Michael Caruso
Toms River,NJ
Summary
Results-driven Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering professional with extensive hands-on experience in heavy equipment systems, welding/fabrication, and mechanical design. Demonstrated expertise in project management, operations oversight, and innovative engineering solutions. Currently pursuing a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on hypersonic flows and shock tunnels, complemented by a solid background in engineering analysis, manufacturing processes, and technical leadership. Future goals include completing the FE exam in mechanical engineering, obtaining PE licensure, and pursuing a master's degree to further advance in the field.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner, Heavy Equipment Technician
Self-employed
08.2022 - Current
- Managed day-to-day operations of a mechanical service business, including budget oversight, client billing, procurement of parts, repair scheduling, and technical support for design and manufacturing.
- Cultivated and maintained long-term relationships with over 75 clients, leading to repeat business, increased referrals, and sustained year-over-year profit growth exceeding 33%.
- Diagnosed and executed timely repairs on complex electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems for construction and agricultural equipment, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
- Designed cost-effective and practical engineering solutions for agricultural applications, integrating considerations such as safety factors, material strength, fatigue life, and manufacturability.
- Fabricated custom components for proprietary designs, performing precision welding, machining, installation, and field testing while adhering to quality assurance protocols and engineering standards.
Shop Foreman, Mechanical Design, Welder, Technician
Cherry Valley Tractor Sales
08.2014 - 09.2022
- Proficient in MIG and SMAW welding, consistently delivering high-quality fabrication and repair work for both custom builds and standard equipment maintenance.
- Diagnosed and repaired mechanical, emissions, electrical, software, and hydraulic failures on a wide range of equipment—from light-duty to heavy construction machinery—within tight labor budgets and to industry standards.
- Manufactured and assembled equipment based on customer-specific designs using machining, welding, and fabrication techniques while ensuring minimal material waste and adherence to labor cost targets.
- Interpreted and executed custom mechanical designs, ensuring compliance with structural and hydraulic system requirements, including stress limits, flow rates, and safety factor thresholds.
- Designed electrical systems with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while staying within acceptable operational limits for voltage, current, and load.
- Served as shop foreman for 3 years, providing advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting and repair. Oversaw technician teams and facilitated knowledge-sharing, technician training, and quality assurance of completed work.
- Assisted in project planning, managed workflow distribution, and liaised directly with clients to ensure equipment met performance expectations and safety standards.
Boatswain’s Mate Second Class
U.S. Navy, USS Blue Ridge
09.2009 - 12.2013
- Supervised deck operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and operational efficiency.
- Led training programs for junior personnel, enhancing skill development and team performance.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules for shipboard equipment, improving operational readiness and reliability.
- Implemented inventory management practices, optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ12.2025
Associate of Science - Chemical Engineering
Rowan College at Burlington County
Mt. Laurel, NJ05.2022
Certificate - Diesel Technology
Pennco Tech
Blackwood, NJ05.2014
Skills
- MatLAB
- Excel
- Solidworks
- ANSYS
- Personal Management
- Customer Relations
- Mechanical Design & Fabrication
- Welding (MIG, TIG, SMAW)
- Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems
- Machining & Manufacturing
- Engineering Project Management
- Technical Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
Timeline
Owner, Heavy Equipment Technician
Self-employed
08.2022 - Current
Shop Foreman, Mechanical Design, Welder, Technician
Cherry Valley Tractor Sales
08.2014 - 09.2022
Boatswain’s Mate Second Class
U.S. Navy, USS Blue Ridge
09.2009 - 12.2013
Associate of Science - Chemical Engineering
Rowan College at Burlington County
Certificate - Diesel Technology
Pennco Tech
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
Rutgers University
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