Mario Jones
Christiansburg,VA
Summary
Motivational leader and proven organizational problem-solver with advanced supervisory, team building and internal customer service skills. Experience stepping into diverse roles and quickly making positive changes to drive project success. Focused on using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical Design Group Lead
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
Blacksburg, VA
01.2020 - Current
- Continued all previous responsibilities as a Mechanical Design Engineer.
- Mentored mechanical design engineers and technicians by sharing insights from previous vehicle builds, equipment builds, and VTTI engineering practices to enhance mechanical design engineer skill sets.
- Coordinated and led Smart Road data collection testing efforts where weather making was required.
- Supervised mechanical group schedules, task assignments, and weekly project workflows.
- Managed personnel and equipment resources and delegated tasks to ensure timely completion of research projects.
- Monitored mechanical design progress on research projects, providing feedback and support as needed.
- Led mechanical design support efforts for research reports and presentations.
- Delegated tasks based on individual strengths and weaknesses while allowing for growth if project deadlines permitted.
- Developed, managed, and maintained VTTI's 3D print farm (8 Bambu X1C and 1 Bambu H2D with laser attachment)
- Adhered to VIOSH/ VT EHS safety regulations while providing guidance in the fabrication shops and on the Smart Roads.
- Operated and trained students on the use of the vehicle and engine dynamometers for Virginia Tech's College of Engineering.
- Coordinated with VTTI management to facilitate large scale vehicle and infrastructure demonstrations both at VTTI and in remote locations.
Design Engineer
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
Blacksburg, VA
02.2013 - 01.2020
- Created functional designs and modified and tested existing designs using SolidWorks for various data acquisition system mounts and enclosures.
- Prepared engineering drawings for vehicle sensors and roadside equipment using GD&T standards.
- Developed SolidWorks renders and visual layouts for transportation research studies, posters, and digital communications.
- Collaborated with outside vendors to obtain quotes and initiate small-scale production of completed designs for various research projects.
- Personally designed and implemented a new security camera system to increase remote security camera surveillance from 3 cameras when I started to over 30 cameras covering every area of VTTI test track property.
- Mapped and maintained the fiber optic network running from the Main Building of VTTI down the entire length of the Smart Road.
- Oversaw Design Assistants and student workers, maintaining project goal alignment and effective task delegation.
- Used hand tools, power tools, drill presses, manual mills, and welders to fabricate and make modifications on research fixtures and vehicle modifications.
Fiber Optic Technician
Luna Innovations
Blacksburg, VA
08.2011 - 01.2013
- Executed optical sensor fabrication, calibration, and testing in laboratory and nationwide settings to ensure optimal performance. Conducted real-time experiments with prototype optical sensors across diverse testing environments, validating functionality and reliability.
- Installed fiber optic cables in various locations for Luna Innovations’ sensing and testing programs.
- Spliced and terminated fiber connections to ensure signal integrity using precision tools and fusion equipment.
- Tested optical signals in laboratory settings using OTDR, power meters, and inspection microscopes.
Education
BS - Physics/ Pre-Engineering
Longwood University, CookCole College of Arts And Sciences
Farmville, VA05-2011
Skills
- SolidWorks expertise
- Vehicle design and modification projects
- GD&T documentation
- Mechanical fabrication
- 3D printing
- 3D scanning and point cloud manipulation
- Manufacturing process knowledge
- Test support
- Project coordination
- Design validation
- Risk management
- Team leadership
- Team development
- Issue resolution
- Communication skills
- Maintenance coordination
- Prototype assembly
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite
- Fiber optic systems
- Prototype assembly
Affiliations
- Member of Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honors Society
- Member of The American Physical Society
Timeline
Mechanical Design Group Lead
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
01.2020 - Current
Design Engineer
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
02.2013 - 01.2020
Fiber Optic Technician
Luna Innovations
08.2011 - 01.2013
BS - Physics/ Pre-Engineering
Longwood University, CookCole College of Arts And Sciences