Michael Cook

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Skills Overview

Michael is an experienced engineering professional with a strong background in mechanical design, automated machinery, and project delivery. He combines practical problem-solving with a passion for technology and innovation. Michael thrives on turning complex challenges into clear, reliable solutions and enjoys guiding teams and mentoring engineers along the way. He works effectively with clients, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure projects run smoothly and deliver results. Thoughtful, collaborative, and focused on practical outcomes, Michael brings the skills and mindset that make him a versatile and dependable Caliber engineer.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINE DESIGN – Michael has extensive design as well as hands‑on experience with a wide range of electro‑mechanical components, including motors, actuators, gears, belts, chains, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and the supporting power‑transmission hardware. His background includes designing, integrating, and troubleshooting these systems across multiple industrial applications, ensuring cost effective and efficient mechanical performance and effective motion control.
ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT – Michael has experience leading a small design team in the development of medium-duty commercial equipment, specifically for the snow removal industry during his tenure in the Midwest, USA. He is passionate about helping engineers grow their understanding and develop their craft. He works to build a team culture centered on diligence, communication and shared ownership.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & DOCUMENTATION– Michael has planned and delivered engineering projects end‑to‑end—from defining scope and schedules to coordinating design work, suppliers, and fabrication. He also has experience supporting installation, and integration of mechanical equipment, developing work instructions and maintenance procedures for on‑site execution and continued optimal operation.
CONVEYOR & AUTOMATED SYSTEM DESIGN – Michael has designed complex conveyor/material handling systems, including belted, driven‑roller, gravity‑roller and novel conveyor systems. Specifically for public‑facing, automated, systems for Libraries. These systems integrated various control system senses such as proximity sensors, barcode/ID/IR readers, load or position detection, encoders, and various switches in collaboration with Electrical/Controls teams.
VENDOR & STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION – Michael has extensive experience working with clients, vendors, fabricators and internal teams to evaluate solutions, select components, specify materials while clearly communicating technical and often complex engineering concepts to stakeholders.

Caliber has experience in the Agriculture industry

Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry

Caliber Design has experience in the Biofuel industry

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I didn’t start out fascinated by machines or pulling things apart. But I did have a mix of natural skills in math and science, a fascination with science fiction, a significant creative streak and an interest human progress and how we shape the world around us. Guided towards engineering, I found it’s structured problem-solving, built off logic-based laws from the sciences, fascinating and comforting. But it wasn’t until I started flex my creativity and produce practical solutions that I really began to find my purpose.

I enjoy breaking problems into simple steps and take pride and pleasure from providing solutions that make our world better. I like people in general. And my best work arises when surrounded by individuals with varied strengths, viewpoints, and approaches.

Outside of work, I’m a dad who enjoys camping, heading to the beach, playing soccer, cooking, and spending time with friends of family. These are things that keep my life balanced and, maybe, a reminder not to get lost in my head with theories and numbers. In saying that, even if one might call these ‘simple pleasures’, they don’t typically escape my curiosity, practicality, persistence, and competitive mindset.

Project Experience

Freedom Plow XL & XT Series

Led the mechanical design and development of heavy commercial snow-removal equipment from early concept through production release. Work included system architecture, structural design, manufacturability improvements, and coordination with fabrication and suppliers to bring multiple flagship products to market.

SpaceX Hyperloop Prototype Competition

Mechanical Team Lead for a globally distributed, volunteer engineering team developing a full-scale Hyperloop prototype. Coordinated online collaboration, guided concept and detailed design, and supported prototype build and testing. The project was awarded Innovation at the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition in Hawthorne, California.

Automated Material Handling System

Project engineer responsible for system layout and mechanical design of a large-scale 64-bin automated materials handling system for a Texas public library. The project included extensive conveyor networks, high-capacity sorting, and integration with library operations to support public-facing automation.

Dual-Profile Downpipe Production Line

Mechanical Project Engineer for the design of an automated production line capable of manufacturing round and square downpipe profiles. Scope included decoiling, roll-forming, flying shear cut-to-length, and stacking systems, supporting variable Sheet thicknesses and materials including steel, stainless steel, and copper.