Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Notables
Patents
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Manager

Niall Macken

Santa Cruz,CA

Summary

Seeking a position in engineering and product development with a dynamic and powerful team.

A seasoned engineering professional with extensive experience in engineering product design and development across diverse technologies and disciplines. Team leader with startups to Fortune 500 companies. Experience designing IoT devices, carbon fiber sports equipment, medical products, and consumer electronics. Proven track record in managing projects from concept through to production, with proficiency in CAD, design for manufacturing, and team leadership.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Mechanical Engineering

Spanner
San Jose & Santa Cruz, CA
05.2014 - Current
  • Spanner Product Development specializes in high-quality consumer products, driving strategic development processes from Silicon Valley to successful market launches
  • I designed and led teams that designed products for Amazon, Dolby, Juicero, Fitbit, GoPro, Intel, nVidia, LeafiHome, Target, Cana, Zola, Lytro and many others.

Senior Product Designer

Surface Ink
San Jose, CA
03.2013 - 03.2014
  • Surface Ink provided strategic product development consulting, managing projects from research and proof of concept to full-cycle development across various markets
  • I designed products for Dolby, August & Matterport amongst others.

Senior Product Designer & Mechanical Engineer

Fox Racing Shox
Scotts Valley, CA
04.2010 - 01.2013
  • Led product design and engineering in the bicycle engineering team, overseeing concept development, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing support.

Senior Mechanical Engineer & Senior Project Manager

IDE Incorporated
Scotts Valley, CA
05.1996 - 04.2010
  • Managed diverse projects from advisory roles to lead engineering and project management, collaborating globally with vendors and teams across multiple locations
  • Designed products for Ibis Bicycles, Kestrel Bicycles, Kodak, Kopin, Antrisu, BD Biosciences, Gyration and many others.

Mechanical Engineer

Medical Composite Technology
Watsonville, CA
01.1992 - 05.1996
  • From concept to production, I contributed to the design and manufacturing of advanced wheelchairs using exotic materials like aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber.

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BScMe) -

Dublin Institute of Technology & Trinity College
Dublin, Ireland

Skills

  • Advisor, Mentor, Team Builder & Team Leader
  • Cross Functional Team Leadership
  • Creative problem solver
  • Proposal Writing
  • Hands-on Project Management, Budgeting & Scheduling
  • Mechanical Engineering Analysis
  • Documentation, Tolerance Analysis & FEA
  • Proficient in 3D CAD
  • Story pitching & PRD Development
  • SOW, Conceptualization, POCs, Prototyping
  • Fabrication for Product Launches
  • Architecture, Detail Design, DfM, DfA
  • Experienced in DVT, EVT, PVT & Ramp to Production
  • Mechanism and Machine Design with full GD&T proficiency
  • Design-to-Cost & Value Management
  • Budget Control
  • Project Coordination
  • Operations Management
  • Business Development
  • Hiring and Retention
  • International business
  • Strategic Planning, Innovation Management
  • Team Management, People Management, Staff Development

Notables

Co-creator of “Santa Cruz Hardware Group”, 5 years running, is a monthly meetup of designers with 300 members

Patents

  • Automated Retail Cabinet D888469 (Stockwell AI)
  • Headset for Head Mounted Display D429253 (Colorado Micro Display)
  • Display Headset D402651 (Colorado Micro Display)
  • Card Holder with Biometric Sensor D628912 (Privaris)
  • Headset Display Device 6034653 (Colorado Micro Display)
  • Ingredient Cartridge Loader for a Fluid Mixture Dispensing Device 11745995 (Cana Technology Inc)
  • Ingredient Cartridge Loader for a Fluid Mixture Dispensing Device 20230278847 (Cana Technology Inc)
  • Adjustable Holder for Portable Communication Device with Sound Enhancement 9325824 (Signal Essence LLC)
  • Adjustable Holder for Portable Communication Device with Sound Enhancement 20150189048 (Signal Essence LLC)
  • Smart Devices for Household Consumables 20190238360 (Target)

Accomplishments

  • IDEA/Businessweek Finalist 2008: Privaris PlusID
  • IDEA/Businessweek Gold 2005: Kestrel Airfoil Pro
  • Popular Science Best of What’s New 2004: Intermec IP3 Handheld Fuelcell
  • GOOD DESIGN Award 2002: Kestrel Edge Mountain Bike

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Mechanical Engineering

Spanner
05.2014 - Current

Senior Product Designer

Surface Ink
03.2013 - 03.2014

Senior Product Designer & Mechanical Engineer

Fox Racing Shox
04.2010 - 01.2013

Senior Mechanical Engineer & Senior Project Manager

IDE Incorporated
05.1996 - 04.2010

Mechanical Engineer

Medical Composite Technology
01.1992 - 05.1996

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BScMe) -

Dublin Institute of Technology & Trinity College

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Niall Macken