About
a little about me
I'm an engineer who would rather be outside.
I like figuring out how things work and how to make them work better. Away from the job, I'm usually in the gym, out on a trail, or planning the next trip somewhere new. Long Alaska winters haven't slowed that down. They've just given me more reasons to get creative about getting outdoors.
Adaptable
Comfortable when the plan changes, on the job or on the mountain.
Efficient
I look for the simplest way to get it done right.
Driven
Always working to be a little better than yesterday.
Goals
what I'm working toward
Explore nature
See as many wild places as I can, from the Alaska Range to the next trailhead I haven't found yet.
Improve things for others
Use what I know as an engineer to make things work better for the people who rely on them.
Leave it better than I found it
On the trail, at work, and everywhere in between, the world should be a little better for my having been there.
Listen and understand
Ask questions first. Good solutions start with understanding the people they're for.
Projects
in the workshop
Projects are on the way.
This is where I'll share what I'm building, designing, and figuring out, along with what I learned along the way. Nothing to show just yet, so check back soon.
Have something you'd like to build together? Get in touch.
Travel · U.S. · Canada · Mexico
where I've been
A few favorite places and moments so far. Tap any photo to see it larger.
Mountains & parks
Alaska · Colorado · Wyoming · Montana · Alberta · IndianaCities & coastlines
Illinois · Florida · Quintana RooMoments in between
Parties, weddings & window seats
Resume
the paper trail
Engineering and operations professional with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and an EIT. I like leading teams, solving hard problems, and building processes that hold up in the real world, including through a Fairbanks winter.
Experience
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04/2025 – Present
Pre-Production Testing Supervisor
International Motors · Fairbanks, AK
- Lead year-round cold-weather testing for up to 10 trucks, coordinating 17 drivers and 3 technicians.
- Grew the site from a winter-only, 3-truck operation to year-round testing.
- Present biweekly testing, staffing, and improvement updates to company vice presidents.
- Managed $173,000 in facility improvements.
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01/2023 – 04/2025
Product Development Engineer Sr.
International Motors · San Antonio, TX
- Created and released CAD models and prints in NX/Teamcenter.
- Designed and ran validation tests on full vehicles, components, and systems.
- Resolved issues with statistical, data-driven problem solving.
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10/2021 – 12/2022
Quality Engineer, Line Lead
Toyota Motor North America · San Antonio, TX
- Supported daily problem solving on the manufacturing line.
- Developed PDCA procedures to reduce scrap and reported progress.
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05/2021 – 08/2021
Horse Wrangler & Ranch Hand
AJ Brink Outfitters · Gypsum, CO
- Wrangled the herd morning and evening, irrigated pastures, and led guest rides.
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06/2020 – 04/2021
Manufacturing & Quality Engineer, Safety Coordinator
JADCAP Machine Works · San Antonio, TX
Contact
say hello
Questions, trail recommendations, or a project idea. My inbox is open.
derik.cruz98@gmail.com