Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

COLLIN LAFAYETTE

Summary

Results-driven Industrial Design Engineer with a decade of experience specializing in cost reduction, industry trend forecasting, and innovative feature development. Proven ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and manage projects effectively while integrating forward thinking design principles to ensure product success. Dedicated to driving manufacturability improvements and aligning technical requirements to optimize production processes, ensuring high-quality outcomes that meet market demands and user needs. Passionate about leveraging design expertise to create impactful solutions that elevate product performance and user satisfaction.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Mechanical Designer, CAD Engineering Operations & Technical Lead

Specular Theory
08.2024 - Current
  • Configured and deployed the Autodesk engineering software suite, providing an operational upgrade to facilitate future growth and efficiency.
  • Structured BOMs to include critical information ensuring inventory management, procurement, and product configuration information are presented for maximum efficiency and accuracy.
  • Ownership of frame/electrical box mechanical design and development. Focusing on cost reduction, part count reduction, commonized design, and DFM improvements.
  • Formalized the documentation of CAD data through the implementation of organized part numbering schemes, descriptions, and vendor specific information.
  • Streamlined engineering workflows within the CAD environment, and provided advanced training to our engineering, procurement, and assembly teams, ensuring a seamless bridge of information and efficiency is achieved.
  • Managed the design release process, holding formal release meetings and design reviews to ensure all design and documentation is accurate and meets our organizational standards for procurement and manufacturability.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results.
  • Conducted thorough analyses on existing products to identify potential areas for improvement or redesign opportunities.
  • Developed manufacturing drawings and oversaw teams of technicians in construction of systems.

Industrial Designer, Studio CAD Specialist

Monarch Tractor
04.2022 - 10.2023
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create detailed Class A surface models, enhancing design precision.
  • Developed vehicle exteriors and interiors, improving ergonomics, aesthetic and manufacturability.
  • Managed customer-facing projects from concept to production, ensuring timely delivery.
  • Executed cost reduction revisions across multiple subsystems, optimizing material and process efficiency. Led front loader design and HMI integration, securing utility patents for innovative features.
  • Worked closely with engineers to ensure seamless integration between form factor and internal components for optimal performance.
  • Reduced time-to-market for new products by streamlining the design process and incorporating rapid prototyping techniques.
  • Optimized vehicle design for improved manufacturability and cost efficiency.
  • Pioneered integration of ergonomic features in vehicle designs, enhancing user comfort.
  • Coordinated with engineering teams to align design specifications with technical requirements. Forecasted industry trends to steer future vehicle designs, ensuring market leadership.

Mechanical Engineer, Body Exterior

GILLIG
02.2019 - 04.2022
  • Supported GILLIG engineering with detailed design across vehicle departments using Siemens NX & PLM.
  • Developed, configured, drafted, and deployed parts for unique bus configurations.
  • Organized and populated Standard Hardware Library within NX, enhancing resource accessibility.
  • Collaborated on chassis, drivetrain, interior, and body sub-systems for optimal performance.
  • Achieved measurable improvements in design efficiency and part accuracy.
  • Optimized bus exterior designs using Siemens NX, enhancing model accuracy and efficiency. Led initiatives to cut design revision time by 30% through enhanced CAD techniques.
  • Pioneered advanced modeling techniques to elevate bus exterior functionality and aesthetics.
  • Evaluated final product's overall performance, reliability and safety.
  • Collaborated with R&D team to introduce innovative product features, setting new industry standards.

Team Lead | Industrial Design Studio

Arcimoto Inc.
06.2015 - 10.2018
  • Led design and development of electric vehicles, enhancing customer experience and product interactivity.
  • Reduced build costs through innovative manufacturing techniques, improving production efficiency.
  • Collaborated with clients to create custom vehicle and trim packages, meeting unique needs.
  • Pioneered cost-effective production techniques, slashing expenses by 15%.
  • Enhanced client engagement through customized design features.
  • Identified market trends to steer product designs, boosting appeal.
  • Forecasted industry shifts, aligning designs with future standards.
  • Partnered with engineering to refine prototypes, enhancing usability.
  • Initiated use of sustainable materials, reducing environmental impact.
  • Conducted market research to identify industry trends and inform innovative designs that resonated with target audiences.
  • Oversaw the creation of engaging multimedia content for social media campaigns, driving increased engagement from target audiences.
  • Delivered high-quality design solutions under tight deadlines, prioritizing projects based on client needs and expectations.
  • Played a significant role in driving user-centered design methodologies throughout the organization, resulting in more effective products tailored to end-users'' needs.

Mechanical Design Intern

Hester Fabrication
05.2014 - 09.2014
  • Developed designs in Solidworks for production parts and assemblies, ensuring precise manufacturing.
  • Implemented security measures for industrial storage, enhancing safety and compliance.
  • Created detailed machine operation drawings, improving technician efficiency and accuracy.
  • Provided technical support to the owner, streamlining daily operations and shop tasks.
  • Coordinated with vendors to source key materials, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement.
  • Streamlined workflow processes by utilizing advanced software tools for efficient mechanical design, analysis, and documentation.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Industrial Design & Material Science

University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
05.2015

Skills

  • Studio project management
  • Prototype development
  • Product rendering & animation
  • Class A surfacing
  • Assembly modeling & BOM
  • Design for manufacturing

  • Materials selection and compliance
  • Drafting
  • Product lifecycle management
  • Automotive design
  • Parametric Modeling

Certification

  • Teamcenter& Advanced 3D CAD, Siemens NX - 2019
  • GD&T for Design, Manufacturing, & Inspection, Multi Metrics' Smart GD&T - 2019

Timeline

Mechanical Designer, CAD Engineering Operations & Technical Lead

Specular Theory
08.2024 - Current

Industrial Designer, Studio CAD Specialist

Monarch Tractor
04.2022 - 10.2023

Mechanical Engineer, Body Exterior

GILLIG
02.2019 - 04.2022

Team Lead | Industrial Design Studio

Arcimoto Inc.
06.2015 - 10.2018

Mechanical Design Intern

Hester Fabrication
05.2014 - 09.2014

Bachelor of Science - Industrial Design & Material Science

University of Oregon