ChessTrees Labs helps hardware startups and small manufacturers get validation right—before it costs you your launch timeline.
Schedule 15-Minute ConsultLaunching your first or second hardware product? You're probably wrestling with:
FMEA documents that feel like compliance checkboxes, not actual risk reduction. You fill them out because you're supposed to, but they don't prevent failures.
Finding vendors for custom components is NPD hell. They promise everything but can't deliver at reasonable MOQs with quality that won't crater in production.
Test failures that blow your timeline and budget because you didn't have clear readiness criteria before committing to tooling.
Cobbled-together testing strategies without EVT/DVT/PVT frameworks that actually work at small scale.
Everyone says "use AI for quality inspection" but months and budget disappear with no usable results because you don't have the right foundation.
Small companies don't have experienced validation engineers on staff. You're expected to figure it out while racing toward production.
That's where I come in.
MS Mechanical Engineering, Rutgers University
Recent Background:
Apple Manufacturing Academy Graduate:
Recently completed Apple/MSU advanced manufacturing program covering FMEA frameworks, ML for quality inspection, and Industry 4.0 applications for small-medium manufacturers.
Reduced customer returns 74% (from 19% to <5%) through structured validation and requirements traceability across 60+ product portfolio. Cut unit costs 15% ($26 to $22) for direct annual impact of $2.2M+.
Built engineering governance for $100M robotic product line, achieving EVT readiness across distributed team + Taiwan ODM with zero late-stage surprises. Systems remain in use post-tenure.
Active participant in advanced manufacturing workshops covering FMEA integration (Systems/Design/Process), ML applications for packaging inspection, and supplier qualification frameworks.
"Thomas adeptly navigated the complexities of implementing fluid mechanics science into a new vacuum product. His remarkable patience & leadership while coaching factory engineers in China, along with involvement in mechanical design and rigorous product testing (EVT, DVT, PVT) was instrumental in the successful October 2023 launch. Thanks to Thomas's meticulous attention to detail, the product not only met the high-season timeline but also achieved the highest quality standards within its product category, leading to excellence as evident in the bulletproofed final product."
"Tom is a standout engineer with unparalleled expertise in the field of pool robotic cleaners and well beyond. ChessTrees possess a remarkable ability to uncover innovative solutions, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The 3D printers are always running and at our biweekly call there is always new sexy stuff to be put in front of the camera. ChessTrees has been critical to our rapid prototyping and product development. Aside being a technical expert, Tom is also a visionary, whose engineering insights have led to the development of products that were ahead of their time."
Book a 15-minute call. Describe where you're stuck: FMEA execution, supplier sourcing, testing strategy, ML implementation, or general NPD chaos.
After our call, I'll send a focused proposal outlining how I can help—whether that's a 2-week assessment, ongoing consulting, or project-based support.
No lengthy contracts. We start solving your problem immediately with clear deliverables and measurable outcomes.
2-week validation gap analysis + recommendations
Ad-hoc support for specific challenges
10-15 hours/week ongoing support
Book a 15-minute call. No sales pitch—just a straightforward discussion about where you're stuck and whether ChessTrees Labs can help.