Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Derek Righter

Irvine,CA

Summary

Experienced metal fabricator, tube bender, and woodworker with decades of hands-on shop experience. Adept at collaborating with team members, maintaining organization, and utilizing resources effectively. Specializing in transforming prototypes from initial concept to final completion, prioritizing quality craftsmanship and exceeding customer expectations.

Overview

46
46
years of professional experience

Work History

Facilities / Machining

Zygo Corp / Ametek
01.2019 - 04.2025
  • Oversaw all facets of building maintenance.
  • Precision machining of all optics mounting hardware.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Owner

Nomad Metalcraft
01.2013 - 01.2018
  • Manufactured production tooling and metal products for the off road and entertainment industries per customer specifications.
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_righter/

Prototyping Specialist

Wilschur Design Inc. / Wilco Off-road, Santa Ana, CA
01.2005 - 01.2018
  • Fabricated new products, fixtures, and tooling, transitioning prototypes from concept—whether verbal instructions, sketches, or drawings—to completion.
  • Managed vehicle disassembly and prototype assembly, installation and documentation.
  • Collaborated across departments to coordinate necessary parts and schedule production activities.

Foreman

One-Way Manufacturing, Inc., Santa Ana, CA
01.1984 - 01.1989
  • 1993-2005: Promoted to shop foreman in 1995, supervising welders, tube benders and machinists and all phases of production, from material inventory and scheduling to quality control and shipping.
  • 1984-1989: Daily tasks ranging from tube bending and rolling, tooling design and production.

Self-Employed

Handyman
01.1980 - Current
  • Worked on miscellaneous projects for customers including framing, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, concrete, fencing and landscaping.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Skills

  • Prototyping
  • Forklift Certified
  • Machining (Manual Lathes & Mills)
  • Manual Tube Bending and Rolling
  • De-burring / Flaring / Beading / Coping
  • Inspection / Quality Control
  • Welding (MIG & TIG)
  • Drill Press
  • Chop Saw
  • Table Saw
  • Jointer
  • Planer

Timeline

Facilities / Machining

Zygo Corp / Ametek
01.2019 - 04.2025

Owner

Nomad Metalcraft
01.2013 - 01.2018

Prototyping Specialist

Wilschur Design Inc. / Wilco Off-road, Santa Ana, CA
01.2005 - 01.2018

Foreman

One-Way Manufacturing, Inc., Santa Ana, CA
01.1984 - 01.1989

Self-Employed

Handyman
01.1980 - Current
Derek Righter