CAD software and established design workflows, delivering high-quality design solutions and reliable project communication.
My goal is to combine innovative design, technical feasibility, and practical product development to help companies bring new physical products to life.
Experience
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Product Design Engineer – Daimler Truck Projects
Gemmacon GmbH (assigned to Daimler Truck AG) · Full-time
Sep 2012 –
Present
14 yrs 2 mos
Wörth am Rhein, Germany
Product Design Engineer working on commercial vehicle development projects at Daimler Truck AG through Gemmacon GmbH.
In this role, I contribute to the engineering development and mechanical integration of components and systems for commercial vehicles, working within an international automotive engineering environment.
**Key responsibilities:**
- 3D CAD design and mechanical development of commercial vehicle components using Siemens NX.
- Design and optimization of mounting brackets, supports, and mechanical interfaces.
- Development and integration of components for electrical and pneumatic systems.
- Packaging studies and component integration within complex vehicle architectures.
- CAD modifications and engineering solutions based on technical, functional, and manufacturing requirements.
- Coordination and technical communication with international engineering teams in Germany, India, Turkey, and Brazil.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve design challenges and improve component integration.
This position has further strengthened my expertise in commercial vehicle engineering, Siemens NX, complex vehicle packaging, and international automotive development processes.
The experience complements my background in industrial and transportation design, combining creative product development with practical engineering expertise in a major global commercial vehicle development environment. -
Founder & Senior Industrial / Transportation Designer
Apsolutni Dizajn j.d.o.o. · Freelance
Jan 2012 –
Present
14 yrs 10 mos
Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia
Founder and Senior Industrial / Transportation Designer at Apsolutni Dizajn j.d.o.o., a Croatian industrial design and product development company providing professional B2B design and engineering services to international clients.
With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in industrial design, vehicle styling, advanced 3D surface modeling, concept development, and mechanical design support.
My work covers automotive and commercial vehicles, municipal and special-purpose vehicles, autonomous robotic platforms, medical and surgical robotic systems, industrial machinery, and innovative mobility solutions.
**Key responsibilities and expertise:**
- Industrial and Transportation Design
- Concept Sketching and Product Styling
- Advanced 3D CAD and Surface Modeling
- SolidWorks, Rhinoceros 3D, and Siemens NX
- Development of Functional Product Concepts
- Mechanical Design and Component Integration
- Product Visualization and Presentation
- Preparation of STEP Models for Engineering and Prototyping
- Collaboration with Engineering and Manufacturing Teams
**Selected project experience:**
- **RASCO** – Industrial design and development of compact municipal street sweepers, including alternative propulsion concepts.
- **MUNIVO** – Industrial and transportation design of a composite midibus, from concept to prototype development.
- **DOK-ING** – Design and development of specialized robotic vehicle platforms for hazardous environments.
- **Probotica** – Industrial design and 3D development of autonomous robotic vehicles and mobile robotic platforms.
- **Ronna Medical** – Design and development support for advanced medical and neurosurgical robotic systems.
- **CRTA – Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb** – Industrial design and mechanical development of robotic systems, including robots and components for medical robotic applications.
- **INETEC** – Industrial design and mechanical concept development for robotic and nuclear inspection equipment.
- **Modular Electric Cargo Bike** – Independent development of an innovative modular electric cargo bicycle, including industrial design, 3D CAD development, and functional prototype testing.
Apsolutni Dizajn offers flexible remote B2B collaboration, supporting international clients from early-stage concept development and product styling to advanced surface modeling, 3D CAD development, and prototype preparation.
Our approach combines creative industrial design, technical feasibility, and practical manufacturing knowledge to transform innovative ideas into realistic, functional physical products. -
Vehicle Design Engineer – Exterior & Interior
Bischoff + Scheck GmbH · Full-time
Mar 2012 –
Jun 2026
14 yrs 3 mos
Rheinmünster, Germany
Vehicle Design Engineer specializing in exterior and interior development of special-purpose and custom-built vehicles at Bischoff + Scheck GmbH, Germany.
My work focused on the 3D CAD development and mechanical design of vehicle exterior and interior components, combining functional requirements, technical feasibility, ergonomics, and design quality.
**Key responsibilities:**
- 3D CAD modeling and mechanical design of vehicle exterior and interior components.
- Development of customized vehicle body elements and interior solutions.
- Design and integration of components within complex vehicle structures.
- Packaging studies and optimization of available interior space.
- Development of practical engineering solutions considering manufacturing and assembly requirements.
- Collaboration with vehicle engineering, design, and production teams.
This experience strengthened my expertise in special-purpose vehicle development, customized vehicle construction, exterior and interior engineering, and the integration of design with practical manufacturing requirements. -
Mechanical Design Engineer & Project Manager
IMS-Groupe Industriemontage und Anlagenbau GmbH · Full-time
Mar 2012 –
Mar 2026
14 yrs
Rastatt, Germany
Mechanical Design Engineer and Project Manager at IMS-Groupe Industriemontage und Anlagenbau GmbH, specializing in the development, engineering, installation, and assembly coordination of complex industrial testing facilities for the automotive industry and research institutions.
My responsibilities combined mechanical design and engineering with project management and on-site coordination of installation activities for customized engine and electric motor test benches.
**Key responsibilities and expertise:**
- Mechanical design and engineering of specialized industrial testing systems and test bench installations.
- Development of mechanical components, assemblies, supporting structures, and customized installation solutions.
- Technical planning and integration of mechanical equipment within complex testing facilities.
- Project coordination from engineering and technical preparation through installation and assembly.
- On-site supervision and coordination of mechanical installation activities.
- Collaboration with engineering teams, technicians, suppliers, and customer representatives.
- Solving technical and mechanical integration challenges during installation.
- Coordination of project activities to meet technical requirements and installation schedules.
**Selected customer environments:**
- Mercedes-Benz – Automotive powertrain testing facilities.
- KIT – Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – Research and experimental testing installations.
- Other automotive manufacturers, engineering companies, and research institutions requiring specialized testing equipment.
This experience significantly strengthened my expertise in mechanical engineering, complex industrial systems integration, technical project management, and the practical implementation of engineering solutions.
It also provided valuable experience in bridging the gap between CAD design, real-world installation requirements, and the successful execution of complex industrial projects.
Education
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Scuola Politecnica Di Design
Master, Transportation and Automobile Design, Excellent
2007 – 2009
Activities and Societies:
Automotive design projects and workshops in collaboration with Lamborghini (Audi Group), focusing on exterior and interior design, concept sketching, vehicle styling, advanced 3D surface modeling, and transportation design development.
Advanced Master's Program in Transportation and Automobile Design at Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD) in Milan, Italy, conducted in collaboration with Audi Group, specifically Lamborghini.
The program focused on advanced automotive design, combining creative vehicle styling with technical feasibility, vehicle proportions, ergonomics, and 3D surface development.
Key areas of study included:
- Automotive exterior and interior design
- Transportation design and vehicle architecture
- Concept sketching and design development
- Vehicle proportions, ergonomics, and packaging
- Advanced 3D surface modeling
- Product visualization and presentation
- Design development from initial sketches to final concept presentations
- Collaborative automotive design projects
The collaboration with Lamborghini provided valuable exposure to the design philosophy and development approach of a world-renowned Italian supercar manufacturer.
This educational experience established a strong foundation for my professional career in automotive, transportation, and industrial design, combining creative design thinking with mechanical engineering knowledge and practical product development. -
University of Zagreb – Faculty of mechanical engineering and Naval architecutre
BS Mechanical Engineeiring, Mechanical Engineering – Engines and Vehicles
1998 – 2005
Activities and Societies:
Mechanical engineering studies with a specialization in Engines and Vehicles, including automotive engineering, internal combustion engines, vehicle systems, mechanical design, manufacturing technologies, technical drawing, and CAD.
Mechanical Engineering studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB), University of Zagreb, Croatia, from 1998 to 2005, specializing in Engines and Vehicles.
The program provided a strong technical foundation in automotive engineering, vehicle systems, mechanical design, and manufacturing technologies.
**Key areas of study:**
- Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Technology
- Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems
- Vehicle Construction and Mechanical Design
- Machine Elements and Mechanical Systems
- Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Technologies
- Technical Drawing and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Mechanical Assemblies and Component Integration
This technical background provided the foundation for my subsequent specialization in Transportation and Automobile Design at Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD) in Milan, Italy.
Combining mechanical engineering knowledge with advanced transportation design education has enabled me to develop innovative vehicle and industrial product concepts while considering technical feasibility, functionality, and manufacturing requirements.
Other experience
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Project Management & Business Administration – IVORA Business School / Cambridge Certification
Professional education in Project Management at IVORA Business School, complemented by an international Cambridge certificate in Business Administration and Environment.
The training provided additional knowledge in project planning, business organization, management processes, and the coordination of professional activities.
**Key areas of professional development:**
- Project Management and Planning
- Project Organization and Coordination
- Business Administration and Management
- Resource and Time Management
- Business Communication
- Organizational Processes and Business Environment
- Project Execution and Monitoring
This education complements my technical background in mechanical engineering, industrial design, and transportation design.
Combined with my professional experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer and Project Manager, it supports my ability to coordinate complex engineering projects, collaborate with international clients and multidisciplinary teams, and manage product development activities from initial concept through technical implementation.
Licenses & Certifications
- SOLIDWORKS Certification (2016) Dassault Systèmes – SOLIDWORKS May 2016 – Present
- Email address
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Joined: November 11, 2026
Last seen: November 11, 2026
Languages
English Professional working proficiency
German Professional working proficiency
Italian Professional working proficiency
Croatian Native or bilingual proficiency
Location
Zagreb, Croatia