A Midwestern transplant now based in Southern California, and a veteran Autodesk University speaker, Darren Young has held a variety of positions over the last 20 years, including CAD and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) engineer, CAD administrator, and CAD/CAM systems developer. Currently, Young is the Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications manager for Southland Industries, one of the largest mechanical engineering and construction companies in the United States. Young manages one of the largest installations of Fabrication software licenses in the world. Young's true interest is the automation of manufacturing systems, and his experience ranges from lean manufacturing to architecture. This has led him to projects varying in scope from dress patterns to gas turbine piping. He has founded a consulting and development business, and he has been a technical editor and publication author.