I am a creative and resourceful industrial designer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in decorative lighting and with a solid foundation in engineering and product development. I craft custom solutions—from aluminum fuel tanks to agricultural equipment and structural steel designs—tailoring each project to meet unique client needs and market demands. I build strong client relationships through clear communication and deliver personalized designs that foster loyalty and long-term partnerships. I collaborate closely with fabrication teams to refine design processes, elevate product quality, and maintain rigorous QA throughout manufacturing. Proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, I leverage advanced design techniques while ensuring manufacturability. I am passionate about exploring opportunities in international markets, expanding product offerings, and driving client engagement with innovative, sustainable solutions. I am driven to deliver designs that inspire creativity and meet evolving market needs. I enjoy exploring new materials, processes, and manufacturing partnerships to push design boundaries, while valuing open communication, timely delivery, and measurable improvements in efficiency and quality. I seek opportunities to collaborate with forward-thinking teams worldwide and contribute to transformative products and partnerships.

Michael R. Mendoza

I am a creative and resourceful industrial designer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in decorative lighting and with a solid foundation in engineering and product development. I craft custom solutions—from aluminum fuel tanks to agricultural equipment and structural steel designs—tailoring each project to meet unique client needs and market demands. I build strong client relationships through clear communication and deliver personalized designs that foster loyalty and long-term partnerships. I collaborate closely with fabrication teams to refine design processes, elevate product quality, and maintain rigorous QA throughout manufacturing. Proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, I leverage advanced design techniques while ensuring manufacturability. I am passionate about exploring opportunities in international markets, expanding product offerings, and driving client engagement with innovative, sustainable solutions. I am driven to deliver designs that inspire creativity and meet evolving market needs. I enjoy exploring new materials, processes, and manufacturing partnerships to push design boundaries, while valuing open communication, timely delivery, and measurable improvements in efficiency and quality. I seek opportunities to collaborate with forward-thinking teams worldwide and contribute to transformative products and partnerships.

Available to hire

I am a creative and resourceful industrial designer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in decorative lighting and with a solid foundation in engineering and product development. I craft custom solutions—from aluminum fuel tanks to agricultural equipment and structural steel designs—tailoring each project to meet unique client needs and market demands. I build strong client relationships through clear communication and deliver personalized designs that foster loyalty and long-term partnerships. I collaborate closely with fabrication teams to refine design processes, elevate product quality, and maintain rigorous QA throughout manufacturing. Proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, I leverage advanced design techniques while ensuring manufacturability. I am passionate about exploring opportunities in international markets, expanding product offerings, and driving client engagement with innovative, sustainable solutions.

I am driven to deliver designs that inspire creativity and meet evolving market needs. I enjoy exploring new materials, processes, and manufacturing partnerships to push design boundaries, while valuing open communication, timely delivery, and measurable improvements in efficiency and quality. I seek opportunities to collaborate with forward-thinking teams worldwide and contribute to transformative products and partnerships.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Industrial Designer/Engineer at Engineered Manufacturing Corp.
June 1, 2023 - Present
Engineered and developed custom products including aluminum fuel tanks, agricultural equipment, generator trailers, and structural steel solutions to meet specific client requirements. Fostered daily client interactions to ensure product customization and satisfaction, which improved repeat business and referrals. Collaborated with fabrication teams to optimize design processes, elevating product quality and production consistency. Achievements include increasing operational efficiency by 15%, expanding product lines by 20%, and boosting productivity by 10%.
Estimator / High Rise Building at Ready Windows
May 31, 2023 - August 30, 2025
Estimated and sold storefront designs using fenestration systems from the manufacturer. Educated clients on product systems, improving departmental productivity by leveraging design background. Developed and marketed innovative architectural products, increased sales, and enhanced client product productivity by 15%.
Industrial Designer at Michael Mendoza (Freelance Designer)
June 30, 2019 - August 30, 2025
Created, designed, and prototyped products using SolidWorks and AutoCAD aligned with market demands and quality standards. Conducted factory visits to ensure production quality adherence and expanded client business opportunities through design marketing and product sourcing. Successfully developed product lines for international markets, increasing diversity by 20% and productivity by 15%.
Industrial Designer at Vertilux
August 31, 2018 - August 30, 2025
Designed and developed 3D prototypes for innovative blind systems using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Managed development, execution, and marketing of designs in collaboration with factories, ensuring quality and consistency. Expanded international business opportunities resulting in a 30% increase in product offerings and a 25% improvement in client productivity.
Project Manager at AMF Building Products
June 30, 2015 - August 30, 2025
Conducted on-site measurements for manufacturing accuracy and managed material and time estimations. Led the design of balcony and stair railing products using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Improved workplace productivity by 15%, reduced errors and rework, and boosted team efficiency by 20% through effective communication and collaboration.
Industrial Designer at Freelance Designer
February 28, 2014 - August 30, 2025
Designed innovative lighting trends using freehand, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD. Attended industry events to identify emerging trends and inspired new product designs. Expanded client business opportunities with design marketing and product sourcing, launching lighting products internationally and increasing product line diversity by 20% and productivity by 10%.
Senior Industrial Designer at Catalina Lighting, Inc.
January 31, 2009 - August 30, 2025
Conceptualized and designed lighting and furniture collections through freehand sketches and 3D modeling software. Led factory visits in China to negotiate and supervise product development, ensuring quality standards. Developed targeted product strategies aligned with customer base and reduced product line costs by 15% through vendor collaboration.
Senior Industrial Designer/Engineer at Engineered Manufacturing Corp.
June 1, 2023 - Present
Engineered and developed a range of custom products, including aluminum fuel tanks, agricultural equipment, generator trailers, and structural steel solutions, tailored to meet specific client requirements, enhancing client satisfaction and expanding market reach. Collaborated with fabrication teams to optimize design processes and elevate product quality, resulting in consistent production of high-quality, durable products. Maintained daily client interactions to deliver highly customized solutions, building strong relationships and ensuring products exceeded expectations, contributing to repeat business and referrals.
Estimator at READY WINDOWS
May 1, 2023 - September 24, 2025
Estimated and sold storefront designs using systems from the manufacturer. Guided clients on fenestration systems, prepared architectural drawings, and supported the department with design-driven process improvements. Improved department effectiveness and productivity by aligning offerings with client needs and leveraging design background.
Industrial Designer at MICHAEL MENDOZA (Freelance Designer)
June 1, 2019 - September 24, 2025
Utilized SolidWorks and AutoCAD to create, design, and prototype trend-setting products, ensuring alignment with market demand and quality standards. Conducted factory visits to verify production quality and adherence to drawings, maintaining high manufacturing standards. Expanded client opportunities by offering design marketing and product sourcing services, increasing engagement and international market exposure.
Industrial Designer at VERTILUX
August 1, 2018 - September 24, 2025
Designed and developed 3D prototypes for innovative blind systems using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, ensuring precision and quality. Collaborated with factories to manage development, execution, and marketing of new and existing designs, maintaining consistency across product stages. Expanded business opportunities through strategic design, marketing, and product sourcing for growth and client satisfaction.
Project Manager at AMF BUILDING PRODUCTS
June 1, 2015 - September 24, 2025
On-site measurements to gather precise dimensions for manufacturing, ensuring accurate project execution. Oversaw material and time estimations for new projects, optimizing resources and maintaining timelines. Led the design of balcony and stair railing products using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, delivering high-quality and visually appealing solutions that met structural standards.
Industrial Designer at MICHAEL MENDOZA (Freelance Designer)
February 1, 2014 - September 24, 2025
Designed innovative lighting trends using freehand, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD; attended industry events to identify trends and inspire new product designs aligned with market preferences. Expanded client opportunities by introducing design marketing and product sourcing, broadening reach and engagement.
Senior Industrial Designer at Catalina Lighting, Inc.
January 1, 2009 - September 24, 2025
Conceptualized and designed lighting and furniture collections through freehand sketches and 3D modeling; led factory visits in China to negotiate with agents and supervise the product development process, ensuring quality and timely production. Reduced product line costs by 15% through vendor collaboration and streamlined processes.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design/Product Design at Pratt University
January 11, 2030 - August 30, 2025
Associate Degree in Architecture at Essex County College
January 11, 2030 - August 30, 2025
Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design/Product Design at PRATT UNIVERSITY
January 11, 2030 - September 24, 2025
Associate Degree in Architecture at ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE
January 11, 2030 - September 24, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Retail