Michael Williams
Cedar Rapids,IA
Summary
I am an Mechanical Engineer II at Novolex in Cedar Rapids, IA, specializing in mechanical design, system testing, and full lifecycle product development. With a strong foundation in both 2D and 3D design, I regularly perform rigorous motion and stress analysis on complex mechanical systems. My hands-on expertise spans lab and machine testing, new system development, and the design and evaluation of pneumatic, hydraulic, and cam mechanisms. A career highlight includes serving as the primary mechanical designer for a half-million-dollar spout applicator system. Beyond my core manufacturing engineering work, I am also an entrepreneurial technologist and co-founder of a VR app startup, AssemblyLens Co., bridging the gap between traditional industrial hardware and immersive digital spatial computing
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical Engineer 2
Novolex
Cedar Rapids, IA
08.2026 - Current
- Serve as an Engineer II specializing in mechanical design, system testing, and full lifecycle product development for industrial manufacturing operations.
- Architect and execute complex 2D and 3D designs, performing rigorous motion and stress analysis to ensure the reliability and durability of mechanical systems.
- Acted as the primary mechanical designer for a $500,000 spout applicator system, successfully delivering the project from concept to deployment.
- Design, prototype, and test pneumatic, hydraulic, and cam mechanisms to optimize machine performance.
- Conduct comprehensive lab and machine testing to validate new mechanical system developments before full-scale implementation.
- Spearhead Clean-In-Place (CIP) system design and testing, optimizing fluid dynamics and sanitation protocols for industrial equipment.
Mechanical Engineer 1
Novolex
Cedar Rapids, IA
01.2024 - 08.2026
- Improved existing machine designs to enhance performance, cost-efficiency, and durability, driving both production effectiveness and product quality.
- Provided technical support to internal and external parts manufacturing, responding to queries and approving components to ensure seamless integration.
- Assisted with the H-40M prototype assembly and testing, guiding assembly personnel on proper fit-up of new designs and performing lab and field evaluations on both purchased and Pactiv-designed components.
- Authored technical documentation, including parts books and instruction manuals, to support design revisions and new product rollouts.
- Tested fill system, air actuated cylinders, and high temperature/pressure cleaning systems (CIP/SIP).
Science and Mathematics Tutor
Sylvan Learning Center
Iowa City, IA
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Tutor students in Mathematics and Science. Administer ACT prep courses. Administer intro to engineering and mechanics course. Communicate with parents regarding student progress. Communicate with staff to develop learning techniques.
Engineering Technician
Terracon Consultants Inc
Cedar Rapids, IA
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Perform field and/or laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials (e.g. soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel). Communicate with project manager, engineering technicians, client representative, contractor's representative and others as applicable regarding the construction site, project requirements, and testing, observation, and inspection requirements and results.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Mechanical Engineering
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA12.2023
Skills
- CAD software - SolidWorks, Creo, Autodesk Inventor
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Fluid mechanics expertise
- Nematic system analysis
- Fluid and Nematic schematics design
- Motion analysis
- Stress and fatigue analysis
- Mechanical cam design
- Coding experience - Python, C, Artificial Intelligence algorithms
- Clean-in-place (CIP) design & testing
Personal Information
- Title: Mechanical Engineer 2
- Co-founder of AssemblyLens Co. - Integrating virtual reality (VR) and mechanical systems.
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Mechanical Engineer 2
Novolex
08.2026 - Current
Mechanical Engineer 1
Novolex
01.2024 - 08.2026
Science and Mathematics Tutor
Sylvan Learning Center
05.2021 - 07.2022
Engineering Technician
Terracon Consultants Inc
05.2020 - 08.2020
Bachelor's degree - Mechanical Engineering
University of Iowa