Available for Projects

Mechanical
Design
Engineer

I engineer precision hardware systems to be lighter, more efficient, and more capable — every iteration better than the last.

Daniel Tombleson
Daniel Tombleson
Mechanical Design Engineer
Specialisation Precision Systems
CAD Platform SolidWorks · ANSYS · COMSOL
Availability Open to Work
Location Isle of Wight, UK
Response Time < 24 hours

Engineering outcomes driven by iteration

I'm a Mechanical Design Engineer with a focus on precision, robustness, and refinement — MEng trained at the University of Southampton. I believe the best engineering outcomes come from iteration: each cycle more accurate, more efficient, and more considered than the last.

That philosophy drives my design work and my approach to performance engineering, whether I'm optimising a mechanical system for weight and efficiency, or helping a driver find the incremental gains that add up to a faster lap.

Alongside my technical engineering background, I bring a solid grounding in engineering management — spanning finance, supply chain, people leadership, and project delivery. I understand the commercial realities of engineering, not just the technical ones.

6+
Years of experience
5+
Projects delivered
3
Clients worldwide
MEng
Mechanical Engineering
University of Southampton

Technical skills

A broad, applied skillset built across six years of academic and professional engineering — from precision CAD to simulation, analysis, and modern AI tooling.

⚙️
CAD & 3D Modelling
SolidWorksFusion 360CATIA V5AutoCADFreeCADOnshapeGD&T
📐
Structural Analysis
FEA / FEMANSYSStress AnalysisFatigueModal AnalysisSimScale
💧
Fluid Dynamics & Modelling
COMSOL MultiphysicsOpenFOAMSimScaleCFDThermal Analysis
🔫
Manufacturing & DFM
CNC MachiningSheet MetalInjection MouldingDFM / DFATolerancing
🧪
Prototyping & Testing
Rapid Prototyping3D PrintingTest PlanningFMEADVP&R
🤖
AI & Modern Tools
Prompt EngineeringAI-assisted DesignWorkflow AutomationPythonMATLAB

Selected projects

A selection of engineering challenges solved — spanning simulation, hardware design, and full concept-to-prototype development.

MATLAB simulation of robotic arm — Scenario A
DissertationPythonMATLABEnergy Systems
MFC-Powered Robotic Arm — Systems Optimisation

A four-layer systems optimisation framework for a robotic arm powered entirely by Microbial Fuel Cells — covering mechanical feasibility, energy modelling, supercapacitor storage, and MFC stack design. Identified the EMAX ES08A II as optimal, achieving 2,461 theoretical actuations from 10g of apple flesh.

View Case Study →
Thermal Simulation — Radial Fin Array
SimulationCOMSOLThermal Analysis
Thermal Simulation — CPU Heat Sink & Radial Fin Array

COMSOL multiphysics modelling of a CPU heat sink — with and without a spreader plate — to assess and optimise heat dissipation performance. Fin geometry was systematically varied across thickness, radius, depth, and length parameters. A companion radial fin array study optimised external pipe cooling geometry through both stationary and transient thermal analysis.

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Racing Boat Keel FEA
SimulationFEAANSYS
Racing Boat Keel — Structural FEA

Full structural simulation of a marine racing keel using ANSYS, covering von Mises stress distribution, maximum bending conditions, and multi-directional impact loading. Conducted to assess structural performance, validate user safety margins, and demonstrate regulatory compliance under competitive racing conditions.

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Autonomous Specimen Collection Rover
HardwarePrototypingAutonomous Systems
Autonomous Specimen Collection Rover

A fully autonomous prototype rover designed to locate, collect, and deposit simulated specimens across a defined zone. Combines proximity sensing, Arduino control, and precision navigation to achieve positional accuracy under 5mm. The chassis was laser-cut from plywood for structural precision, with 3D-printed internals for ball channelling, hinge mechanisms, and sensor mounts.

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Underwater CTD Sensor
DesignCADSimulation
Underwater CTD Sensor — Construction Surveying

Concept design and CAD development of a pressure-rated underwater CTD sensor for construction location surveying at depths up to 300m (30 bar). Designed for use with a surface buoy and tether, incorporating local and wireless data transfer, a 6+ month maintenance interval, and a cost-conscious approach to manufacture and serviceability.

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Engineering thinking

Broader ideas, concepts, and discussions — from aerospace design to performance engineering and beyond.

Why the Orion Capsule is Shaped the Way It Is

The blunt-body geometry of NASA's Orion capsule isn't an aesthetic choice — it's a precise engineering solution to one of the most extreme re-entry environments ever designed for.

Coming Soon
What F1 Teams Actually Mean by Porpoising

The aerodynamic bouncing that plagued the 2022 F1 grid isn't just a ride comfort issue — it's a resonance problem rooted in ground effect fluid dynamics and structural coupling.

Coming Soon
Kart Setup Optimisation — An Engineer's Approach

Most kart setup advice is empirical and anecdotal. Applying an iterative engineering methodology — data collection, hypothesis, controlled change, validation — changes the game entirely.

Coming Soon

How I can help

Three focused service offerings — built around precision engineering, rigorous analysis, and performance-led thinking.

Simulation & Analysis

Standalone simulation and analysis services to validate designs, de-risk decisions, and extract insight before committing to hardware. Results communicated clearly — not buried in technical jargon.

I work across both industry-standard and open-source simulation platforms — keeping costs lean without compromising on output quality.
  • Structural FEA (ANSYS / SimScale)
  • CFD & fluid modelling (COMSOL / OpenFOAM)
  • Thermal & multiphysics analysis
  • Design validation & test correlation
Get In Touch
Technical Writing & Documentation

Clear, precise technical communication for engineering teams and businesses — from simulation reports and feasibility studies to technical specifications, white papers, and product documentation. Engineering knowledge paired with the ability to write for both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Simulation & analysis reports
  • Feasibility & research studies
  • Technical specifications & manuals
  • White papers & proposals
Get In Touch

What clients say

Feedback from clients, collaborators, and academic supervisors.

Let's build something together

Have a project in mind, a role to discuss, or just want to explore what's possible? Fill in the form and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

✉️
Email
daniel@danieltombleson.com
📍
Location
Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
🕐
Response time
Within 24 hours
💼
Availability
Open to new projects