Dave's Technical Services

Engineering Excellence, Simplified

I bring space-qualified engineering expertise with a transparent, collaborative approach that makes complex projects easier to navigate. Basically, I know how to design and build things correctly and I'm easy to work with.

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Building Relationships, Solving Problems

Dave's Technical Services provides engineered solutions from concept to delivery while building relationships along the way.

I occasionally say "we are all in the relationship business." Technical expertise is obviously important but only in so far as it is directed toward meeting the needs of a client. I understand that the client's needs typically extend beyond simply meeting a list of requirements. Clear, open, and honest communication keeps anxiety low and thinking clear. With Dave's Technical Services, expect regular status updates and an open line of communication.

That said, I can adapt to your preferences. If you're under deadline pressure and just need a solution delivered with minimal interaction, I can do that too. You decide how much or how little you want to be involved.

Either way, I love sharing what I've learned and a decade of military service taught me the value of mentorship and community. Lets grow together while doing the work.

Whether you're developing new products, optimizing manufacturing processes, or building your engineering capabilities, I'm here to support.

Background & Credentials

  • Professional Engineer, Licensed in Alabama
  • 15 Years of Delivering Hardware to the I.S.S.
  • Lead Engineer on Several Successful NASA Projects
  • 10 Years in the Marine Corps
  • 5 Years of University Teaching Experience

Services

General Engineering Support

  • Design
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Drafting and GD&T
  • Structural Analysis
  • Fluid Analysis
  • Thermal Analysis

Product Development

Have an idea? I can get you from a concept to a working prototype, through rapid iteration and design validation, up to production.

Manufacturing Support & Tooling

Optimize your production processes with custom tooling design, fixture development, and manufacturing process improvement. I help manufacturers increase efficiency and maintain quality standards.

Research & Development

Advanced engineering research for complex technical challenges. Structural, fluid, and thermal analysis, control systems, vacuum systems, cryogenic solutions, and innovative problem-solving for novel systems.

Training & Mentorship

Real engineering education happens through experience, mentorship and hands-on problem-solving, not lectures. I help companies develop their current engineering staff, or perhaps train and promote new engineering staff from within. I'll work with you to develop a custom training plan or curriculum to meet your specific needs then train your people.

Engineering Process Development

Standing up an engineering section? There are a lot of decisions to make. Things like drafting standards, part numbering schemes, software requirements, there is a lot to it. I've done it a couple times, I can probably help.

Why Work With Me

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Transparent

Clear communication, no surprises. You always know where your project stands.

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Responsive

Quick turnaround on questions and concerns. I'm accessible when you need me.

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Flexible

Work collaboratively or hands-off, your choice. I adapt to your timeline and working style.

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Results-Focused

I know hardware engineering is about building actual hardware. It has to meet requirements and actually do the thing it was meant to do.

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Hands-On

I've built my own designs. I bear the scars (literally), and can tell the stories.

Let's Talk

About Dave

Dave Cooper, P.E.

My career began with 10 years in the Marine Corps as a KC-130 navigator. Afterward, I worked my way through college earning a Master's in mechanical engineering. Since then, I've been a working engineer, serving as lead engineer on several NASA projects.

My time as an engineer has taught me that every problem has a solution, but sometimes finding that solution requires different perspectives. Early on, I focused on broadening my knowledge base to include topics peripheral to mechanical engineering. Topics such as mathematics, computer programming, signal analysis, networking, system dynamics, and more. These alternate perspectives have served me well throughout my career.

I spent 5 years teaching engineering at a university. That experience reinforced my belief that engineering education happens through mentorship and experience. The technical information is free and available and all learning is the responsibility of the student. This philosophy now drives how I approach training and developing engineers.

Dave's Technical Services launched in October 2025 as a one-person operation, though I'm supported by a network of manufacturers and suppliers I've developed over my aerospace design career. As workload grows, I have plans to bring on additional talent but for now, when you work with Dave's Technical Services, you're working directly with me.

Confidence in my abilities allows me to not take things too seriously. I don't particularly care for formalities, they tend to inhibit effective communication. I try to ask the "stupid questions" because they're typically the best ones.

Get In Touch

Ready to discuss your engineering needs? Schedule a free, no-commitment consultation or send us a message.

Contact Information

  • πŸ“ Birmingham, Alabama
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Serving clients across the United States
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