I’m a strategy consultant with a passion for sustainability and a background in engineering and R&D. Known as an inventive problem-solver, I bring expertise in delivering data-driven, end-to-end solutions to complex challenges. I focus on aligning innovative engineering approaches with sustainable, high-impact business strategies.
University of Southern California | BS Mechanical Engineering with a Design Emphasis
As the Lead Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer at Paulsson, Inc. (PI), I designed a fiber optic-based high-temperature high-pressure non-electric sensor. Some of the design specifications included:
· High chemical resistance to the harsh environments of a borehole
· Measure 0-15,000 psi (operation pressure), with a burst pressure of at least 20,000 psi
· Measure 0-700°F
Using SolidWorks and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), I designed a prototype that was machined in-house. This led to an internal proof of concept lab testing and achieving a TRL 3-4 status. My design work allowed me to be a co-inventor on the pending patent for this sensor design.
As an R&D Engineer, I focused on optimizing the 3D metal printer itself.
Generally, the printing goes through a 4-stage printing process: Spreading a thin layer of fine powder > Spraying a binder over that layer > Cure that layer to harden the binder > Cut shapes out of that layer.
Tasked with improving the curing process, I used root-cause analysis to uncover the real underlying issue or, in actuality, the goal of the curing stage and invented a novel process to do so. This process dramatically improved layer time, curing rates, and part uniformity.
Founded a company that thrives on innovation and adaptation, helping the everyday inventor design, prototype, manufacture, and go to market for products in the clean energy, medical, industrial, and consumer industries. I lead a team of engineers and effectively manage subcontractors, clients, and company growth, ensuring we always stay ahead of the curve.
Successfully completed over 30 projects involving mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software for various clients and maintained a perfect 5-star rating.
Launched the Stove Buddy brand and grew revenue to $50,000/month within 45 days of launch by determining product-market fit through AB testing video ads, leveraging customer feedback, and design upgrades.
Led the mechanical engineering development of a magnetostrictive terfenol-d rod actuator to output 10,000 lbf at 1,600Hz, deployable to 10,000 ft into hostile boreholes.
With over 400 parts experiencing extreme temperature and pressure and a highly corrosive environmental factor, material properties and high tolerance played critical roles in the success of this project.
I was asked to identify the problem and propose a solution for a machining process for an aerospace product that was experiencing abnormally high levels of torque rejections. Using root cause analysis and the PCSAM method (Problem, Cause, Solution, Action, Measurement) approach, I was able to determine the root cause was the crimp die itself.
I applied my innovative product-based solutions strategies to develop a modular crimp die that eliminated more than 90% of various and delivered a 100% success rate while increasing its product capability range by 15X.
As a consultant and mechanical engineer by trade, I’m also an innovator and entrepreneur with over 6 years of experience in delivering data-driven solutions to complex challenges, particularly in R&D projects. I have earned a reputation as a strategic problem-solver, directing and managing full-cycle projects across the industrial, clean energy, medical, and e-commerce industries. Holding an EIT certification, I have a proven track record in product design, 3D modeling, FEA simulation, prototyping, testing, and MVP production for metal and plastic products.
Known for effectively managing clients, subcontractors, and company growth, I excel in leading teams, communicating complex ideas, and delivering innovative designs within budget constraints. My ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams allows me to simplify technical complexities and provide clear, actionable insights for stakeholders. I am also skilled in guiding clients based on consumer and market research, ensuring that their strategies align with market demands.
My notable accomplishments include developing patentable technologies, managing multimillion-dollar projects, and maintaining a 5-star rating with all projects at Clean Science Labs. My approach is characterized by resilience, high energy, and a proactive mindset, enabling me to drive projects from concept through to successful execution.
andrewrcecola@gmail.comCarson Patents
Clean Science Lab
CTO & Founder
Jan 2020 – Present
Solutions Engineer & Area Manager
Sept 2022 – Nov 2023
● Successfully managed a $35 million project for Nestle, overseeing a large hygienic HVAC project involving 50+ AHUs and ducting systems, ensuring quality, on-time delivery, and budget compliance.
● Increased revenue by 15% and generated over $50 million in quotations for the first U.S. office by optimizing the technical sales quotation process by 200%.
● Achieved 100% budget compliance and reduced manufacturing quality errors to 3% by adopting new skills in AutoCAD and Revit and implementing rigorous quality assessments for post-manufacturing and on-site commissioning.
R&D Mechanical Engineer
Jan 2022 – Sep 2022
● Increased the 3D metal printer’s efficiency by 30% by developing a patentable alternative curing method, optimizing layer times, curing rates, and part uniformity for state-of-the-art metal additive manufacturing machines.
● Secured a $600,000 purchase order by leading a team to develop a workable MVP using FEA analysis with SolidWorks, meeting client specifications and performance requirements.
● Achieved a 20% improvement in layer times by standardizing AB testing (DFT), interpreting results / root cause analysis, and implementing findings to optimize binder penetration and distribution uniformity.
● Led an R&D team of three to develop robotic process automation projects from concept to completion and guided each project through continuous improvement cycles, including a build plate cooling unit and a rapid dehumidification chamber.
Lead Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer & Technical Manager
Sep 2020 – Jan 2022
● Increased company revenue by 20% by launching an internal rapid prototype consulting wing, generating innovative product designs, FEA simulations, and rendering for clients.
● Co-invented a sensor design that improved durability by 25% and reduced size by 50% for a high-temperature, high-pressure, corrosion-resistant fiber optic sensor using DFM and SolidWorks advanced non-linear thermal stress analysis.
● Led a team of four to be the finalists in Clean Technology incubators and pitch competitions, including the Clean Tech Open and the Cal-Seed Business competition, achieving recognition and advancement in clean technology initiatives.
Control Systems Integrator II
Jan 2019 – Sep 2020
· Designed control systems through interpretation of control descriptions, analysis of mechanical system requirements, and other customer specifications.
· Independently developed multiple HMI and SCADA projects with Ignition 8.0 to integrate with existing PLC programming.
Operation and design Engineer Lead
Aug 2016 – Dec 2019
● Raised $30K and helped address the open defecation crisis by leading the development of a symbiotic, product-based solution through SaniSolver, a non-profit dedicated to sustainable sanitation in India.
● Achieved a scalable and cost-effective waterless toilet prototype by performing structural analysis using Siemens NX, dedicating 10-15 hours per week to the project.
● Converted bio-waste into methane-rich biogas and fertilizer by inventing a modular, two-stage anaerobic digestion plant, contributing to sustainable waste management.
● Ensured project scalability and successful implementation by maintaining critical partnerships with foreign manufacturers and Indian humanitarian organizations, including trips to China and India.