looking for a Mechanical Engineering Consultant-2
looking for a Mechanical Engineering Consultant
CADtec3D Consignments and professional summery
An accomplished Senior Design Engineer with experience within the Space and Scientific equipment industries providing extensive experience designing high precision devices using Mechanical, Opto-Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Design expertise within my personal service company (PSC) to a portfolio of clients on a contract basis operating outside IR35. I have my own SolidWorks Premium license, currently using version 2022. Adept at producing designs from a requirement specification to finally producing full detail drawings for production utilising 25 years’ SolidWorks experience.
Accustomed to using standards ISO 10110, DEF STAN 05-10 and BS8888 including Geometrical tolerancing is the normal standard for CADtec3D unless clients specifies alternatives. Able to perform linear structural analysis to determine the extent of deformations under different loads and conditions to ensure adherence to design specifications. Extensive knowledge and experience using traditional and modern manufacturing techniques for small to high volume production runs using Stereolithography, Sand and Investment castings, Turning, Milling, EDM, Wire Erosion and prefabricated (welded) components. CADtec3D has invested in 3D printing technology of the FDM (fused deposition modelling type) with a wide range of thermoplastics and colours and can offer samples of components for evaluation purposes or small batch production runs dependant on size. Can help and advise on getting that “sweet spot” method of manufacturing to minimise investment and maximise profit dependant on your initial required production requirements.
With excellent communication skills, a very analytical approach to everything done regarding problem solving, and many years design experience, I look forward to helping you achieve your company goals and aspirations.
Pulsar Fusion Ltd ~ contract outside IR35
Mechanical Design Engineer (May 2024 to date)
Currently working on a contract basis with Pulsar Fusion Ltd as a Mechanical Design Engineer. They are a private company working on Nuclear Fusion Rocket Technology & hyper-fast, environmentally conscious, propulsion systems. I will be assisting them with the Mechanical Designs and ground support equipment using SolidWorks 2022.
CADtec3D Ltd (Design Consultancy)
Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer (June 2023 to May 2024)
Completed a novel design for an Airsoft Sight that uses an L.E.D. instead of a fibre optic. The L.E.D. has a choice of 2 intensity levels that overcomes the necessity of having to use relatively bright ambient light when using conventional fibre optic sights. The Sight interfaces with a Picatinny Rail. The design was modelled using SolidWorks 2022. The main Sight body is 3D printed after being optimised for a happy medium of speed, surface quality and material usage using PrusaSlicer software. In addition, I have also invested time producing a comprehensive website that includes visuals and examples of previous designs worked on for various consignments. Also includes an online electronic version on this CV showing far more detail and examples.
Taylor Hobson Ltd a subsidiary of AMETEK Inc ~ contract position outside IR35
Mechanical Design Engineer (Dec 2022 to June 2023)
Taylor Hobson manufactures non-contact roundness, form, and surface finish measurement instruments to deliver an in depth understanding of characteristics such as surface roughness, contour, form, radius, roundness, straightness to sub-micron level. I am working within the Special Applications Design Department to incorporate bespoke modifications and product improvements to a range of machines using SolidWorks 2022, PDM and “SolidWorks Manage”. SolidWorks Manage is an advanced, record-based data management system that sits above PDM that leverages the file management capabilities of SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional and adds powerful project and process management capabilities of which I now have 6 months experience. I also accurately modelled complex harness assemblies using 3D sketch to ascertain true harness lengths within the 3D assembly to expedite purchasing requirements. The 3D sketches were also used to generate photorealistic images for marketing and internal awareness purposes for stakeholders at design reviews.
CHESS Dynamics a COHORT PLC Company ~ Contract position
Mechanical Design Engineer (Dec 2021 to Dec 2022)
CHESS Dynamics are a leading design and manufacturing business, with several sites across the UK. Their product range delivers capability to the Naval, Land and Security sectors with cutting-edge technology and services. Their product range delivers advanced situational awareness, surveillance, and precision gunfire control solutions for Naval, Land and Security sectors.
My role within CHESS is to produce designs to customer specifications using SolidWorks 2022. The equipment is state of the art and designed to be operational in the harshest of environments. Extremely rapid moving equipment in both vertical and azimuth planes powered by harmonic drives. The devices incorporate Optics, Mechanical & electronic sub-assemblies.
Sagentia Innovation Ltd (a division of the science group) ~ contract outside IR35
Mechanical Engineer (May 2021 to Dec 2021)
Working with a large Team of Engineers on an innovative Medical Robot. My contribution to the overall project was Designing and detailing a drive unit that controls the dextrous / nimble part of the robot / patient interface. I am restricted by an NDA preventing me sharing technical information in detail, but the drive unit was a highly complex electromechanical engineering task. Working within International Standard IEC 80601-2-77 (medical electrical equipment), detail drawings conformed to BS8888 with full GD&T implementation using SolidWorks 2019 and PDM.
Beck Optronic Solutions Ltd ~ contract outside IR35
Opto-Mechanical design engineer (August 2020 to May 2021)
Designing and detailing the main structure and component parts that produce a “state of the art” Electro, Opto-Mechanical Device (Space Satellite). This was achieved working from a Zemax prescription and a diagram of the allowable footprint (space claim). Expertise required to accomplish this is having the ability to house precision optics in a confined, predefined footprint whilst being able to access all the internal component parts for assembly and fine adjustment. Engaged to ensure the C of G (centre of gravity) was in a very tightly tolerance zone and the overall mass had to be adhered to which meant investigating the use of some exotic materials to meet specification after structural analysis. A key aspect of the functionality of this device is having the ability to focus a primary lens remotely using a stepper motor, whilst maintaining collimation to an extremely high degree of concentricity with the main collimating assembly. That was achieved by using a precise linear stage driven by an ultrasonic piezo motor. All components including optics were Designed and detailed using SolidWorks 2017.
CADtec3D Ltd (Design Consultancy)
Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer (May 2020 to August 2020)
Leading the design of a range of Sighting systems for clay pigeon enthusiasts, focusing on the elimination of the problem associated with cross-eye dominance, including two versions one machined from an aluminium extrusion as well as creating a 3D printed version to minimise weight and cost. Key Achievements: Devised opto-mechanical devices for an armoured reconnaissance vehicle, surveying the vehicle and crafting conceptual designs illustrating the required field of view from a specific head position. Developed all models required to produce parts utilising Stereolithography (3D printing in house) along with prefabrication of prisms by filling “optically clear Perspex prisms” with oil that simulated the production glass’s refractive index. Created design specifications and delivered presentations to immediate clients and end-users on technical matters. Conducted linear finite element analysis to determine acceptable levels of deformation and stress that the product would potentially experience in its natural operating environment.
Edinburgh Instruments ~ 3rd contract with Ed Inst outside IR35
Mechanical Engineer (Oct 2019 to May 2020)
Providing Mechanical Design consultancy services on a wide range of Opto-Mechanical scientific instruments. Designing and incorporating customer requested product improvements to existing designs. Updating and amending assembly solid models to include actual cable runs that were photorealistic (rendered in SolidWorks). The modelled cable harnesses meant harness lengths were accurate and were capable of being ordering with a high degree of confidence for accuracy. This meant harnesses were ordered in parallel with the opto-mechanical components. Previously, assemblies would be assembled 1st then cable lengths determined. This process saved many months lead time. The photorealistic renderings were also used to produce instruction and maintenance manuals.
Oxford Sensors Ltd ~ contract outside IR35
Mechanical Engineer (July 2019 to Oct 2019)
Oxford Sensors are a start-up company based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Oxford Sensors design and build vision and control systems for automated welding machines. Their state-of-the-art Sensors require Opto-Mechanical Design expertise with core Mechanical principles & Electronic packaging experience. These are design competencies that I have acquired over many years from Space, Aerospace and Defence sectors as an Opto-Mechanical Engineer. I have transformed 2 prototype units into robust designs ready for sustained batch production using SolidWorks 2019. Specific areas such as Functionality, Aesthetics, Ease of Assembly / Serviceability, cost effective production methods and survivability (use in harsh environment) were all considered and implemented. Complementing the core design was a requirement for a custom Opto-Mechanical alignment jig in order to collimate the camera and laser assemblies which bring each axis to a point of coincidence at a specific pre-determined distance to a very high degree of accuracy. This was a modular design that can be used on any variation of the 2 Sensor Configuration available.
Edinburgh Instruments 2nd contract with Edinburgh Instruments ~ outside IR35
Mechanical Engineer (Feb 2019 to July 2019)
Currently working on a product modernisation exercise which involves creating Photo-realistic images using SolidWorks PhotoView 360, and Animations using SolidWorks 2018 to assist stake holders within the company to appreciate the impact of the changes proposed. It is essentially a Branding exercise. The products completed are the Raman Microscope, FIRL 100 (far infra red laser) 7.5 THz-0.25THz, PL6 CO2 laser. I have also designed a new bespoke product which is a vertical stage for the analysis of samples used with the Edinburgh Instruments FLS1000 photoluminescence spectrometer.
Sample images are available via my LinkedIn account by kind permission of Edinburgh Instruments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangrice1/
CADtec3D Ltd Design Consultancy
Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer (June 2018 to Feb 2019)
This contract involved designing Opto-Mechanical devices (unity vision periscopes) for an armoured reconnaissance vehicle. After surveying the Vehicle to capture ergonomic requirements, I produced a conceptual design that illustrates the “required” field of view from specific head positions. I gave a presentation to all the stakeholders showing my findings and a proposal for a new periscope design. The proposal was a detailed ray trace showing the light rays propagating thru the prisms illustrating immediate fields of view and total field of view with head movement. After the design was approved, I produced all the models to house the prisms using Stereolithography. Prototype prisms were also prefabricated using optically clear Perspex and filling them with oil that simulated the production glass’s refractive index to enable the prototype prisms to emulate the solid glass production solution for demonstration purposes. The demonstration set was approved, and a full set of production drawings were produced to finalise the contract.
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd 2nd contract with SSTL
Mechanical Engineer (Dec 2016 to May 2018)
SSTL provide complete in-house design and manufacture of small satellites for Earth observation, Military/defence, scientific research, navigation, and telecommunications. SSTL have been designing spacecraft solutions since the late 1970's. I was engaged to design ground support equipment and spacecraft structures for SSTL’s latest technology micro-Satellite. Using SolidWorks 2015 to design and analyse Opto-Mechanical Structures using SolidWorks PDM to check and approve other design engineers output to release for production. All equipment was produced within budget and timescale and contributed to a successful launch.
PerkinElmer Inc ~ contract outside IR35
Mechanical Engineer (May 2016 to Dec 2016)
My role involved extensive modifications to housings and other mechanical parts in order to accommodate new state of the art CMOS X-ray Detectors into PerkinElmer’s product range. The driving force for this project was to eliminate the risk of obsolescence, improved product performance, improve assembly and disassembly methods for maintenance purposes and to reduce cost. It involved producing BoM’s (bill of materials), producing design review documentation and implemented design changes and drawing updates using SolidWorks 2016. These products are for use within the Medical industry.
Edinburgh Instruments (1st Contract with Edinburgh Instruments)
Mechanical Engineer (Dec 2015 to May 2016)
Edinburgh Instruments are involved in the development, manufacture and sale of high technology products for the scientific research markets. Product range include lasers, analytical spectrometers, spectrofluorometers and pumped TeraHertz lasers. I was responsible for developing, redesigning and transforming existing products that have been manufactured in small numbers in the past by introducing changes and processes that are compatible for large production runs and reducing the cost of manufacturing. I produced all new designs using SolidWorks 2015 & PDM. I was also engaged to manage the purchasing, assembly and testing of the prototype build standards ready for production approval.
Plexus Engineering Solutions Design Consultancy (contract position)
Mechanical Engineer (Aug 2015 to Nov 2015)
This client assignment was extremely engaging and rewarding. I was assigned to develop a specific sub assembly of a very large Stem Cell Automation System. My area of expertise was to design, detail, procure and eventually build & Test a complex mechatronic process for an “Induced Pluripotent Stem cell” procedure. Interpreting a design specification to produce conceptual designs that were approved by the customer that led to the detailing of component parts and assembling & testing the sub assembly to the parent machine.
42 Technology Ltd Design Consultancy (Contract)
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer (June 2015 to August 2015)
My prime role was to Author and Orchestrate a Test Regime to ensure a ruggedized product, suitable for Transport and Storage in extremely harsh environments. This included conducting, supporting and reporting on test activities and acting as a Technical Focal point in house with suppliers. The design was in the late stages and prototype components representative of production standards were being tested in house to gain initial confidence and ultimately to be tested at an approved test house. The test regime I produced was in accordance will MIL-STD-810F: including appropriate tailoring requirements. These included Shock, Vibration, Low & High Temperature, Contamination by Fluids, Sand and Dust and Freezing Rain.
AFGlobal Ltd (previously VerdErg Connectors Ltd) 2nd Contract
Mechanical Design Engineer (September 2014 to June 2015)
AFGlobal Corporation produce "diver less" subsea connection systems used by offshore energy suppliers. The connection systems are highly sophisticated and utilise robotics and remotely operated vehicles to perform the connection process. These systems can operate in extremely harsh subsea environment. My assignment was to design and develop mechanical systems to customer specifications using SolidWorks and perform finite element analysis to ensure the survivability and functionality within the harsh environment which was to protect against corrosion and very high sub sea pressures.
Olympus KeyMed (Contract)
Mechanical Engineer (Research & Development) July 2014 to September 2014
Olympus KeyMed is a leading manufacturer of innovative optical and digital equipment for the healthcare and consumer electronics sectors. Products include endoscopy, microscopy and cameras. This assignment was a Lead role within the R&D department and my prime responsibility was to introduce a new niche market product. The design goals are based upon recent market research within the group. I was responsible for producing Conceptual Designs that capture the design requirements, producing design specifications and system requirement specifications in order for CAD Design Engineers to produce output for evaluation of each of their assignments. Having done a risk analysis of the conceptual design and proved its durability in the environment using Linear Finite Element Analysis in SolidWorks, the separate sub-assemblies were delivered to the mechanical engineers for production.
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd ~ 1st contract with Surrey Satellite Technology
Opto-Mechanical Engineer (May 2014 to July 2014)
SSTL provide complete in-house design, manufacture, launch and operation of small satellites for Earth observation, Military/defence, scientific research, navigation and telecommunications. SSTL have been designing spacecraft solutions since the late 1970's. My assignment was working within the "Module Design & DFM (Design for Manufacture) Team designing and detailing ground support equipment and structural assemblies for Space Craft and the Opto-Mechanical payloads. All design and detailing undertaken using SolidWorks and PDM.
VerdErg Ltd ~ 1st contract with VerdErg
Mechanical Design Engineer (Oct 2013 to May 2014)
VerdErg Ltd produce "diver less" subsea connection systems used by offshore energy suppliers. The connection systems are highly sophisticated and utilise robotics and remotely operated vehicles to perform the connection process. These systems are able to operate in extremely harsh subsea environment. My responsibilities were to design and develop mechanical systems to customer specifications using 3D Solid Modelling (SolidWorks 2014) and perform finite element analysis to ensure the survivability and functionality within the harsh environment.
Page Aerospace Ltd, a subsidiary company of UTC Aerospace Systems (contract position)
Mechanical Design Engineer (July 2013 to Oct 2013)
A leading design and manufacturing company for avionic equipment. Page Aerospace Ltd produce cabin lighting, power conversion and electro-mechanical controls.
Key Responsibilities were:
# Incorporate design changes to an existing product range to address customer feedback and ideas. Undertake design feasibility studies for Engineering Change requests both in house and customer derived prior to implementation for cost purposes.
# Redesigning components / sub-assemblies to address component obsolescence.
# Future proofing current designs against component obsolescence.
Professional credentials
Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers MIMechE – 2014 (Membership No. 80231525)
Registered with the Engineering Council as an “Incorporated Engineer” (IEng) – 2014 Reg No. 614823
Professional Development:
NAFEMS Practical Introduction to FEA (Stratford-upon-Avon) - 2012
SolidWorks 2010 (Advanced Parts) at CCSL Deeside 2 day course - 2011
SolidWorks 2010 (Drawings) at CCSL Deeside 2 day course – 2010
SolidWorks 2010 (Essentials) at CCSL Deeside 3 day course – 2010
Microsoft Project (Scheduling and Tracking)- Thales Training and consultancy, Crawley West Sussex - 2003
Range Conducting Officer’s course: Conducting and Supervising of live firing with Infantry weapons and up to and including 40mm Calibre at Lydd Ranges, Kent – 2003
SolidWorks training at NT CadCam – 2000
IT Skills:
SolidWorks MANAGE, SolidWorks 1999 to 2022, PrusaSlicer 2.7.2, PhotoView 360, Animation, Simulation, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Project, Publisher and Outlook.
External ballistics expertise:
I have external ballistics expertise with respect to designing bespoke Reticle / Graticule patterns for Gun Sights ranging from 7.62mm up to 40mm calibre.
I have designed 1 man Turret systems for 0.5” GPMG with Coax 7.62mm GPMG, 20mm Cannon with Coax 7.62mm GPMG, 25mm Chain Gun with Coax 7.62mm GPMG, Saco Mk19 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) with Coax 7.62mm GPMG including the Graticule / Reticles.
If you are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer with many years experience in a wide range of arena's, please get in touch for a no obligation discovery meeting.
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Looking for a Mechanical Engineering Consultant ~ Brian Grice IEng MIMechE
