Rida Touhtouh

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Skills Overview

Rida is a mechanical engineer with experience in structural design and mining equipment design. He is skilled in leading teams, collaborating with clients, and managing projects from concept to production. Rida is focused on developing durable, high-performance mining equipment and structural solutions, with an emphasis on design for manufacturability. He has strong problem solving abilities and expertise in delivering practical, efficient designs that ensure safety, reliability, and optimal performance in the industrial and heavy-equipment sectors.

COMMUNICATION – I prioritise clear communication to ensure all stakeholders—clients, contractors, and team members are aligned on project goals. In a recent mining equipment design project, my proactive communication helped avoid costly revisions and kept the project on track, improving client satisfaction and timely delivery.
MECHANICAL DESIGN – I apply my mechanical design expertise to create durable and efficient solutions. For example, in optimising mining equipment, I reduced weight, resulting in cost savings and improved logistical efficiency. My designs are always focused on manufacturability and practicality.
TEAMWORK – I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure project success. In a mining equipment design project, my teamwork with engineers and manufacturers helped streamline production processes and improve overall project efficiency.
PROJECT LEAD – As a project lead, I manage projects from concept to completion. I have led mining equipment projects, ensuring clear coordination and effective planning, which resulted in timely delivery and staying within budget.

Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry

Caliber Design has experience in the Biofuel industry

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I am a mechanical engineer with experience in the design of large mining equipment and structures. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and have expertise in SolidWorks, Excel, Python, and advanced calculations. I focus on designing efficient, reliable solutions for manufacturing processes while ensuring high performance and safety in complex environments. With strong teamwork skills and a client-focused approach, I thrive in delivering innovative engineering solutions that meet both technical and operational goals. I am passionate about continuously improving design processes and pushing the boundaries of engineering efficiency.

Project Experience

Machining Jig Design for Large, Variable Workpieces

I was responsible for designing a jig to support a large workpiece during machining operations. The jig incorporated welded structures, plate work, machined components, and sectional elements to provide stability and precision throughout the process. A key requirement was mobility and adaptability, enabling the jig to accommodate various workpiece sizes and allow movement so the part could always align accurately with the machining tool. Additionally, the project had to be completed within a strict time frame, requiring efficient design practices and effective collaboration to deliver a reliable solution under demanding manufacturing conditions.

Structural Bracket Design for Building-Mounted Aluminium Display

I utilised Autodesk Inventor to design and position numerous brackets intended to support a large aluminium display mounted on the side of a building. The project required precise placement and structural integrity to ensure the display was securely fixed while maintaining aesthetic and functional requirements. This involved creating detailed models and drawings for fabrication and assembly, ensuring accuracy throughout the process.

Future Factory Layout & Large-Assembly CAD Optimisation

I was tasked with developing a future factory layout plan to optimise space and workflow efficiency. In addition to creating the layout, I focused on making the CAD model as lightweight and efficient as possible by utilising techniques such as speed packs, lightweight models, and suppressing or hiding assemblies. This approach ensured smooth performance for large-scale assemblies while maintaining accuracy and usability for planning and visualisation purposes.

Seismic Joint Design for Differential Building Movement

I designed a seismic joint to connect two adjacent buildings, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with seismic performance requirements. This involved developing a concept design and producing detailed drawings for manufacturing, welding, and assembly. The design focused on accommodating differential movement between the structures while maintaining strength and durability, requiring careful consideration of materials, tolerances, and fabrication processes.

AEROSPACE COMPANY

Harness Routing

I used NX Siemens and Capital Essentials to route harnesses throughout the vehicle, providing factory floor teams with accurate information on harness lengths and routing paths. This was communicated through NX models, assembly drawings, and associated bills of materials. I also designed components to assist with harness routing, including brackets, bracket supports, and bulkheads.

Mechanical Design

Using Siemens NX to create flight-ready components that met stringent industry standards, my work focused on producing precise engineering drawings, detailing material specifications, tolerances, and machining requirements to ensure manufacturability and reliability. In addition to component design, I developed a test rig that integrated with a test simulator, enabling rigorous validation of designs under highly representative real-world conditions. This role required a deep understanding of mechanical principles, precision engineering, and collaborative problem solving to deliver robust, high-performance solutions.

Mechanical Design & Drafting

Using SolidWorks, I have worked on the metrication and the design of machine parts and the assembly of complete machines for client projects. My experience includes modelling parts from sheet metal, sections, extruded casts, and technical drawings.

Mining & Material Handling

I contributed to large-scale mining projects, including the design of a 27-ton capacity chute and 14m long modular skirts for underground mining applications. These were designed to facilitate easy transportation and on-site assembly. Additionally, I extended an 8m conveyor to 9m by modifying the model in SolidWorks and creating new technical drawings for production.

Modular Structures & Industrial Equipment

I played a key role in the development of a three-story modular structure, completing crucial design and calculation tasks. This included designing an access stairway and performing structural calculations to ensure stability and safety. I worked on support structures for multiple walkways and stairways, conducting load, stress, and fatigue analysis to determine optimal support distances and ensure compliance with industry standards. I also designed hand railing systems in compliance with safety standards and developed support structures for two conveyors, ensuring precise placement of walkway supports, holes and fasteners to accommodate assembly.