Background

I grew up on a farm in Shirley, IL where I first learned how to drive, weld, fabricate, wire, program, and more. I went to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where I studied mechanical engineering and built Formula-style racecars. Upon graduation, I worked at DEKA Research and Development, developing IV production machines, manufacturing equipment, delivery robots, new medical devices, and even retrofitting an RV. Desiring to be closer to family, community, and roots, I moved back to the farm, but am continuing to serve those around me with the gifts God has given me.

Philosophy

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

I bring a holistic / interdisciplinary / ‘big picture’ view to my work. Someone more specialized and siloed might struggle when they reach a part of a project that is outside their wheelhouse - but I design and work on complicated systems with relative ease. Raised as a farmer and repairman, I end up building things that suck less than what a lot of other designers come up with.

I am a staunch proponent of open-source software and hardware, and the right to repair.

Read more on my blog, Machinae Ex Deo.

Testimonials

“You should consider yourself lucky to have Thaddeus on your team. He brings to the table a high level of machine design acumen and OEM automation industrial knowledge. He’s professional, approachable, collaborative, and thoughtful. During our time working together, I came to know Thaddeus as the type of Engineer you could depend on to meet hard deadlines, work under ever-changing requirements, and adapt to difficult circumstances. If you ever get the opportunity to work with him, you’ll understand what I mean.”

-Fraser Tibbets, Engineering Manager at DAPR Engineering

Let’s get to work!

Contact: thad@thadhughes.xyz or 309-530-0909.