Jacob is available for hire
Hire JacobJacob Vangsgaard
Verified Expert in Engineering
Mechanical Engineer and Developer
Sdr. Bjert, Kolding, Denmark
Toptal member since June 26, 2026
Bio
Jacob is a senior mechanical engineer and consultant with 25+ years of experience in technology, innovation, and engineering execution. Early in his career, he focused on part design and injection molding. He later expanded into areas such as sheet metal design, data center solutions, and engineering management. As a consultant for major clients such as SolarEdge, Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, LEGO, and Schneider Electric, Jacob has excelled in mechatronics, system architecture, and lead engineering.
Portfolio
TECH ASSIST
Engineering, Mechatronics, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, SOLIDWORKS...
Schneider Electric
CAD, Electromechanical Engineering, Injection Molding, Plastics, Jira, Scrum...
Schneider Electric
CAD, Jira, PTC Creo, Oracle, Primavera, Scrum, Electromechanical Engineering...
Experience
- Engineering - 20 years
- CAD - 20 years
- Mechatronics - 20 years
- Electromechanical Engineering - 15 years
- Injection Molding Design - 15 years
- PTC Creo - 10 years
- Siemens NX - 2 years
Preferred Environment
Microsoft Office, Jira, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, SOLIDWORKS
The most amazing...
...product I have engineered is a UPS system above one megawatt developed for Schneider Electric.
Work Experience
Freelance Consultant
2020 - PRESENT
TECH ASSIST
- Provided technical assistance, project management, engineering, and CAD design as a consultancy.
- Led engineering and product architecture in various industries and across countries.
- Specialized in electromechanics, mechatronics, plastic parts, and sheet metal.
- Contributed to the uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) architecture and design for SolarEdge and Schneider Electric.
- Worked on an aux converter with lithium-ion batteries for Siemens Gamesa.
- Served as a tech lead in control hardware for Vestas.
- Worked on a new education set for LEGO, mainly on a component which included a motor, PCBA, LED, button, and lithium-ion battery.
Technologies: Engineering, Mechatronics, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, SOLIDWORKS, Electromechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Jira, Scrum, Plastics, Injection Molding, Management, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Design Systems, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Analytic Design
Senior Mechanical Engineer
2015 - 2020
Schneider Electric
- Developed and optimized uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) above 1 megawatt.
- Generated ideas and provided competent feedback around robust design.
- Performed analysis and root-cause investigations to resolve global quality issues.
- Acted as a driving force in detailing future development projects.
- Managed projects and programs during the startup phase.
- Collaborated with engineers and the supply chain in Asia.
- Showcased new products for major international customers.
Technologies: CAD, Electromechanical Engineering, Injection Molding, Plastics, Jira, Scrum, Sheet Metal, PTC Creo, Oracle, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Design Systems, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Analytic Design, Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E), Sheet Metal Design
Engineering Team Leader
2013 - 2015
Schneider Electric
- Directed a team of five employees, including development interviews and salary negotiations.
- Prioritized and managed resources in relation to incoming queries.
- Interfaced both locally and globally across departments.
- Prepared project plans for complete products and presented those to upper business unit management.
- Implemented group-developed processes and methods.
- Improved quality and efficiency as a key focus area.
- Participated in group-level networks, sharing and promoting new processes, methods, and technologies within the team.
Technologies: CAD, Jira, PTC Creo, Oracle, Primavera, Scrum, Electromechanical Engineering, Plastics, Sheet Metal, Injection Molding, Management, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Design Analysis, Design Systems, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Analytic Design, Sheet Metal Design
Interim Engineering Team Leader
2012 - 2013
Schneider Electric
- Deployed temporarily as a team leader until a permanent solution was found.
- Focused on the transfer of a long-term development program for production in India.
- Solved overall technical problems for a production startup.
- Managed queries from different departments on a global level.
- Supervised personnel, including communication, strategy, and quality improvement initiatives.
Technologies: CAD, Jira, PTC Creo, Oracle, Primavera, Electromechanical Engineering, Plastics, Sheet Metal, Injection Molding, Scrum, Management, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Design Analysis, Design Systems, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Analytic Design, Sheet Metal Design
Senior Mechanical Engineer
2012 - 2012
Schneider Electric
- Developed uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for major global clients.
- Designed 3D modules, including the entire application series.
- Created a production basis, including 2D drawings, control specifications, and ERP creation.
- Maintained daily contact with local subcontractors and the company's global divisions.
- Optimized development processes by standardization, specifying processes and gathering expert knowledge where needed.
Technologies: PTC Creo, Jira, Electromechanical Engineering, Plastics, Sheet Metal, Injection Molding, CAD, Scrum, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Design Systems, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Analytic Design, Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E), Sheet Metal Design
Freelance Consultant
2010 - 2012
Vangsgaard Plast og Metal
- Provided product development, engineering, and design as a consultancy.
- Prepared documentation for ISO 9001 approval and participated in certification.
- Performed quality control and prepared measurement reports for 3rd-party customers.
- Handled accounting, including VAT reporting, in a self-employed business.
- Marketed consultancy services and built professional networks primarily through in-person engagement.
Technologies: Engineering, Design, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Analytic Design, Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E), Sheet Metal Design
Product Developer
2008 - 2010
Option One A/S
- Developed mechanisms mainly in plastics and for global medical clients.
- Calculated chain tolerances and stack-up in assemblies.
- Produced technical documentation in the form of 2D drawings containing GD&T tolerancing.
- Worked on site for shorter periods at customers' premises.
- Maintained close contact with customers and suppliers.
Technologies: PTC Creo, Engineering, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design
Quality and Measurement Technician
2007 - 2008
Zebicon A/S
- Performed quality control and documentation on products ranging from small plastic parts to sections of wind turbine blades.
- Prepared quotations, clarifications, task specifications, and related documentation.
- Maintained customer contact in connection with the dissemination of measurement results and showcasing of measuring equipment.
- Represented the company as an exhibitor at trade fairs.
- Conducted safety work in-house and in relation to the Danish working environment authority.
Technologies: ZEISS INSPECT, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Design Analysis
Project Manager, R&D
2004 - 2006
VELFAC A/S
- Managed projects in connection with the development of façade windows.
- Developed and implemented new products, hardware, materials, and production equipment.
- Produced documentation in the form of 2D drawings, product information, guides, and catalogs.
- Cooperated closely across procurement, outsourcing, sales, and quality departments.
- Collaborated with suppliers both in development and rationalization projects.
Technologies: BaaN, AutoCAD, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Design Analysis, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E)
Engineer
2001 - 2004
Cekan/CDT A/S
- Designed plastic parts, molding tools, sheet metal, and special machinery.
- Performed CAM machining in connection with CNC milling and EDM wire cut.
- Prepared bills of materials, production basis, and catalog material.
- Purchased materials, including steel and cutting tools.
- Cooperated with the sales department and exhibited at trade fairs.
Technologies: Design, CAD, Autodesk Inventor, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E), Sheet Metal Design
Injection Molding Designer
1999 - 2001
CB Værktøj A/S
- Designed molding tools and plastic parts, both technical and packaging items.
- Produced documentation in the form of 2D drawings and bills of materials.
- Ideated and designed many different parts and molds for various industries, including packaging, electronics, construction, and medical.
Technologies: Metal, Mechanical Engineering, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E)
Experience
Galaxy VX
I led the electromechanical design and project management for 1250 kW and 1500 kW UPS systems, from concept through mass production in India. The designs were created from scratch, with only standard fixings and selected components sourced off the shelf, while all core mechanical and electrical elements were developed in-house.
LEGO Education Science Kit
https://education.lego.com/en-us/products/lego-education-science/45622/I worked at LEGO as a consultant on the single-motor component of the education kit. The engineering component of the product development phase included drop testing, pull testing, and other tests, with a focus on stack-up tolerances and clutch force between standard LEGO bricks and education kits.
Education
1997 - 1998
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering
Skive College - Skive, Denmark
1994 - 1997
Specialization in Toolmaker
Bang & Olufsen - Struer, Denmark
Certifications
NOVEMBER 2024 - PRESENT
Refrigeration Authorization – F-GAS 2 – EU reg. 2015/2067
Solar School
OCTOBER 2017 - PRESENT
Frontline Manager | Internal Training Specialization
Schneider Electric
JUNE 2011 - PRESENT
Six Sigma Green Belt
IBC
MAY 2006 - PRESENT
Personal Impact in Project Management
Learn 2 Lead
DECEMBER 2005 - PRESENT
Project Management 1: Overview, Content, and Methodology
DIEU A/S
Skills
Tools
Siemens NX, CAD, SOLIDWORKS, Jira, AutoCAD, Primavera, Autodesk Inventor
Frameworks
Metal
Paradigms
Mechanical Design, Management, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Scrum
Industry Expertise
Project Management
Languages
Python
Platforms
Oracle
Other
Mechatronics, Injection Molding Design, Injection Molding, Electromechanical Engineering, Plastics, Injection Moulding Design, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, 3D Graphics Engines, Design Analysis, Design Systems, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Design, Analytic Design, Sheet Metal Design, Fabrication, Steel Fabrication, PTC Creo, Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E), Welding, Engineering, Design, Microsoft Office, Service, Communication, HR Tools, ZEISS INSPECT, BaaN, Sheet Metal, Electronics Engineering
Collaboration That Works
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
1
Share your needs
Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2
Choose your talent
Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3
Start your risk-free talent trial
Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring