Joseph Labdik IV

I've been living and breathing manufacturing since I was 14. I see the field as a blend of science and art—where others see chaos, I see an orchestra. From the simplistic roots of machining to the complex realities of designing, prototyping, and mass-producing high-quality products, I look at the entire lifecycle differently than most.

While I don't hold a formal engineering degree, I've spent years collaborating with global engineering teams on brainstorming, iteration, and testing. The line between a modern advanced manufacturing specialist and an engineer is becoming increasingly fluid. I bridge that gap, bringing a hands-on perspective to design that streamlines development and complements formal engineering training.

I don't just execute drawings; I partner with R&D teams to optimize geometry for manufacturing, slash cycle times, and prevent costly design revisions before chips ever fly. My career has evolved from running machines to leading them. I've stood up full machine shops, managed every aspect of a 10-person design and manufacturing firm, secured and executed DARPA design contracts, and successfully implemented ISO/ANSI quality systems in the medical and nuclear sectors.

I am a relentless learner who obsesses over technical hurdles until they are solved. I understand the logistical and regulatory consequences of quality, and I am ready to bring that level of rigor to your team.

Senior Machinist / Manufacturing Engineering Support at Last Energy (2026-01 – 2026-06)

• Partner with design engineers on NPI (New Product Introduction) to validate prototype functionality and establish manufacturing feasibility.
• Program, design custom tooling, execute complex CNC fabrication runs, and perform rigorous quality control processes.
• Manage tooling inventory, monitor machine equipment health, and scope out capital equipment procurement to bring external processes in-house.
• Conducted root-cause analysis on tight-tolerance deviations, assisting in the implementation of the ANSI 15.8 Quality Management System.
• Create, manage, and maintain robust supply chain pipelines for raw materials and tooling.
• Represent the engineering and fabrication facility by leading technical tours for investors

Prototype Machinist / Automated Tooling Program Specialist at Tesla (2023-09 – 2025-12)

• Machined ultra-precision components and assemblies critical for safety-critical engineering testing and fast-paced R&D development.
• Programmed and operated Haas twin-spindle live tooling lathes and multi-axis mills using Mastercam.
• Collaborated closely with cross-functional engineering teams to iterate design geometries, improving manufacturability and reducing cycle times and scrap rates.
• Developed prototype tooling layouts for next-generation production equipment, consistently maintaining tight tolerances within.02mm.

Owner / Operator at JSL Innovations (2018-11 – 2023-07)

• Prototyped and developed complex medical devices for innovative startups and Tier-1 medical corporations.
• Led the core engineering and prototyping team through a successful DARPA SBIR Phase 1 contract, adhering to defense-sector operational and regulatory requirements.
• Designed, tested, and validated highly scalable manufacturing processes from initial concept to commercial readiness.
• Established and obtained formal ISO 9001 certification, architecting full QMS framework and SOPs across all company operations.
• Recruited, trained, and managed a high-performing 10-employee cross-functional design and manufacturing firm.

Model Maker, Shop Manager, On-site Vendor at Johnson & Johnson's Center for Device Innovation (2018-11 – 2023-01)

• Translated napkin sketches from specialized physicians into highly functional, complex prototypes ready for immediate clinical evaluation.
• Provided on-site engineering and mechanical troubleshooting support during animal laboratory validation testing.
• Supported comprehensive FDA IRB studies and provided key manufacturing documentation for critical SBIR/STTR grants.
• Scoped, procured, and deployed high-end capital equipment to stand up a rigorous, multi-axis machining division.

Journeyman Tool & Die Apprentice Program in Precision Manufacturing – Lehigh Carbon Community College (2014-06 – 2017-01)

Certificate in Precision Manufacturing Technologies – Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (2014 – 2014)