WINZEL STERLING
Austin
Summary
Mechanical Engineer with 7+ years of combined experience in semiconductor manufacturing and HVAC system design, including 3+ years in high-tech cleanroom environments focused on equipment maintenance, project management, and continuous improvement. Proven leader in optimizing tool performance and implementing innovative solutions. Adept at driving cost savings, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring on-time delivery of multimillion-dollar projects.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Metrology Equipment Engineer II/Ramp Engineer
NXP Semiconductors
Austin
08.2022 - Current
- Tool Types Installed: KLA 12X0 Thickness, KLA F5x ASET, KLA RS200 +, KLA SP1/SP2 Pro, KLA CIRCL500 8920i ALTAIR, AMAT G5 SEMV, APS 2000 Sorter, KLA AIT-II
- Tools Owned: KLA RS55/75/200, KLA 12X0 & F5X Thickness Tools, Microvision Microscopes, GLA ID Scribe Readers, APS2000 Sorters, KLA PUMA 9000D, KLA AIT-II, FEIV-II Rudolph Thickness
- Leads factory expansion by managing the installation of 21 high-voltage, high-pressure metrology tools, delivering on schedule
- Customer-facing role managing new vendor qualifications and source inspections to ensure the quality of parts and services for the Metrology Equipment group
- Designed and deployed an AR-based remote troubleshooting program using Microsoft HoloLens, reducing remote diagnostics time by approximately 30%
- Leads a maintenance team to execute preventive maintenance and continuous improvement projects, reducing downtime by approximately 20% and boosting tool availability
- Designs and tests custom parts to support functionality of new equipment installs in production
- Maintained accurate records regarding calibration results, service calls, repairs completed.
- Standardized SOPs facility-wide, driving a 23% increase in process consistency
- Achieved over $425K in annual cost savings through strategic parts sourcing and equipment upgrades
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize equipment performance and efficiency
- Develops training materials for staff on new equipment handling procedures
- Manages spare parts inventory to ensure the timely availability of critical components
- Designed and implemented equipment maintenance schedules for semiconductor manufacturing processes
- Conducted root cause analysis for equipment failures to enhance operational reliability
- Deep dives into system errors, weekly tracking availability, tool uptime, utilization, and Pareto errors to improve key metrics.
Engineering Technician III, Etch Department
Applied Materials
Austin
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Executed complex operational tests and fault isolation on electro-mechanical etch systems, enhancing overall tool reliability.
- Authored technical reports that informed process-improvement decisions and engineering roadmaps.
- Conducted rigorous safety and quality inspections in cleanroom environments, ensuring 100% adherence to manufacturing standards.
- Trained and onboarded new technicians, significantly reducing ramp-up time and elevating team proficiency.
Mechanical Design Engineer
O'Connell Robertson Architecture & Engineering
Austin
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Led HVAC mechanical design for hospitals, schools, gyms, and performance centers.
- Performed detailed load calculations and equipment selection (pumps, fans, DOAS, RTUs, chillers) ensuring compliance with ASHRAE and IBC standards.
- Collaborated with architects, contractors, and owners to deliver over 10 projects on time and within budget.
- Assisted in commissioning and optimizing mechanical system performance.
- Notable Projects:
- Austin HS Renovations: HVAC redesign for a 150,000 ft2 academic wing, achieving improved energy efficiency and operational reliability.
- Coppers Cove ISD (6 schools): Delivered comprehensive HVAC solutions across multiple campuses.
- Delco Elementary & Dessau Elementary: Engineered full HVAC packages tailored for K-5 educational environments.
- Seton SW Center: Developed mechanical systems for a 200-bed medical facility, optimizing airflow and reducing operating costs.
- Kerrville State Hospital & Shannon Hospital: Designed specialized HVAC systems for ICUs and surgical suites, ensuring strict code compliance.
Education
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Rapid City, SD05-2019
Skills
- Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Project Management & Continuous Improvement (CIP)
- Preventive Maintenance & SOP Development
- Root Cause Analysis & Downtime Reduction
- High-Voltage/High-Pressure Tool Installations
- REVIT / AutoCAD
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Vendor management
- Inventory management
- Equipment installation
- Kepner-Tregoe Analytical Problem Solving
Leadership And Honors
- National Society of Black Engineers - Operations Manager, SD Chapter
- SD Mines Men's Basketball - Team Captain (4-year Division II Athlete)
- Dean's List (Spring 2015-Spring 2017); Phi Eta Sigma Honors
- 2x Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference All-Academic, 4x SD Mines Scholar Athlete
Coursework
- Mechatronics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat Transfer
- Dynamic Systems & Controls
- C Programming
Timeline
Metrology Equipment Engineer II/Ramp Engineer
NXP Semiconductors
08.2022 - Current
Engineering Technician III, Etch Department
Applied Materials
10.2021 - 06.2022
Mechanical Design Engineer
O'Connell Robertson Architecture & Engineering
05.2019 - 05.2021
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology