Services I Offer
Consulting
Strategic and technical consulting for industrial automation, prototyping, and process optimization.
I provide clear, written or verbal guidance on how to approach your problem, what technology fits best, and how to reduce risk before development begins.
Development
Full-cycle automation system design and development: integrating hardware, software, and data for prototypes, sensing platforms, and production systems.
Industries I've Worked In
I've been able to make an impact across sectors
- Energy Production: Wind, Oil & Gas
- Manufacturing: Semiconductor, Automotive, Textile
- Transportation: Aerospace, Rail
- Entertainment: Film, Special Effects
- Medical: Neurobiology
- Agriculture: Viticulture
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Testimonials
Capabilities
Robotics
I design robotic systems that are robust, precise, and practical.
I’ve designed and built three complete robotic systems from the ground up, handling everything from mechanical design and fabrication to control software and integration.
The result is automation that improves consistency and throughput while remaining easy for teams to maintain and operate.
Computer Vision
I combine traditional image processing with modern machine learning to build fast, explainable, and reliable vision systems.
At Intel, I developed the automated metrology platform that processes millions of measurements every week with 99.9% accuracy, balancing algorithm design, automation, and data flow.
My approach delivers vision systems that teams can trust for repeatable quality assurance and real-time process visibility.
Additive Mfg.
I focus on using 3D printing for what it truly enables: advanced geometry, lightweight structures, and efficient use of materials. Every design is optimized for print time and strength.
I invented and published a new 3D printing method that extends beyond conventional FDM by introducing a novel material and deposition process.
This capability allows me to create components that are lighter, stronger, and precisely tailored to their application.
Data Science
I build data systems that turn complexity into clarity, often creating new visualizations when standard charts aren’t enough.
I’ve developed machine learning models from scratch and managed large-scale databases, always focused on surfacing insights that engineers can act on.
The result is clear, actionable analytics that reveal bottlenecks, track performance, and help teams make better decisions faster.
You may notice I haven't mentioned "AI". That's intentional.
While I have built forests, neural nets, and agents, I've also seen years wasted on "AI for the sake of AI" projects.
AI is powerful, but it is a means, not an end.
Portfolio Highlights
About
I’m Steel Cardoza, an independent industrial automation consultant and developer based in the Portland Metro area. I work with manufacturing, research, and energy teams to design and deploy custom hardware-software systems that make equipment more efficient, intelligent, and maintainable.
I bridge hardware, software, and data systems to create automation that performs reliably in real environments. What sets my work apart is how it’s done: local presence, direct communication, and hands-on collaboration from concept through delivery.
Vision & Mission
To free humans by enslaving machines.
I envision a world where humans command tech, allowing us to lead efficient and fulfilling lives.
My mission is to provide the knowledge and expertise required to do that.
Company Name
FeCardoza (Eff-ee Kar-doe-zuh)
My company name is the chemical formula for my real name.
Fe is iron, C is carbon. Iron and Carbon make Steel.
