About Me

Cort Smith

Innovation, creativity, and a pursuit of excellence.

I am a husband, father of two, mechanical engineer, bespoke project artisan, and impassioned drummer. Each role has contributed to the mix of skills and experiences that forms my professional identity.

Engineering Excellence

With a deep-rooted passion for mechanical engineering, I have focused on the intricate world of GD&T, using its principles to support precision and accuracy in design and manufacturing. SolidWorks and CAD are my digital canvas for bringing complex ideas to life. To validate structural integrity, I use Ansys and FEA to simulate behavior and support sound engineering decisions. MATLAB helps me analyze data, develop algorithms, and solve complex engineering problems efficiently.

Crafting Custom Solutions

As a custom project builder, I have transformed ideas into tangible realities through commercial and residential carpentry, steel framing, site supervision, remodeling, furniture design and production, and welding steel and aluminum. Troubleshooting as a handyman, light-duty electrician and plumber, and appliance and engine maintenance specialist has strengthened my versatility and practical problem-solving.

Restaurant Leadership

My experience also includes restaurant operations as a General Manager and Operator. I led teams, schedules, budgets, payroll, and restaurants producing annual sales up to $3.25 million with EBITA up to 32%. This work developed my business judgment, team leadership, staffing, reporting, recordkeeping, and ability to work effectively with customers, employees, vendors, licensing authorities, and sales representatives.

Educational Pursuits

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, where I was a member of the Pi Tau Sigma Honors Society and served as an ASME Networking Chair Officer. I previously earned an Associate of Science from Tarrant County College and was recognized in the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. I am currently pursuing an MBA in Innovation and Technology Management at UTA, expected December 2026.

Passion for Drumming

Beyond engineering and construction, my heart beats to the rhythm of drumming. This creative pursuit reflects the same commitment to practice, innovation, and thinking outside the box that I bring to technical work.

Skills

Project DesignGD&TSolidWorks / CADAnsys / FEAEffective CommunicationPrecision Problem SolvingAdaptabilityMicrosoft Office SuiteCollaborationAttention to DetailFabricationInnovationMATLABProject Management

Employment

2023 – Current

HLA Engineers Inc.

Design Engineer & Stress Analyst

2016 – 2023

MPI Construction Inc.

Contractor

2004 – 2016

Pei Wei Fresh Kitchen LLC.

General Manager

Education

University of Texas at Arlington

MBA in Innovation and Technology Management — expected December 2026

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Pi Tau Sigma Honors Society · ASME Networking Chair Officer

Tarrant County College

Associate of Science · Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society

What about you?

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