Darren Kool

D|K D A R R E N KO O L DESIGNER / MECHANICAL ENGINEER / PROJECT MANAGER - Darrenkool.net - Passionate and creative Industrial Designer, Mechanical Engineer and production manager with 10+ years of experience in retail production and 3D deliverables and Mechanical Engineering. Innovative approach to idea and concept development. Great communicator determined to finish all projects within budget and in a timely manner. Detailed-oriented and accustomed to working in fast paced environments. WORK EXPERIENCE SKILLS SOLIDWORKS RHINO 3D CINEMA 4D AUTODESK ALIAS KEYSHOT RENDERING SKETCHING DIGITAL SKETCHING PHOTOSHOP ILLUSTRATOR Senior Industrial Designer GAF Energy | San Jose CA | 08/2022-02/2025 • Reported directly to head of Mechanical Engineering. Designed and created new part prototypes for testing, validation, and implementation of solar system. Created engineering drawings for review and manufacturing. Oversaw drawing reviews with vendors for approval for manufacturing. • 3D Visualization and Communication Lead. Responsible for product renders and animations. Visualization of solar products on 3D modeled homes as well as fly-by animations to study the effects of sunlight on solar products. The application of Cinema 4D and Redshift rendering and animation greatly improved render fidelity and streamlined decision making by cross-functional teams without the need for costly and time consuming physical mock-ups. MECHANICAL ENG • Team lead for all new product design development, overseeing conception, concept visualization, physical mock-up and golden sample physical models. Closely advised mechanical engineers through manufacturing process for all design related matters. • Lead cross-functional team design reviews with senior leadership. MATERIALS • Led new packaging program for new products designed for better human factor functionality, efficiency, cost saving, and graphic design. INDESIGN 3D PRINTING LASER CUTTING METAL FABRICATION MOLDING VACUUM FORMING PROJECT MANAGEMENT E D U C AT I O N Bachelor of Art, Industrial Design Academy of Art University, San Francisco- 3D Production Manager Bayside Solutions at Apple | Sunnyvale CA | 12/2021-05/2022 Project Management • Managed CAD files from vendors and distribution to cross -functional teams for application of their individual work. Helped maintain intranet website where all important project documents could be accessed by production team and cross-funtional. • Managed new solutions for Avenues engineering components. Worked directly with vendors to develop standardized components for Avenues Merchandising bays in Apple flagship stores. • Led the effort to standardize and consolidate hardware components of Avenues merchandising program. Led effort to transition the engineering and hardware used in Avenues program to metric only measurements. • Managed programmatic dashboard to capture crucial information related to ongoing Apple Retail production projects. Maintained project trackers and timelines to ensure key project deadlines were met. WORK EXPERIENCE EXPERTISE COMMUNICATION ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE INTEGRITY IMAGINATION ABILITY TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX LEADERSHIP PROBLEM SOLVING TEAMWORK AND ABILITY TO LISTEN REFERENCES Chris Tewksbury Design Engineering Manager Phone:- Email:-Denise Young Head of Global Development and Production Phone:- Email:-Gabriel Gentry-George Senior 3D Production Manager Phone:- Email:-P AT E N T S Google Retail Wedge Device 2020 Display with Graphic Retail High Security Table and 2020 Retail High Security Shelving System Interactive Production Manager HH at Google | Mountain View CA | 04/2018-12/2021 Project Management • Worked directly with creative team at Google retail to design and engineer Google led global retail fixtures. • Once design was passed off, initial Mechanical engineering drawings were created of retail fixture prototypes. • Contacted and vetted manufacturers for prototype manufacturing as well as production manufacturing. • Oversaw prototype reviews, Engineering changes, testing, validation and awarded manufacturer contract to manufacturer final prototype for mass production In-House Prototype Development • Utilized model shop to rapid prototype high quality fixture parts, small displays and fixture props. • Utilized model shop to laser cut parts and sign holders. • Designed and prototyped production quality attachment backings for Nest and Google products and assisted security team in development over security solutions for retail applications. Data Management • Introduced file management system and exclusively managed CAD file transfer to Google team members and to manufacturers. 3D Design Manager The Argonaut | San Jose CA | 04/2014-04/2018 • Contracted exclusively for Apple inc. To create 3D modeling and renderings for apple retail and design literature. • 3D Modeled Apple inc. Products, retail fixtures and store displays using Cinema 4D, Rhino and SOLIDWORKS. • Created “in situs” (super imposing a render into a real life photograph) using Photoshop for Apple inc. Worldwide sales proposals. • Worked extensively on-site at Apple inc. for new product launches. • Managed team of designers to meet hard deadlines regularly for Apple Inc. projects. Industrial Designer/Mechanical Engineer Heinzen Manufacturing International | Gilroy CA | 08/2012-04/2014 • Designed equipment from conception to production using SOLIDWORKS. Highly involved in the mechanical engineering process to develop new parts to improve machine performance. • Developed improvements to existing products for FDA Compliance for standards in food safety. • Worked directly with R&D and CEO to establish the company as the leader in sanitary design. • Worked extensively on high volume wash line for Taylor Farms Retail contributing to largest yearly earnings in company history. • Worked directly with fabricators and production department to redline engineering drawings and resolve any issues with construction of equipment. Brand Management • Designed and implemented all marketing including banners, shirts, product video media and product renderings at the UFPA (United Fresh Produce Association) Expo in San Diego. • Visual imaging lead. Created all product animation and rendering for industry ads, periodicals and assistance to sales people for customer relations.