Thad Benson

Mechanical Engineer

Contact Info

Phone: (555) 234-7891
Address: Austin, TX
Website: https://linkedin.com/in/thadbenson
Email:
  • Results-driven Mechanical Engineer with 3+ years of experience in automotive component design and manufacturing optimization, specializing in powertrain systems and thermal management solutions
  • Proven track record of reducing manufacturing costs by 25% through innovative design modifications and implementing lean manufacturing principles across production lines
  • Expert proficiency in SolidWorks (CSWE certified), ANSYS simulation suite, and MATLAB programming with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex engineering projects

Work Experience

Apex Automotive Solutions

Mechanical Engineer II

June 2022 - Present
  • Designed 20+ automotive cooling system components using SolidWorks, achieving 18% improvement in heat dissipation efficiency and reducing warranty claims by 35%
  • Led thermal analysis projects using ANSYS Fluent, optimizing airflow patterns in engine compartments and decreasing operating temperatures by 12°C under peak load conditions
  • Collaborated with manufacturing teams to implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles, reducing assembly time by 40% and material waste by $125,000 annually
  • Managed product validation testing protocols, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards and reducing time-to-market by 3 weeks for new component releases
  • Mentored 2 junior engineers in CAD modeling best practices and finite element analysis methodologies

TechFlow Manufacturing

Mechanical Engineer I

August 2021 - May 2022
  • Developed mechanical assemblies for industrial pumping systems, conducting stress analysis using ANSYS Mechanical and ensuring fatigue life exceeded 10 million cycles
  • Optimized production line layouts using lean manufacturing principles, increasing throughput by 22% and reducing cycle time from 45 to 35 minutes per unit
  • Created detailed technical drawings and specifications for 15+ mechanical components, maintaining dimensional tolerances within ±0.001" for critical interfaces
  • Performed root cause analysis on field failures, implementing design modifications that reduced failure rates by 60% and saved $200,000 in warranty costs

Precision Dynamics Corporation

Engineering Intern

May 2021 - August 2021
  • Assisted senior engineers in designing medical device components, utilizing SolidWorks for 3D modeling and ensuring FDA compliance requirements were met
  • Conducted material testing and analysis on biocompatible polymers, documenting results that contributed to successful product certification
  • Supported manufacturing process improvements, identifying bottlenecks that led to 15% increase in production efficiency

Education

Texas A&M University

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

August 2017 - May 2021

GPA: 3.8/4.0 (Magna Cum Laude, Dean's List: Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020)

Relevant Coursework: Finite Element Analysis, Machine Design, Manufacturing Processes, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Control Systems, Materials Science, Computer-Aided Design

Senior Design Project: Autonomous Solar Panel Cleaning System

  • Led 4-member team to design robotic cleaning mechanism for utility-scale solar installations
  • Utilized SolidWorks for mechanical design and MATLAB for control system programming
  • Achieved 95% cleaning efficiency while reducing water consumption by 40% compared to existing solutions
  • Manufactured functional prototype under $3,500 budget constraint

Technical Skills

CAD/Design: SolidWorks (CSWE certified), CATIA V5 (surface modeling), AutoCAD (2D drafting), Creo Parametric
Simulation & Analysis: ANSYS Mechanical (static/dynamic analysis), ANSYS Fluent (CFD), MATLAB/Simulink (control systems), LabVIEW
Programming: Python (automation scripts), C++ (embedded systems), MATLAB (data analysis and modeling)
Manufacturing: GD&T, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt, CNC machining principles, 3D printing (FDM/SLA)
Standards & Certifications: ISO 9001, ASME Y14.5 (GD&T), OSHA 30-Hour General Industry, FE/EIT certified

Awards and Publications

ASME Student Design Competition - Regional Winner

2021
  • Competed against 23 teams from 8 universities in mechanical design challenge
  • Designed energy-efficient HVAC system reducing power consumption by 35% while maintaining comfort standards

Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Student Award

2021
  • Awarded to 1 student among 280+ mechanical engineering graduates
  • Selection based on academic excellence, leadership, and innovation in engineering projects

Optimization of Heat Exchanger Performance Using Machine Learning Algorithms

ASME Student Conference Proceedings

2021

Blackwood, T., Martinez, R., Chen, L., et al. (2021). "Optimization of Heat Exchanger Performance Using Machine Learning Algorithms." ASME Student Conference Proceedings, Paper No. SC2021-1247.

  • Developed novel optimization algorithm improving heat transfer efficiency by 28%
  • Research presented at ASME International Student Conference