Dan Cuadra

Opto-Mechanical Engineer

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Culver City, California, United States

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Timeline
About me
Principal Engineer at Kelvi
Education
- El Camino College
  2003 - 2006
  Associate in Science Architecture
  • Studied technical drawing, illustration, rendering, construction technology, and introductory design
- SCI-Arc
  2007 - 2011
  Bachelor of Architecture
  • Designed conceptual and practical projects ranging from temporary installations to a decentralized network of integrated resource management infrastructure• Participated in post-graduate research program on applications of robotics in architecture• Recognized specialist in advanced fabrication techniques and physical model building• Served as student staff member in SCI-Arc Shop running wood and metal shops, CNC, 3D printing, and vacuum forming equipment• Served as teaching… Show more • Designed conceptual and practical projects ranging from temporary installations to a decentralized network of integrated resource management infrastructure• Participated in post-graduate research program on applications of robotics in architecture• Recognized specialist in advanced fabrication techniques and physical model building• Served as student staff member in SCI-Arc Shop running wood and metal shops, CNC, 3D printing, and vacuum forming equipment• Served as teaching assistant in Cultural Studies department organizing class projects applying principles studied in art and architectural history Show less
- Santa Monica College
  2001 - 2004
Experience
- Physical Optics Corporation
  Apr 2005 - Dec 2006
  Opto-Mechanical Engineer
  • Designer for Electro-Optics & Holography division of SBIR (small business independent research) program• Designed concept artwork, illustrations, and prototype mechanical systems for optics-based military and government projects• Collaborated with external vendors on fabrication and assembly of prototypes• Managed multiple projects within department as well as overflow work from other departments
- SCI-Arc
  May 2007 - Mar 2009
  Shop Staff
- HLB Lighting Design
  May 2008 - Aug 2008
  Lighting Design Intern
  • Designed and constructed lighting systems of Dunnage Ball exhibit at 2008 Santa Monica GLOW Festival (in collaboration with Peter Tolkin Architects)• Developed designs and documentation for a fixture design collaboration between HLB and Bega US• Conducted lighting simulation studies and developed drawings for multiple ongoing projects
- SCI-Arc Cultural Studies Dept.
  Jan 2010 - Apr 2011
  Teaching Assistant
- Dental Evolutions Inc
  Jul 2011 - Jan 2012
  Consulting Engineer
  • Mechanical design and modeling of new form of dental implant and specialized dental tools• Provided technical illustrations for patent application
- Tribogenics
  Jan 2012 - Jun 2017
  Senior Mechanical Engineer / Shop Manager
  • Designed and built prototype unit of the world’s smallest X-ray imaging system• Project lead for mechanical design and prototype to production transition of flagship product, Watson XRF handheld analyzer• Co-authored patent on Continuous Contact X-ray Source• Developed in-house manufacturing facilities from a single machine into an 800+ sq.ft. high precision prototyping shop• Served as NPI (new product introduction) liaison between Engineering and Operations teams• Developed central document control of all design history and production documentation• Established paperless tracking system for production including metrics and issue resolutions• Technical illustration and graphic design for marketing, presentations, and patent applications Show less
- Kelvi
  Jun 2017 - now
  Principal Engineer
  • Successfully launched multiple product lines. Managed complete prototype to production transition including project management of engineering team, construction of manufacturing lines, writing of technical specs and work instructions, and training of operations staff. • Conducted design control, risk analysis, and product safety testing under IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment General Safety and IEC 60601-1-11 Home Healthcare standards• Maintained ISO 13485 Quality System procedures including document control and complaint handling• Coordinated multi-vendor manufacturing processes with domestic and international organizations• Created custom dashboards and workflows to analyze status of manufacturing and product lifecycle• Designed and tested novel manufacturing methods for fluid circulation systems Show less
Licenses & Certifications
- Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) - Advanced Drawing Tools
  Dassault Systèmes
  Mar 2021
- Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) - Mechanical Design
  Dassault Systèmes
  Mar 2017
- Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) - Advanced Sheet Metal
  Dassault Systèmes
  Mar 2021
Volunteer Experience
- Photographer
  Issued by United Hope for Animals on Jun 2011
  Associated with Dan Cuadra