Robbert de Bock

Background

About Robbert de Bock

My passion for electro-mechanical design started because of my hobby. I have a passion for aviation and have channeled this energy in model aviation. Being able to create projects from scratch has been a driving factor for a lot of my early design development. I was originally self-taught using 3D modeling software such as Solidworks, until I obtained professional certifications using the software. It has spurred me to pursue knowledge in technologies such as 3D printing and composite manufacturing. It drove my curiosity and allowed me to gain insight into mechanical and electrical system operation as well as trouble shooting. It instilled a drive to find new solutions and alternative designs. My career started as a Quality control technician. Once there, I took control of an OPTEK CMM machine. This machine was being underutilized. I developed a process and training manuals for this machine and streamlined the dimensional verification process. The automation resulted in a 400% increase in throughput for the dimensional quality control department. I created software tools to help team members with common tasks. The tools were later adopted into the company procedures. The resulting efficiency provided extra time in my day to focus on other tasks within the company. I became involved with 3rd party acceptance testing of products. This meant forging a close working relationship with numerous government and defense agencies like the NASA Goddard space center and several other major aerospace contractors. That provided an opportunity to develop professional communication skills with high level customers and suppliers. Additionally, I assisted with document control, aerospace documentation preparation and verification, as well as procedure writing. After a cross country move, I secured a position that allowed me to apply my passion for design and 3D modeling. I designed several new products from the ground up working closely with 3rd party engineers and other industry professionals. Upon my arrival I had the amazing opportunity to create a new production system from scratch. I implemented a new CAD database, procedures, a QMS system, manuals, and customer documentation. I had further exposure to root cause analysis procedures, as well as creative problem solving. For example, I created procedures to salvage non conformant product from scrap and modified existing products to conform to updated customer requirements saving the company more than 2 million dollars in scrap.