Resume — Augustin Cortez

Work Experience

2026 — Present

Founder & Principal Designer

AXYZ Design & CNC · Self-Employed

AI-enhanced industrial design and precision CNC machining practice serving startups, inventors, and brands
End-to-end product development from concept ideation through production-ready deliverables
Combining AI-driven design workflows with hands-on manufacturing expertise

2026 — Present

Entrepreneurial Intern

Icon Development Group · CSULB

Hands-on venture-building internship within CSULB's entrepreneurship ecosystem
Developing AXYZ Design & CNC as a scalable product-development service
Mentorship in business strategy, go-to-market planning, and startup operations

2026 — Present

Principal Researcher

Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program · CSULB

Conducting undergraduate research under faculty mentorship toward PhD preparation
Investigating scan-to-CAD workflows and hybrid additive–subtractive manufacturing strategies
Preparing formal research proposals and presenting findings to academic audiences

2024

CNC Programmer & Set-Up Operator

CSULB Design Department

Identified and activated a $60K Freedom CNC router previously unused by the department
Sourced compatible CAM software and Fagor post-processor; responsible for operation training
Delivered custom chair project within 40-hour manufacturing constraint
Delivered guitar prototype thesis with optimized speeds & feeds for exotic Hawaiian Koa wood within 30-hour constraint

2021 — 2022

CNC/CAD/CAM Lab Tech · Lead TA · Uniquely Abled Academy TA

SBVC Machinist Technology Department

Contributed to inaugural cohort achieving 100% graduation rate; 66.7% secured CNC employment
Operated Haas, Okuma, Mazak, DMG Mori, Sodick, Amada, Samsung, and Fanuc machine tools
Programmed CNC machines, generated G-code, selected tooling, prepared workholding setups
Trained personnel on machine tool operation and CAD/CAM software
Managed ordering of stock, tools, fluids, and equipment for the department

2012 — Present

Founder & eCommerce Entrepreneur

Slabb It Collectibles · Shelved Treasures · eBay & Multi-Platform

Data-driven eCommerce venture specializing in vintage and graded collectibles
End-to-end operations: inventory, authentication, market analysis, listing optimization, fulfillment
Applied process optimization and performance metrics to maximize ROI

2017 — 2018

General Contractor Apprentice

Contreras Construction

Media & Leadership

2021

CNC Set-Up Operator

WD-40 Company Television Commercial

CNC Machine & Conventional Machine Set-Up Operator featured in national commercial

2019

CNC Operator & GD&T Teaching Assistant

HBO: Our Town Documentary

CNC & Conventional Machine Operator and GD&T/Metrology Teaching Assistant

2021 — 2022

President, Treasurer & Founding Member

SBVC Machinists Club

Founded and grew the club into one of the largest on campus
Organized operations, managed duties, maintained and dispersed funds for projects and events

2022

Guest Judge

Skills USA CTE California · Automated Manufacturing Competition

2016

Machine Operator / Chocolate Glazer

Biscomerica Corporation

Degrees

B.S. — In Progress

Industrial Design

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Minor in Entrepreneurship · Expected May 2027
President's Honor List: Fall 2023, 2024, 2025
Dean's Honor List: Spring 2025

3.874 GPA

A.S. — Highest Honors

CNC, CAD & CAM