Creative technologist and visual storyteller blending over a decade of experience in engineering and QA with a growing practice in illustration, animation, and narrative art. Formerly at Apple, I am now building a hybrid creative-technical career grounded in curiosity, empathy and visual communication. 

As a hands–on hardware and software engineer I focused on product design across startups and high-scale environments with deep experience in manufacturing, testing, and optimization. A dedicated problem solver with a user-first mindset and a passion for systems that work and resonate. 

Currently seeking part-time or freelance opportunities in creative tech, design, education, or storytelling – while building ahzarex.com and writing a book rooted in myth, memory, and meaning.

Core Skills: 

Creative Studies

& Independent Practice:

Professional Experience:

Personal Projects & Travel:

Education:

Volunteer:

Creative and Visual

• Visual Storytelling 

• Illustration

• Animation Principles & Figure Drawing

• Composition & Character Design

Technical & Engineering

• QA Automation and Manual Testing Strategy 

• Technical Tools: Python, Ruby, C++, Git, SolidWorks

• Hardware/Software Systems

• Project & Product Development

Tools and Collaboration

• Creative Tools: Maya, Adobe Suite, Procreate

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Creative Problem Solving

Mentorship – Francisco Alarcon (Muralist, Spain)  |  2025

Figure Drawing, Composition, Mural Technique 

• Weekly instruction focused on composition, large-scale painting, and classical figure techniques.

Animation Mentor – Online  |  2024 - 2025

Animation Basics & Maya Workshop

• Completed foundational courses in character animation and Maya workflow, including timing, spacing, weight, and the 12 principles of animation. Developed animations using industry-standard rigs and received instructor feedback from professional animators working in the field.

Figure Drawing & Sketch Practice |  2021 - 2024

Sketchboard.co & Private Figure Groups

• Engaged in bi/weekly gesture and long-form figure drawing sessions focused on anatomy, movement, and expressive form. Built a consistent artistic discipline and deepened observational skills through life drawing of nude models across a wide range of body types and poses.

Tony Brancroft – Character Design Bootcamp |  2020

Expressive Gesture, Shape Language, Silhouette Design

• Participated in an intensive character design bootcamp led by veteran Disney animator Tony Brancroft. Focused on expressive gesture, shape language, silhouette clarity, and personality-driven design. I learned techniques for developing appealing characters that communicate story, emotion, and intent through visual form. 

Art of Aaron Blaise - Independent Study |  2023 - 2025

Quadruped & Creature Animation, 2D Animation Principles

• Completed a series of animation tutorials and exercises focused on animal locomotion, four-legged movement, timing, and weight. Studied under the guidance of master Aaron Blaise (The Lion King, Brother Bear, Beauty and the Beast) through his online learning platform.

Etsy Shop Owner – Self-Branded Art Business |  2018 - 2024 (Paused)

Operated R3X_Draws Etsy Shop offering original artwork, prints, stickers, and handmade goods. Sourced local printers and collaborated with artists. Built and maintained brand identity, managed customer communications, and handled all aspects of design, packaging, and fulfillment. 

• Developed and sold a range of visual products including illustrations, stickers, gift cards, and t-shirts and hoodies

• Managed shop logistics, inventory, order fulfillment for global customers

• Handled customer service, customer order requests, and returns

• Created product photography, descriptions, and optimized listings

• Paused operations in 2024 to focus on international study, creative development, and travel

Security Tools Architect and Engineer in Test (Apple: Apple Park - Cupertino, CA) March 2018 — November 2023

Built automated testing solutions for Apple’s Security Engineering and Architect (SEAR) Division.

• Expanded testing solutions working closely with security engineers and architects and other cross-functional teams such as Internet Technologies, System Applications, Apple Accounts, and CoreOS.  

• Fully automated non-lab restricted test suites for customer-facing software on iOS and macOS from 42% to 100% in 3 months reducing the need for manual testing. 

• Full responsibility of test plans and automation across all platforms (iOS, macOS, watchOS, etc) such as supporting BoringSSL, a derivative of OpenSSL maintained by Google.  

• Actively tested UI and security features in high stress War Rooms. 

• Actively reached out to cross-functional teams to support their tests on our pipeline to ensure no duplicate work.

Systems Test Engineer (Sensys Networks - Berkeley, CA) November 2015 — March 2018

Focused on optimizing city traffic solutions, I approach testing with UX outlook and optimization through multiple testing processes in order to tackle customer facing and high priority bugs.

• Defined test plans for new feature testing, user experience testing and regression testing resulting in quicker releases to customers, easier deployments and fewer support cases.  

• Fully automated GUI regression tests for customer facing software reducing the time and resources needed for QA and reducing support cases.  

• Developed efficient final manufacturing testing tools in Python and power test in TCL for microradars providing significant time savings enabling the product to go to market faster. In some cases enabling features earlier than scheduled.  

• Wrote customer release specs for new features and bug fixes reducing support cases. 

• Designed system validation scheme for porting firmware to new customer hardware reducing the need for field engineers to be onsite for migrations. 

• Managed multi-source bug triage system, prioritized reports from customers, field engineers, and QA teams to streamline workflows. Prioritizing them based off the priorities of all parties and communicated their status in a timely and consistent manner.  

• Generated metrics from refining customer requests to enable great business intelligence.  

Studying Spanish and Traditional Art |  February 2025 (Ongoing)

Estepona Malaga, Spain, Europe

• Immersive learning of Spanish and Spain’s culture.

Traveled Internationally and Hiked 500 Miles of the Appalachian Trail November 2023 — October 2024

• Planned and executed 500-mile Appalachian Trail hike with logistical precision from gear to food supply to risk assessment.

• Adapting to unpredictable challenges from equipment failure to intense, sudden weather changes requiring quick, effective problem solving. 

• Resilience, perseverance, and risk management to push through adversities and maintain focus of long term goals despite setbacks such as hail, severe thunderstorms, and injury. 

• Fostered community and resilience through shared problem-solving with fellow hikers.

• Used downtime for reflection and creative ideation.

Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona,  Spring, 2014

• Selected for a 6 week, intensive study abroad academic program, International internship at Korea University, Summer 2013. Abundant knowledge of Asian culture and religions.

DBSA Volunteer Facilitator in SF, 2020 – 2024 

Mental Health Group Volunteer Facilitator, Illustrator, and Web Development, SF, CA

• Led mental health groups (including LGBTQ+ & BIPOC) and organized wellness initiatives

• Organized events such as chapter picnics, parties, and Warriors NBA Mental Health Night

• Created interactive wellness kits and surveys to improve group engagement and foster a sense of community.

Accessibility Leadership Diversity Member at Apple Park,  2018 — 2023  

On the Leadership board of Apple’s Accessibility Diversity Group, Apple Park, CA  

• Spearheaded diversity and inclusion events to bring speakers like Global Autism Activist, Temple Grandin and ran monthly ASL silent lunches.

• Managed logistics for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) and coordinated with teams to enhance accessibility awareness.