Industrial design · Aspiring engineer · Maker

Industrial design & hardware engineering.

Hi, I'm Tiam.

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About

I’m an industrial designer transitioning into engineering, based in Ottawa. I bring design thinking, prototyping discipline, and a strong interest in hardware to the engineering projects I work on.

I enjoy building tools and products that help create distinct lifestyle products and move from idea to working prototype as smoothly as possible.

What I do

  • Prototyping for product design
  • CAD & design for manufacturing
  • Embedded systems & robotics projects
  • Consumer product design

Currently

  • Studying Electrical Engineering in Canada
  • Exploring robot dogs & cycloidal drives
  • Designing for everyday living

Projects

Hardware • Product
Sample Subway sampling system

Sample Subway - Nuclear Pressure Tube Sampling System

A hardware system designed to extract 30-80 mg material samples from CANDU reactor pressure tubes remotely. Integrates DC motors, load cells, and a custom spring-loaded sample container for automated material extraction.

  • DC motor control
  • Load cell integration
  • Python automation
  • Precision fixturing
  • Mechanical design
  • Containment design
  • Bluetooth comms
  • WiFi networking
  • Data acquisition
  • Telemetry/logging
  • Remote operation

Work Experience

Project Manager

University of Ottawa MakerLab – Ottawa, ON Sep 2025 - Present
  • Managed equipment and provided technical support for client projects and design challenges.
  • Maintained compliance and safety standards for CAD modelling, Arduino programming, and testing methodologies.
  • Oversaw 3D printing and laser cutting workflows and best practices.
  • Troubleshot technical issues and refined prototyping approaches.

Computer Technician/Sales/Key Holder/Floor Lead

Staples – Cranbrook, BC Feb 2023 - July 2024
  • Assisted customers with computer troubleshooting and repairs, explaining technical solutions in layman's terms.
  • Provided expert advice on technology products, helping customers make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Managed and controlled access to high-value products and handled security concerns professionally.
  • Maintained store operations by processing transactions, restocking shelves, and supporting sales goals.
  • Aided with the training of new staff and ensured knowledge of health and safety protocols.

Freelance 3D Designer

Automotive Parts Manufacturer Association – Toronto, ON April 2022 - July 2022
  • Created 3D models and design assets for product visualizations using SolidWorks and Fusion360.
  • Worked remotely with international teams to develop UI/UX concepts for CES 2023 presentations.
  • Created UI/UX wireframes, concepts and prototypes, including micro-interactions with Adobe After Effects and Figma.

Design Researcher

Humber College – Toronto, ON Nov 2021 - May 2022
  • Assisted in user-focused design projects through research and prototyping.
  • Coordinated team meetings and organized design workshops.
  • Developed 3D models for product concepts and manufacturing studies.
  • Conceptualized crossover assignments for students in various faculties.

Co-Founder

Phase Studio – Toronto, Ontario Jan 2019 - July 2022
  • Designed and shipped custom computer electronic products globally.
  • Provided product support and troubleshooting assistance to over 400 customers.
  • Coordinated with manufacturers to maintain quality control standards.
  • Generated over $225,000 in sales revenue within a single month through targeted marketing and distribution.
  • Coordinated with manufacturing and distribution teams located in China with vendor representatives.
  • Identified and implemented improvements, correcting firmware and hardware issues using C, KiCAD, and SolidWorks.

Skills

Engineering & Hardware

  • Embedded systems (ESP32, Atmega32U4, Arduino ecosystem)
  • Motor control (DC, stepper TMC2209, BLDC theory)
  • Sensor integration (HX711, VL53L1X, IMU GY-521, Hall encoders)
  • Power systems (Li-ion BMS, battery pack design)
  • Oscilloscope, multimeter, circuit debugging
  • Mechanical systems (cycloidal drives, linkage design)

Software & Programming

  • Embedded C / Arduino C++
  • Python (prototyping, control scripts)
  • MATLAB (differential equations, plotting)
  • Java & Kotlin (mobile app foundations)
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Git & GitHub workflow, Linux basics

Design & CAD

  • CAD: Onshape (primary), Fusion 360, SolidWorks
  • 3D printing (FDM tuning, PETG/ABS/PLA/HTPLA)
  • Laser cutting & CNC routing
  • Rendering (KeyShot, Blender cycles)
  • DFX (Manufacture, Assembly, Usability)
  • Tolerance & fitment design

Product Design & UX

  • User-centered design research
  • Wireframing & prototyping workflows
  • Technical writing & documentation
  • Visual communication & visual design
  • Portfolio & presentation design

Tools & Fabrication

  • Soldering (through-hole & basic SMD)
  • Battery pack fabrication (spot welding)
  • 3D printer calibration & maintenance
  • Hand tools & shop safety
  • Bench equipment (power supply, oscilloscope)

Contact

Interested in collaborating, hiring, or bringing a prototype to life? Send me a message and I’ll get back to you.

If you experience any issues, please reach out directly to tiambennett@gmail.com.