Adrian Șerban

Mechanical Design Engineer | Manufacturing & Project Engineer

Talent

Durham, UKMember since June 20, 2026

Mechanical design of tooling, jigs, fixtures, robotic grippers and manufacturingProduct design and development from concept through validation and production imProject planning and full lifecycle delivery (concept, design, procurement, instNew Product Introduction (NPI) and manufacturing readiness supportDesign for Manufacture (DFM) and cost-effective engineering solutionsBills of Materials (BOM) creation and engineering documentationCapEx projects: capital investment requests, budgeting and cost trackingSupplier management, tendering, procurement and technical reviews (UK & internatInstallation supervision, commissioning and production supportAutoCAD (layouts, detailing and installation drawings)CATIA V5Autodesk Inventor3D CAD skillsDELMIA V5 – facility simulation (robot reach, interference and cycle time optimiExposure to static FEA analysis and structural design validationManufacturing engineering and production supportProcess improvement and lean manufacturingRoot cause analysis (PFMEA, 5 Why)Dimensional validation (WLS, MSR, Laser Tracker)GD&T manufacturing drawings and technical documentationCross-functional collaboration (production, quality, maintenance, suppliers and SolidWorksIC.IDO – mechanism simulation and kinematic studiesSTEP / IGES data exchangeRevitMechanical Desktop 4.0

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About

Experienced Mechanical Design, Manufacturing & Project Engineer with 20+ years' experience delivering engineering projects from concept design and feasibility through procurement, installation, commissioning and production support. Strong background in delivering in-house engineering projects from concept through design, procurement, installation and commissioning, with particular focus on robotic manufacturing facilities, BIW tooling, jigs, fixtures and grippers. Extensive experience managing capital projects, including raising CapEx orders, running supplier tendering processes, selecting and coordinating international suppliers, and overseeing installation and commissioning activities on site.

Highly proficient in AutoCAD, CATIA V5 and Autodesk Inventor, with strong ability to transfer skills across different CAD platforms and adapt quickly to new systems, standards and engineering environments. Practical, solution-driven engineer with strong shopfloor awareness, ensuring designs are robust, manufacturable and successfully implemented in production.

Experience

Mechanical / Tooling Design Engineer – Manufacturing Projects - UK Manufacturing Projects (Tier-1 Suppliers) - UK

(2025-08 - 2026-04)

Delivered tooling design and improvement projects within manufacturing environments

Developed and modified fixtures and production equipment using CAD tools
Supported installation, validation and continuous improvement activities
Worked closely with production teams to ensure functionality and robustness

Planning & Project Engineer – Body Assembly - Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK - Sunderland

(2012-05 - 2025-08)

Delivered full lifecycle engineering projects within high-volume automotive production environments

Designed and implemented in-house tooling, jigs, checking fixtures, robotic grippers and manufacturing equipment for BIW robotics facilities
Delivered reverse engineering projects using CATIA V5, laser scanning and point cloud data for plastic products, tooling and BIW manufacturing facilities
Developed parametric 3D models from scan data, sectioned geometry and dimensional inspection results, producing full manufacturing drawings and technical documentation for fabrication and implementation
Managed project activities from concept through design, procurement, installation and commissioning
Raised capital investment orders (CapEx) and supported cost estimation and budget tracking for manufacturing projects
Led supplier selection and tendering processes, working with international suppliers across Turkey, Romania, Spain and Germany
Coordinated suppliers and internal teams to ensure successful project delivery within agreed timelines and specifications
Conducted supplier visits and technical reviews to ensure quality, cost and delivery performance
Supervised installation and commissioning activities on site, ensuring safe and efficient implementation into production
Supported new model introductions (Note, Juke, Qashqai, Leaf) including facility upgrades and production line modifications
Prepared technical documentation, installation specifications and engineering packages
Performed dimensional validation using WLS, MSR systems and laser tracker
Led root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities to stabilise production and improve quality
Provided hands-on support on the shopfloor, resolving real-time engineering and production issues

Project Manager / Mechanical Design Engineer - SC PROACTIV SRL - Romania

(2008-08 - 2011-12)

Delivered complex engineering and construction projects involving welded steel structures and bespoke interior fit-out solutions for commercial spaces, hospitals and amphitheatres

Managed projects from concept through design, fabrication and on-site installation, ensuring delivery to time, cost and quality requirements
Designed mechanical systems and structural solutions, including welded steel assemblies and custom-built equipment
Developed 3D models, detailed drawings and full technical documentation (BOMs, assembly drawings, manufacturing specifications)
Translated client requirements into practical, manufacturable and cost-effective engineering solutions
Coordinated with production teams, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure successful project execution
Managed procurement activities, including supplier selection, technical alignment and cost optimisation
Supervised installation activities on site, ensuring compliance with design specifications and safety standards
Provided technical support during commissioning and handover, ensuring final delivery met client expectations

Mechanical Engineer - SC PHILIP INVEST SRL - Romania

(2007-04 - 2008-08)

Designed welded assemblies and industrial mechanical components using SolidWorks
Produced full 3D assemblies and manufacturing drawings for fabrication
Conducted manufacturability reviews and basic structural checks
Supported prototype builds and workshop implementation

Mechanical Engineer – Design & Development - SC TGH SRL - Romania

(2006-02 - 2007-04)

Designed fixtures, components and small automation systems
Produced drawings, BOMs and manufacturing documentation

Pipe Design Engineer - PAPCO - Kuwait

(2005-01 - 2006-01)

Produced AutoCAD mechanical layouts and drafting packages for water transfer and irrigation systems
Designed pump room layouts, pipe routing and mechanical installation details
Prepared fabrication drawings and installation documentation
Used Revit for equipment layout visualisation and materials representation
Coordinated design data with civil, electrical and mechanical engineering teams

Mechanical Design Engineer - EGERIA SRL - Italy

(2003-03 - 2005-12)

Designed mechanical support structures, telecom brackets and structural assemblies using 2D and 3D CAD tools
Produced fabrication drawings and assembly documentation
Supported workshop teams during prototype builds and installation preparation

Mechanical Design Engineer - SC SCUDAS S.A. - Pașcani, Romania

(2002-04 - 2003-01)

Designed CNC accessories, machine tool components and rail wagon mechanical parts
Produced GD&T manufacturing drawings and assembly documentation
Conducted structural checks and design validation for fabricated components

R&D Mechanical Engineer - UNIF PROIECT - Romania

(2000-01 - 2002-03)

Developed prototype tooling systems, tool holders and machine tool accessories
Designed clamping solutions, including mandrels, cutting tool supports and machining fixtures
Conducted feasibility studies and design validation using AutoCAD R18 and Mechanical Desktop 4.0