Levi Rickard
Madison,WI
Summary
Dynamic Product Design Engineer with a proven track record at Federal Industries, leveraging 3D modeling expertise and project management skills to enhance product performance and manufacturability. Successfully led design optimizations that reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction, fostering collaboration across teams to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Engineer
RJ Watson, Inc.
06.2009 - 07.2015
- Coordinated project submittals, shop drawings, and revisions to support timely engineering approvals.
- Reviewed fabrication documents for accuracy, alignment, and compliance with project specifications.
- Collaborated with manufacturing and field teams to resolve design and installation issues.
- Prepared technical correspondence, RFIs, and status updates for internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinated project engineering tasks supporting design, fabrication, and installation of bridge bearing systems.
- Reviewed shop drawings and technical submittals for compliance with project specifications.
- Collaborated with field crews, contractors, and design teams to resolve installation issues.
- Prepared engineering documentation, calculations, and status updates for active projects.
- Monitored project schedules and identified risks affecting delivery or field execution.
- Evaluated manufacturing details and quality requirements to maintain design accuracy.
- Assisted with project closeout activities, including final documentation and issue resolution.
- Provided technical expertise throughout all phases of the project, ensuring accurate execution of designs and specifications.
- Maintained records for each project and engineering discipline.
- Monitored installation of materials and equipment for compliance with drawings and specifications.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration to achieve project goals.
- Improved communication among stakeholders through regular updates and meetings.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline project delivery processes, significantly enhancing efficiency and team collaboration.
- Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction by effectively communicating project updates and milestones.
- Engaged in industry forums and workshops to stay abreast of new trends and technologies, applying insights to enhance project performance.
- Developed comprehensive engineering documents for all projects.
Product Design Engineer
Federal Industries
08.2022 - Current
- Created detailed drawings and specifications for manufacturing, assembly, and product release.
- Collaborated with production teams to resolve design issues and improve manufacturability.
- Reviewed prototypes and test results to validate fit, function, and performance.
- Developed product designs using CAD software to support refrigerated display case engineering requirements.
- Updated bills of materials and engineering documentation for accurate product control.
- Applied engineering standards to ensure designs met safety, quality, and customer requirements.
- Supported continuous improvements through design revisions and process optimization efforts.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction through material selection and process optimization, increasing profitability without compromising quality.
- Streamlined manufacturing processes for increased efficiency and reduced production costs.
- Developed comprehensive design documentation, facilitating seamless transition from concept to production phase.
- Successfully collaborated with engineers to verify design changes.
- Developed product concepts and detailed CAD models for commercial equipment designs.
- Prepared engineering drawings, specifications, and revision updates for manufacturing release.
- Collaborated with production, quality, and sales teams to resolve design and build issues.
- Reviewed prototypes and test results to refine fit, function, and manufacturability.
- Supported bill of materials creation and maintained accurate product documentation.
- Investigated component failures and recommended design changes to improve product performance.
- Mentored junior engineers on best practices in product design engineering, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the team.
- Created detailed 3D models and simulations to effectively communicate design intent, resulting in faster prototyping and testing phases.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations by meticulously adhering to established guidelines in product design engineering practices.
- Enhanced product performance by conducting thorough research and implementing innovative design solutions.
- Drafted clear technical documentation, detailing product design specifications.
- Directed, guided and monitored support engineers and in-house operational personnel.
- Tested completed projects for functionality and implemented changes to production methods to rectify issues in final products.
- Provided clear and timely technical data required for design and specification of product.
- Led continuous improvements in engineering, resulting in clearer product design standards, better manufacturability and reduced engineering cycle time.
- Documented and updated build, quality and performance records.
- Identified new ideas, products and/or features that improved customer satisfaction, reduced costs and kept product line in forefront of industry.
- Devised new products and features to boost customer satisfaction, reduce costs and propel product line to industry forefront.
- Applied comprehensive understanding of high-volume manufacturing processes and materials to optimize designs.
- Monitored and optimized production processes to increase throughput and improve quality.
- Led root cause analyses to identify and address problems in industrial production.
- Analyzed data to identify trends in production and maintenance costs and developed strategies to reduce expenses.
- Evaluated proposed project investments by conducting cost-benefit analyses.
Product Engineer
Spacesaver Inc
09.2019 - 08.2022
- Developed product revisions using CAD software and engineering specifications.
- Collaborated with manufacturing teams to resolve design and production issues.
- Prepared bills of materials and technical documentation for new product releases.
- Reviewed customer requirements to support custom storage system configurations.
- Supported engineering changes by updating drawings, part data, and specifications.
- Analyzed product performance to identify design improvements and manufacturability updates.
- Coordinated cross-functional communication between engineering, sales, and operations teams.
- Led continuous improvements in engineering, resulting in clearer product design standards, better manufacturability and reduced engineering cycle time.
- Led prototype development efforts, refining designs based on user feedback and testing data.
- Managed project deliverables for customer orders.
- Drafted clear technical documentation, detailing product design specifications.
- Managed project timelines effectively, consistently delivering products within scheduled release dates.
- Drove continuous improvement culture in engineering to provide clear product design standards, improve manufacturability through enhanced documentation and reduce engineering cycle time.
- Developed products and prototypes for various types of product designs.
Intermediate Mechanical Design Engineer
Essai, Inc.
04.2018 - 08.2019
- Designed mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks for custom test and automation equipment.
- Developed 3D models, drawings, and GD&T specifications to support fabrication and inspection.
- Collaborated with electrical and manufacturing teams to resolve design issues and improve assembly fit.
- Created bill of materials, part specifications, and revision updates for controlled engineering documentation.
- Applied engineering analysis to verify structural integrity, tolerances, and functional performance requirements.
- Reviewed customer requirements and translated them into practical mechanical design solutions.
- Developed detailed 3D models and drawings, ensuring accurate communication of design intent to fabrication teams.
- Supported engineering design development through analysis and simulation of prototypes and 3D computer models.
- Created parts for machining, sheet metal fabrication, and injection molding.
- Created CAD models and drawings for Type designs.
- Collaborated with Type teams to develop and implement product improvements to enhance performance.
- Implemented advanced simulation tools to accurately predict system behavior under various operating conditions, minimizing the need for physical prototyping iterations.
- Checked design compliance with product specifications and standards requirements.
- Streamlined project management through clear communication, careful planning, and diligent documentation practices.
- Mentored junior engineers in best practices for mechanical design, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Delivered projects on time and within budget constraints by effectively managing resources and maintaining focus on key objectives.
- Drafted assemblies, models, and other technical drawings.
- Examined existing documents and blueprints to best update and maintain project records.
- Developed mechanical CAD models and detailed drawings for assemblies and components.
- Reviewed designs for manufacturability, tolerance stack-up, and assembly efficiency.
- Prepared engineering documentation, including specifications, BOMs, and revision updates.
- Applied GD&T principles to ensure accurate part definition and inspection clarity.
- Evaluated material selections and component fits to meet functional and durability requirements.
- Conducted comprehensive analyses of complex mechanical systems, identifying areas for improvement and recommending effective solutions.
- Tested feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components and systems.
- Specified system components and directed product modifications to comply with engineering design and performance specifications.
- Maintained resource records to improve visibility into assignments, skills, and availability.
- Streamlined resource allocation processes by implementing efficient scheduling and tracking systems.
- Continuously assessed the effectiveness of existing resource management strategies, refining processes as needed to ensure optimal performance at all times.
- Analyzed historical data to forecast future resourcing needs, enabling proactive planning and adjustments as needed.
- Enhanced team productivity with regular performance evaluations and targeted training programs.
- Mentored junior staff members in effective resource management techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration by coordinating shared resources between departments in a timely manner.
- Regularly reviewed project scopes to ensure appropriate allocation of resources based on changing priorities or unforeseen challenges.
- Enhanced project outcomes by effectively managing and reallocating resources in response to changing project scopes.
- Improved project delivery times with strategic resource scheduling and allocation.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to ensure resources were optimally utilized across organization.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
Education
Master of Science - Industrial And Systems Engineering
SUNY At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY05.2009
Associate of Science - Mechanical Technology
Niagara County Community College
Sanborn, NY2004
Skills
- 3D modeling expertise
- Project management
- Customer needs assessment
- Material science fundamentals
- Materials selection
- Manufacturing processes
- CAD software proficiency
- Cost estimation techniques
- Quality assurance practices
- Failure mode analysis
- Design optimization strategies
- Prototyping techniques
- Simulation and testing
- Finite element analysis
- Design validation methods
- Ergonomic design principles
- Industrial design sensibilities
- Sustainable design approaches
- Technical documentation writing
- Presentation and communication
- Patent and IP awareness
- User-centered design
- Product development expertise
- Documentation preparation
- Continuous improvement
- Schedule coordination
- Instruction writing
- Timeline management
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- Six sigma methodologies
- Prototype development
- Engineering change orders
- Process requirements
- Product reliability testing
- Product improvements
- Product sales support
- Compliance improvement
- Manufacturing requirements
- New product support
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Production monitoring
- Task prioritization
- Technical troubleshooting
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- New process implementation
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal communication
- Complex Problem-solving
- Strategic planning
- Workflow design
- AutoCAD
- Time management abilities
- Cost-saving methods
Affiliations
America Indian Science and Engineering society
Timeline
Product Design Engineer
Federal Industries
08.2022 - Current
Product Engineer
Spacesaver Inc
09.2019 - 08.2022
Intermediate Mechanical Design Engineer
Essai, Inc.
04.2018 - 08.2019
Project Engineer
RJ Watson, Inc.
06.2009 - 07.2015
Master of Science - Industrial And Systems Engineering
SUNY At Buffalo
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Syracuse University
Associate of Science - Mechanical Technology
Niagara County Community College