About Us
Welcome to Y1 Engineering. We are a product design engineering firm dedicated to human-centered design and engineering — from early concepts through detailed design, prototyping, DFM, and production support — for teams that need senior hardware expertise without building a large in-house engineering bench. From industrial and consumer products to regulated environments, Y1 Engineering tackles a wide range of challenges to bring your ideas to life.
Meet Our Team
Allen Kim
Founder & Mechanical Engineer
Believes in applying wisdom, discipline, and integrity in the journey of engineering design.
BSME UIUC '24
Daniel Kawiecki
Mechanical Engineer
Daniel is a first year PhD student at UIUC in Mechanical Engineering with a research focus in manufacturing. As well, he has experience in the defense and manufacturing industries.
BSME UIUC '24, PhD UIUC ~2029
Cal DiMarca
Mechanical Engineer
Cal has experience in CAD design, rapid prototyping, and project management.
BSME UIUC '24
Core Values
Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical standards in every project, ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability. Our clients trust us to deliver reliable and ethical solutions that not only meet their needs but also contribute positively to the community and environment.
Innovation
Innovation drives us forward. We are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve by constantly seeking out the latest advancements and integrating them into our work. Our team thrives on creativity and curiosity, developing unique and effective solutions that help our clients stay at the forefront of their industries.
Human-Centered design
Y1 Engineering prioritizes the needs, experiences, and well-being of the people who interact with our products. By deeply understanding the end-users, we create solutions that are not only functional and efficient but also intuitive and enjoyable to use, making a meaningful impact on people's lives.