# Hugo Mutkin > UC Berkeley MEng Mechanical Engineering Student | Design & Development Engineer at Caterpillar UK | BEng Mechanical Engineering at The University of Manchester Location: Berkeley, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/hugomutkin Mechanical Engineer with experience taking products from early concept through to production. Strong background in CAD-driven design (SolidWorks, Creo), tolerance analysis, DFM, and hands-on prototyping, with a focus on building hardware that is robust, manufacturable, and production-ready. Previously worked in a hybrid design and production engineering role at Caterpillar, supporting both CPI and NPI machines. Experience includes root-cause analysis of fit and alignment issues, tooling and process design, supplier collaboration, and implementing line-ready fixes to improve quality and reliability. Currently completing an MEng in Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley, focused on modelling and simulation for advanced manufacturing processes, and developing mechanical systems through integrated microprocessor design. Also working on a wearable medical device project with PyrAmes, Inc., contributing to mechanical design, manufacturability, and sensor integration for a scalable production system. Portfolio: hugomutkin.myportfolio.com | Email: hugomutkin@gmail.com ## Work Experience ### Product Design and Development Engineer @ Caterpillar Inc. Jan 2024 – Jan 2025 | Desford Working in the Backhoe Loader Platform team, my role was hugely varied, with responsibilities ranging from production engineering to NPI project development. As a production engineer, I responded to issues from the production line, dealers, and customers from an engineering point of view. This involved rapid problem-solving under time pressure and longer-term investigations aimed at improving the safety, quality, and efficiency of current production machines, the production line, and newly introduced products. The project work at Caterpillar Inc. included both improvements to existing components and the development of new systems. I was able to collaborate with technical teams such as Hydraulics and Structures teams, Supplier Development Engineers and the suppliers themselves. These projects exposed me to new software and analysis techniques, including hose routing, bolted joint analysis and static & modal FEA analysis software, culminating in on-machine prototype testing. ### EV Cooling Sub-Team Lead @ Manchester Stinger Motorsports Jan 2022 – Jan 2023 | Manchester Area, United Kingdom • Developed the cooling package for Manchester’s brand-new FSEV using Matlab, Simulink and CFD. • Recruited and trained sub-team members on key heat transfer topics pertaining to EV design. ### Intake and Cooling Subteam Member @ Manchester Stinger Motorsports Jan 2020 – Jan 2022 | Manchester Area, United Kingdom • Created a parameterised intake plenum model, allowing rapid iterative CFD modelling and simulation. ### Tooling Engineer @ Camcraft Ltd Jan 2023 – Jan 2023 | Bishops Frome, England, United Kingdom During my internship at Camcraft Ltd. as a tooling engineer, I further honed my skills in precision manufacturing by producing parts with tolerances as tight as ±0.002" for complex aerofoil moulds used in the aerospace industry. This hands-on role required me to operate Bridgeport-style milling machines and work within a single datum system, ensuring that the geometries produced by their EDM and CNC Milling machines match the precision required to form their intricate moulds. This real-world application of Camcraft’s sequential manufacturing processes provided valuable insight into various material removal methods and underscored the critical importance of process design, tolerancing, and precision in machining. ### Product Development Engineer @ JNDC Ltd Jan 2022 – Jan 2022 At JNDC, I worked on a range of client-driven design projects, gaining early responsibility and autonomy in delivering commercial solutions. I led development of a sport PPE product from concept to manufacture, translating a consumer-oriented specification into three surface-modelled, manufacturable concepts, and presented design progress directly to the client. I also contributed to a modular lighting system project, conducting competitor and component research, designing electronic assemblies, and producing a functional prototype with a capacitive touch sensor. Through this placement, I strengthened my understanding of design-for-manufacture, supplier communication, and intellectual property management, liaising with suppliers and handling quotes while maintaining confidentiality. ### Test Rig Development Engineer @ Interactual Limited Jan 2022 – Jan 2022 At Interactual, I developed hardware upgrades for decommissioned firearms repurposed as virtual clay pigeon shotguns, reducing product returns from 15 to zero units per week. This included repopulating PCBs with new resistors to integrate LEDs, designing and producing bespoke injection-moulded guards using a tabletop injection moulding machine, and reassembling complete systems. Working within a fast-paced consultancy environment, I gained hands-on experience in electronic integration, prototyping, and workshop-based engineering, contributing to multiple concurrent client projects. ### Product Development Engineer @ JNDC Ltd Jan 2021 – Jan 2021 During my first year at JNDC, I focused on test rig development for product durability testing. I independently designed and assembled a linear actuator load test rig capable of supporting up to 100 kg for a renewable energy client. The rig used actuators with custom run programs and displacement limits to simulate 50 years of operational wear in 21 days. The project enhanced my technical design, system integration, and mechanical testing skills while providing valuable experience in project planning and supplier sourcing. ### Test Rig Development Engineer @ Interactual Limited Jan 2021 – Jan 2021 | Kingston upon Thames, England, United Kingdom At Interactual, I designed and assembled multiple test rigs for industrial clients. A highlight project involved creating a drop-test carriage system capable of simulating 30 mph collision impacts for a national infrastructure company. The rig consisted of a 10-metre scaffolding frame and an aluminium extrusion carriage guided along vertical tracks to ensure accurate, repeatable testing. This role deepened my practical design, assembly, and verification skills while demonstrating how small engineering teams deliver complex, high-quality solutions efficiently across multiple projects. ### Packaging Engineer Intern @ 1HQ Brand Agency Jan 2019 – Jan 2019 Short work experience position assisting in the 3D packaging department at 1HQGlobal, an international marketing agency, working with the likes of Heinz and Unilever. ### Engineering Intern @ The Imagination Factory Jan 2018 – Jan 2018 At The Imagination Factory, I was mostly engaged with CAD work. The company focuses on using technology to design and make physical products, immersive experiences, and installations. Human-centered design is their main design philosophy, creating value for many well-known brands. ## Education ### Master of Engineering - MEng in Mechanical Engineering University of California, Berkeley ### Bachelor of Engineering - BEng in Mechanical Engineering The University of Manchester ### The Mill Hill School Foundation ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hugo-mutkin --- Source: https://flows.cv/hugomutkin JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/hugomutkin/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13