Aaron Mcdaniel

Aaron Mcdaniel Email and Phone Number

Senior Hardware Systems Engineer @ Amazon
Seattle, WA, US
Aaron Mcdaniel's Location
Seattle, Washington, United States, United States
Aaron Mcdaniel's Contact Details
About Aaron Mcdaniel

With 15+ years in hardware development, I combine mechanical and design engineering expertise with a passion for innovation. I thrive in cross-functional teams, working with product managers, industrial designers, and software and hardware engineers to deliver scalable, customer-centric solutions.My expertise spans hardware design, mechanical architecture, system-level design, and project management, with a focus on emerging technologies and user-centric solutions. From concept to production, I ensure technical excellence, manufacturability, and alignment with organizational goals.I’ve led 12+ hardware initiatives and contributed to 12+ successful products across startups, consultancies, and large corporations. With 25+ patents, I’m committed to driving innovation and solving complex engineering challenges.If you're seeking a versatile hardware leader, let’s connect.SkillsTechnical Expertise-Mechanical Design & Architecture: End-to-end hardware development, system-level design, and component engineering.-CAD Tools: Skilled in SolidWorks, PLM systems, and detailed engineering documentation.-DFM/DFA: Expertise in manufacturability, scalability, and tolerance analysis.-Prototyping & Testing: Rapid prototyping, functional testing, and FEA simulations.Innovation & Problem-Solving-Intellectual Property: 25+ patents, driving IP strategy and development.-Emerging Technologies: Experience with RFID, IoT, and AI/ML in hardware systems.-Complex Systems Engineering: Solving interdisciplinary challenges across domains.Leadership & Collaboration-Cross-Functional Collaboration: Aligning hardware design with product, software, and research teams.-Project Management: Scheduling, design and technical review writing, risk mitigation, and delivery.-Mentorship: Leading and mentoring engineers to foster innovation.Manufacturing & Production-Processes: Injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, etc.-Supplier Management: Managing global suppliers for prototyping and production.-Product Lifecycle: Comprehensive experience from concept to mass production.

Aaron Mcdaniel's Current Company Details
Amazon

Amazon

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Senior Hardware Systems Engineer
Seattle, WA, US
Website:
amazon.com
Employees:
734811
Aaron Mcdaniel Work Experience Details
  • Amazon
    Senior Hardware Systems Engineer
    Amazon
    Seattle, Wa, Us
  • Amazon
    Senior Mechanical Engineer
    Amazon Nov 2020 - Present
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Led hardware development for emerging products within the JWO Technology group, focusing on creating seamless, AI-driven shopping experiences. Delivered multiple hardware innovations, taking concepts from ideation to production while driving cross-functional collaboration and technical excellence.JWO RFID Checkout Lanes:- Spearheaded the development of an industry-first, frictionless checkout solution using RFID, sensors, and AI. Scaled the project from an unfunded concept with three contributors to a fully-funded product line with over 80 team members.- Directed initial hardware R&D, prototype development, and system integration. Defined test plans, hardware architecture, system requirements, and physical designs.- Authored detailed engineering specs, CAD models, and drawings for contract manufacturing. Led onsite issue resolution, ensuring the pilot's success.- Designed and patented Gen 2 innovations, including the electro-mechanical detailed design of rotating tech pole assembly integrating RFID antennas, wireless access point, lighting, and cameras. Completed design, analysis, testing in under six months for production release.- Defined hardware vision and IP strategy, securing four patent applications and driving two hardware generations to production.Gen 3 Smart Shopping Cart Charger:- Directed the development of a next-gen cart charger for the 2025 smart cart release. Led a team of four engineers in rapid design iterations, testing, and prototype builds. Delivered a patent-pending solution aligned with product goals.Hardware R&D & Innovation:- Championed the integration of UHF RFID, computer vision, and AI technologies into store systems, developing and testing four distinct architectures in collaboration with research, software, hardware, and product teams- Authored five feasibility studies and secured 10 patents across six system architectures, resulting in the funding of three new initiatives.
  • Amazon
    Mechanical Engineer
    Amazon Aug 2017 - Nov 2020
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    - Managed hardware development for the JWO store variable weight initiative, fulfilling a critical demand from Amazon Fresh Store businesses. Innovated four distinct hardware solutions, with two solutions currently deployed, integrating in-store PC weight scales and camera tracking. Additionally, conducted a successful pilot of RFID sensor and camera tracking integration. Responsibilities encompassed RFID sensor post system architecture definition, mechanical part and assembly detailed design, and test setup and cordination. -Identified and executed the plan to technologically enable existing store refrigerators for the installation of JWO shelf sensors, resulting in the creation of a comprehensive blueprint for suppliers, retrofit processes, and custom cable raceway retrofit hardware utilized in current refrigerators.-Led the transition from custom to Joint Development Manufacture (JDM) on tech-enabled ambient fixtures, achieving a 78% cost reduction and enabling scalability to new store formats. This involved supplier selection, evaluation, and driving the development of 45 unique parts, now installed in all 100+ JWOT stores. Received a patent for wall-mounted cable housing assemblies used.
  • Chefsteps
    Senior Mechanical Engineer
    Chefsteps Mar 2017 - Aug 2017
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Lead R&D engineer on next generation sous vide maker, a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled kitchen appliance. Researched a new method of motor-less water mixing taking it from an idea to working prototype with pitch to investors.
  • Product Creation Studio
    Mechanical Engineer
    Product Creation Studio Jun 2014 - Mar 2017
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Product development consultant specializing in mechanical engineering. Lead engineer on three products and mechanical engineer on over a dozen. Products I was the lead engineer on include: A new high end cookware product line with over 30 SKU from concept to production. Two different medical device trainers with a combined 100,000 EAU and worldwide distribution from concept to production. A medical diagnostic headset from a idea to a working prototype. Plus, designed and built various test fixtures to support design verification and process validation (i.e. force-deflection, circuit board QC, sound performance, and temperature profile, etc).
  • Medzen
    Product Architect & Co-Founder
    Medzen Jan 2014 - Jul 2014
    I cofounded a hardware startup after validating the need for a product gap while doing user research with Physiotherapist to help optimize their workflow. The business plan and proposal was selected for the local incubator Thrill Mill at Pittsburgh. I lead prototype design and build and conducted several user-studies along with the prototype with a small team of 3 members with local Physiotherapist and their patients testing, validating and perfecting the final product.
  • Ge Appliances, A Haier Company
    Mechanical Design Engineer
    Ge Appliances, A Haier Company Jul 2010 - Jul 2013
    Louisville, Ky, Us
    Designed and executed 36 new dishwasher consumer interface parts three product family launches with over 1.5 million annual volume. Parts include dishwasher outer and inner door and rack assembly parts. Inventor on 4 patents and 7 patent applications on dishwasher features. Several of the features are present in dishwashers currently in the market.
  • Ge Appliances, A Haier Company
    Engineer - Edison Engineer Development Program
    Ge Appliances, A Haier Company Jun 2008 - Jun 2010
    Louisville, Ky, Us
    Completed Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP) that consisted of advanced engineering courses, technical projects, and four rotational assignments in different product lines. I was responsible for initial development through working prototypes for ice maker bucket, refrigerator shelf, and range soft-close hinge. Received 3 patents and 6 patent applications from product ideas and features in refrigerator and ranges.
  • Ge Appliances, A Haier Company
    Design Engineer
    Ge Appliances, A Haier Company Jun 2007 - Jan 2008
    Louisville, Ky, Us
    Redesigned a refrigerator door hinge for all top mount refrigerators that reduced thirty percent of the material and maintained the same stiffness and performance.
  • Linfield College
    Teaching Assistant
    Linfield College Aug 2003 - May 2006
    Mcminnville, Or, Us
    Taught Machine Shop, Introduction to Physics, and Electronics labs for two years.
  • Uc Santa Barbara
    Intern, Nnin Reu
    Uc Santa Barbara Jun 2005 - Aug 2005
    Santa Barbara, Ca, Us
    Developed a bi-layer lithography process using nano-imprinting during a ten-week internship at the Nano-fabrication Facility. Presented results, “Bi-Layer Lithography Using Nano-imprinting”, at the 2005 NNIN REU Convocation at Stanford University on August 11, 2005.
  • Arizona State University
    Intern, Nsf Reu
    Arizona State University Jun 2004 - Aug 2004
    Tempe, Az, Us
    During a 10-week internship, developed an analytical model to optimize tennis racquet string tension given atmospheric conditions. Results form the bases of my B.S. thesis “Trajectory of a Tennis Ball: Air Density Versus String Tension.”
  • Mcco
    Architect And Builder
    Mcco May 2000 - Aug 2004
    Designed two full sets of house plans used to build homes in Oregon and Washington. Built one house from the ground up. Responsibilities included; site preparation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, siding, deck, flooring, and finish woodworking. Project details and pictures at: http://aaronmcdaniel.design/#/house/

Aaron Mcdaniel Skills

Product Development Product Design Design For Manufacturing Rapid Prototyping Cross Functional Team Leadership Solidworks Six Sigma Concept Development Engineering Mechanical Engineering Design Thinking Manufacturing Industrial Design Testing Project Management Patents Start Ups Computer Aided Design Adobe Creative Suite Human Centered Design Innovation Entrepreneurship Sketching Injection Molding Consumer Products Project Engineering Interdisciplinary Collaboration Cad Microsoft Office Finite Element Analysis Machining Root Cause Analysis Failure Mode And Effects Analysis Continuous Improvement User Experience Consulting Design Engineering Creo Parametric Ptc Creo Research And Development Consumer Electronics Writing Systems Design Communication Time Management Leadership Teamwork Odm Management Plastic Part Design Technical Product Management Boms Problem Solving Information Design Electro Mechanical Design Electro Mechanical Design History Sheet Metal Engineering Design Prototyping

Aaron Mcdaniel Education Details

  • Carnegie Mellon University
    Carnegie Mellon University
    Product Development
  • Rose-Hulman Institute Of Technology
    Rose-Hulman Institute Of Technology
    Mechanical Engineering
  • Linfield University
    Linfield University
    Applied Physics
  • Linfield University
    Linfield University
    Business

Frequently Asked Questions about Aaron Mcdaniel

What company does Aaron Mcdaniel work for?

Aaron Mcdaniel works for Amazon

What is Aaron Mcdaniel's role at the current company?

Aaron Mcdaniel's current role is Senior Hardware Systems Engineer.

What is Aaron Mcdaniel's email address?

Aaron Mcdaniel's email address is mc****@****ail.com

What is Aaron Mcdaniel's direct phone number?

Aaron Mcdaniel's direct phone number is +120652*****

What schools did Aaron Mcdaniel attend?

Aaron Mcdaniel attended Carnegie Mellon University, Rose-Hulman Institute Of Technology, Linfield University, Linfield University.

What are some of Aaron Mcdaniel's interests?

Aaron Mcdaniel has interest in Fused Glass Art, Soccer, Photography, Hiking, Woodworking.

What skills is Aaron Mcdaniel known for?

Aaron Mcdaniel has skills like Product Development, Product Design, Design For Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Solidworks, Six Sigma, Concept Development, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Design Thinking, Manufacturing.

Who are Aaron Mcdaniel's colleagues?

Aaron Mcdaniel's colleagues are Sk Shahnawaz, Luong Cuong, Tamer Medhat, Diksha Pandita, Aaron Pinnock, Catalin Barabula, Lorenzo Meli.

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