Rafael Lopez
Director of Engineering | IoT, Product Development & Lean Manufacturing Leader | Scaling High-Reliability Systems with Clarity, Speed, and Technical Precision
- Role
- Director of Engineering & Program Management at Visium
- Location
- Orlando, FL, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Rafael Lopez
As a hands-on Director of Engineering with 12+ years of experience, I’ve led efforts that brought IoT-enabled AI products to market in record time, scaled lean manufacturing operations using AI and automation, and developed cross-functional teams capable of solving problems others walk away from. My background spans electromechanical product design, global manufacturing, embedded systems, and automation, and I’ve developed a knack for explaining complex technical work in a way that aligns everyone, from the floor to the boardroom. As a natural mentor and leader, I help others navigate ambiguity without losing sight of quality or timelines. Here are a few highlights from recent projects: Delivered an IoT-enabled electromechanical product in 8 months, resulting in 2+ patent filings. Increased revenue by 300% for a 50+M Cloud AI engineering business unit by launching new AI/ML-driven automation products. Cut production cycle time by 35% using rapid prototyping, automation, and digital manufacturing. Reduced RFQ response time by 25%, enabling a 40% increase in sales within two months. When I\'m not deep in design and systems thinking, you’ll find me at the beach or in a natural park with my family, teaching my daughter how to garden, or digging into backyard projects with my wife. Those slow, grounding moments fuel how I lead—with patience, presence, and practicality. Let’s connect if you’re interested in building great teams, scaling smart systems, or exchanging ideas around engineering leadership. Competencies: Electromechanical Systems Design | Cross-functional Engineering Leadership | Lean Manufacturing | Rapid Prototyping | Product Lifecycle Management | Python & API Automation | Embedded Systems | Compliance & Safety | Engineering Change Management | IoT Product Development | Agile Development | AWS Cloud Integration | Optical Engineering | Team Development & Mentorship | Global Program Execution
Experience
Director of Engineering & Program Management
Jan 2022 — Present
At Lit Thinking, I built and led a high-performance engineering team from the ground up, mentoring senior engineers and junior developers alike. Known affectionately as \"The Professor,\" I established scalable processes, drove electromechanical product innovation, and led the company’s most complex IoT initiatives.Directed UL-certified IoT product development in 8 months, resulting in 2+ patent applications.Tripled revenue by introducing AI/ML digital automation solutions.Reduced production cycle time by 35% through rapid prototyping and automation.Cut RFQ response time by 25%, directly contributing to a 40% increase in sales within two months.Implemented lean manufacturing systems that increased throughput by 20%.Negotiated vendor contracts, achieving 10% cost savings and improved service delivery. Built compliance-ready R&D lab 20% under budget.Led software initiatives using Agile methodologies for a cloud-based IoT solution, cutting costs by 40%Improved team onboarding efficiency by 20% through internal training systems.
Education
University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Master of Business Administration - MBA
2022
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Bachelor's of Science, Mechanical Electrical Engineering
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