Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Pourya Sallakhi

Long Beach,CA

Summary

Innovative Mechanical Engineer with 3+ years of experience designing equipment and automating lab systems (HPLC, GC, MS) for life sciences at Phenomenex. Led 3 process development projects contributing 30–50% of company revenue and cut operational costs by 18%. Expert in CNC machining, 3D printing, FEA, PLCs, robotics, and IQ/OQ/PQ validation with strong adherence to GMP. Known for delivering scalable, compliant solutions through strategic vendor negotiations and cross-functional collaboration with QA/QC, R&D, and Metrology.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Equipment Specialist

Phenomenex
Torrance, CA
06.2022 - Current
  • Lead mechanical design and engineering analysis for high-pressure components and instrumentation, performing advanced FEA and stress calculations to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with performance standards.
  • Manage and continuously improve the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS); schedule and perform preventive maintenance (PM) on critical lab and production equipment.
  • Oversee upgrades, calibration, and lifecycle management of analytical instruments, including HPLC, GC, mass spectrometry systems, and various pumps, to support evolving R&D and production demands.
  • Lead automation initiatives by integrating PLCs, robotic arms, AI vision systems, and machine learning to streamline operations, enhance throughput, and reduce human error.
  • Oversee procurement and inventory management of all production equipment, instruments, spare parts, tools, and lab supplies; negotiate with vendors to optimize cost, quality, and lead times.Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Metrology, and Operations to resolve technical, operational, and EHS-related challenges through structured Problem Solving Projects (PSPs).
  • Actively contribute to Kaizen events and apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve process capability, reduce ETAs, and enhance safety and pass rates.
  • Partner with the engineering team on process validation, method development, and ECR reviews to support continuous improvement and product scalability.
  • Assist in updating and creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); train technicians to align with new equipment, workflows, and production strategies.

Chemical Laboratory Technician

Phenomenex
TORRANCE, California
11.2020 - 06.2022
  • Prepared and processed batches of silica- and polymer-based materials, including surface coating, thermal modification, and particle characterization to meet product specifications.
  • Formulated a variety of chemical solutions and mixtures for production and testing purposes, ensuring accuracy and consistency in concentration and handling.
  • Operated and maintained multiple chromatography systems (Agilent, Thermo, Waters, Beckman Coulter) for analysis, calibration, and process verification.
  • Utilized furnaces and drying ovens to modify particle morphology and material properties according to R&D and production requirements.
  • Managed inventory and production tracking using PCR systems; updated stock levels and forecasted material needs to align with production schedules.
  • Supported daily operations by providing the lab manager with equipment status updates, production progress, and supply inventory reports.
  • Documented all work in accordance with regulatory standards, including Batch Production Records (BPRs), raw material logs, and sample submissions.
  • Prepared and labeled test samples for the Quality Control (QC) department, ensuring proper packaging and traceability.
  • Assisted in the preparation of raw materials for Quencher Kit manufacturing, supporting applications in environmental and food testing.
  • Collaborated closely with QC and R&D teams to uphold product quality standards and resolve process-related challenges.

INJECTION MOLDING /CNC Machine Operator

Airtech International
Huntington Beach, California
10.2019 - 04.2020
  • Operated and monitored injection molding and CNC machines to ensure product quality and minimize downtime.
  • Set up machines, mixed HDPE/LDPE/LOPE resins, and connected electrical components as needed.
  • Assembled components manually and with automation; used greasing equipment for mechanical prep.
  • Inspected finished parts, tracked defect rates, and reported production performance.
  • Diagnosed mechanical issues and performed basic troubleshooting.
  • Trained new operators on machines, safety, and production tasks.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

California State University Long Beach

Skills

  • Equipment Design
  • Lab Automation
  • CNC Machining & 3D Printing
  • FEA (SolidWorks, Ansys)
  • HPLC, GC, MS Systems
  • PLCs & Robotics
  • AI Vision Systems
  • IQ/OQ/PQ Validation
  • GMP Compliance
  • CMMS & PM Programs
  • Process Optimization (Lean, Six Sigma)
  • Vendor Negotiation
  • Cost Reduction
  • SOP & BPR Documentation
  • RCA & FMEA
  • QA/QC, R&D, Metrology Collaboration
  • Continuous Improvement / Kaizen

Certification

  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – MSI, Jan 2024
  • Danaher Business System Fundamentals (DBS)
  • Active Member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Affiliations

  • NPC (Neuro-Protective Computer): Designed a real-time EEG and AI-based system to help diagnose and monitor neurological conditions like ADHD and autism.
  • AI-Powered Inventory Drone: Built an autonomous drone using AI vision to scan barcodes and update inventory systems automatically.

Timeline

Equipment Specialist

Phenomenex
06.2022 - Current

Chemical Laboratory Technician

Phenomenex
11.2020 - 06.2022

INJECTION MOLDING /CNC Machine Operator

Airtech International
10.2019 - 04.2020

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

California State University Long Beach

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