Hi, I’m Harsh Waichal, an industrial designer with a mechanical engineering background and an MFA in Industrial Design. I blend conceptual framing with hands-on prototyping, using CAD (SolidWorks and Fusion 360) and rapid fabrication to turn ideas into buildable, testable prototypes. I’m comfortable working in fast studio cycles from early exploration to functional models, with clear drawings, BOMs, and simple validation tests. I enjoy using AI tools to accelerate research synthesis and concept communication while grounding decisions in real constraints. I have hands-on experience in rapid prototyping across foam/clay, CNC, vacuum forming, 3D printing, laser/waterjet, and jigs/fixtures. I’ve mentored design teams, translated concepts to manufacturable CAD, and documented design intent for stakeholders. I’m open to relocation and excited to bring buildable, user-centered design to new challenges.

Harsh Waichal

Hi, I’m Harsh Waichal, an industrial designer with a mechanical engineering background and an MFA in Industrial Design. I blend conceptual framing with hands-on prototyping, using CAD (SolidWorks and Fusion 360) and rapid fabrication to turn ideas into buildable, testable prototypes. I’m comfortable working in fast studio cycles from early exploration to functional models, with clear drawings, BOMs, and simple validation tests. I enjoy using AI tools to accelerate research synthesis and concept communication while grounding decisions in real constraints. I have hands-on experience in rapid prototyping across foam/clay, CNC, vacuum forming, 3D printing, laser/waterjet, and jigs/fixtures. I’ve mentored design teams, translated concepts to manufacturable CAD, and documented design intent for stakeholders. I’m open to relocation and excited to bring buildable, user-centered design to new challenges.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Harsh Waichal, an industrial designer with a mechanical engineering background and an MFA in Industrial Design. I blend conceptual framing with hands-on prototyping, using CAD (SolidWorks and Fusion 360) and rapid fabrication to turn ideas into buildable, testable prototypes. I’m comfortable working in fast studio cycles from early exploration to functional models, with clear drawings, BOMs, and simple validation tests. I enjoy using AI tools to accelerate research synthesis and concept communication while grounding decisions in real constraints.

I have hands-on experience in rapid prototyping across foam/clay, CNC, vacuum forming, 3D printing, laser/waterjet, and jigs/fixtures. I’ve mentored design teams, translated concepts to manufacturable CAD, and documented design intent for stakeholders. I’m open to relocation and excited to bring buildable, user-centered design to new challenges.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Junior ID Workshop Mentor at UIUC School of Art & Design
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2025
Mentored students from concept to manufacturable prototypes; helped convert early sketches into buildable CAD, material choices, and assembly plans using DFM/DFA thinking. Taught hands-on processes (CNC, lathe, vacuum forming, 3D printing) and coached jigs/fixtures, tolerances, and assembly sequencing.
3D Fabrication Lab Assistant at School of Art & Design, UIUC
August 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023
Supported rapid, multi-material builds (wood/plastic/foam/metal) using CNC router, waterjet, vacuum forming, 3D printing, and hot-wire cutting; assisted simple bracket/fixture work with basic MIG/TIG and plasma cutting. Built foam bucks and quick clay studies with armatures, templates, and tape-lines; performed highlight checks and hand finishing for review-ready surfaces. Managed high-throughput shop support (~10 jobs/week; peaks ~20/day at finals) with clean scheduling, material prep, and safe operations.
Design Engineer Mentor (Internship) at KPIT Sparkle
January 1, 2022 - June 1, 2022
Helped university teams translate concepts into CAD + prototype plans; gave feedback on manufacturability, assembly logic, and design intent communication. Reviewed iterations in fast cycles; improved clarity of presentations (user journey, decision rationale, validation plan) for engineering stakeholders.
Design Intern at Yashraj Comfortable Systems
October 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Produced rapid concept sketches and layout options for interior spaces (zoning, circulation, furniture/fixture concepts) for early-stage client reviews. Built iterative sketch packs and visual directions (mood/CMF references) to converge on final concepts through critique cycles.
Design Intern at Neuestan Industries
July 1, 2021 - September 1, 2021
Built manufacturable CAD for precision CNC turning and milling parts used across automotive and industrial equipment programs; supported tolerance-aware detailing. Supported shop-floor execution through fixture notes, basic operation steps, and inspection documentation to maintain clean release data within an ISO-aligned workflow.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Industrial Design at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025
Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Mechanical Engineering at KJ Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2021

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other