Brian Nickoloff
Bradenton,FL
Summary
Accomplished Senior Designer with extensive experience in the automotive and fusion energy industries, specializing in advanced design and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in NX/Teamcenter and GD&T, I excel in creating innovative solutions that enhance functionality and manufacturability, driving project success, and optimizing performance across diverse engineering challenges.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Designer
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Devens, MA
10.2023 - Current
- Designed comprehensive cable routing and support structures from current lead boxes to magnet terminations.
- Created pass-thru assembly components and joint kits for CS/PF, TF, and EFCC systems.
- Engineered current lead box, ducts, supports, and vacuum vessel plenum weldments.
- Developed components from billet and metal stampings, ensuring precision and functionality.
- Generated detailed drawings of assemblies, components, and weldments.
- Collaborated with engineers to create innovative design solutions for complex challenges.
- Developed and maintained design specifications in accordance with industry standards.
- Participated in cross-functional team meetings to align project goals and timelines.
- Conferred with management and development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, and develop solutions.
Senior Designer
BorgWarner
Auburn Hills, MI
08.2019 - 05.2025
- Developed concept layouts and production assembly designs for Transfer Cases across various OEM programs.
- Designed die cast housings and components, producing all necessary drawings.
- Created assembly designs for Integrated and Electric Drive Modules using customer data and specifications.
- Incorporated inverters, oil coolers, electric oil pumps, and drill passages into housing and covers for optimal lubrication.
- Executed tolerance stacks and generated component and assembly drawings as needed.
- Designed cast housings for on-board chargers while accommodating daily changes of internal components.
- Produced five concept designs of housing and friction stir weld cover with varied coolant flow paths to optimize cooling performance.
- Led design initiatives from concept through production as well as conduct packaging studies.
- Collaborated with engineers to create innovative design solutions for complex challenges.
- Mentored junior designers on best practices and design methodologies.
Senior Designer
General Motors
Pontiac, MI
10.2014 - 08.2019
- Engineered 2020 C8 Corvette 6.2L V8 small block cylinder head machined castings.
- Executed design process, developing necessary sand cores and die slides.
- Created comprehensive production casting and machining drawings for manufacturing.
- Conducted draft analysis on all cores and slides to verify compliance with design standards.
- Ensured manufacturability through rigorous core-to-core checks and thin wall assessments.
- Performed detailed inspections on castings and final machined heads for quality assurance.
Project Engineer II
Ingersoll Rand
Davidson, NC
01.2012 - 10.2014
- Designed air-operated diaphragm pump and piston pump castings for commercial and industrial applications across chemical, manufacturing, energy, pharmaceutical, and mining sectors.
Product Designer
Electrolux Home Care Products
Charlotte, NC
07.2011 - 01.2012
- Redesigned plastic air filter frames for rebranding and enhanced fit, form, function.
Designer
General Motors
Pontiac, MI
09.2009 - 06.2011
- Designed dry sump and wet sump oil pans, windage trays, and laminated steel oil pans.
- Conducted volume studies for oil pans to optimize performance.
- Managed various work assignments consistently to meet project deadlines.
- Developed pick-up tube assemblies and plastic and aluminum cam covers/rocker covers.
Designer
AVL Powertrain Engineering
Plymouth, MI
01.2005 - 10.2008
- Designed front end accessory drive layouts for 4.5L Duramax diesel engine program, adhering to engineering guidelines.
- Developed die cast front engine cover with integrated water pump, ensuring compliance with flow requirements.
- Modified water jacket sand cores in cylinder heads to enhance cooling around valve guides and seats.
- Created EGR system layouts and designed various components to optimize performance.
- Engineered heat shields, stamped steel, and die cast brackets for durability.
- Produced head gasket layouts and routed high/low pressure fuel lines, radiator, and a/c hoses.
- Conducted packaging studies and performed engine roll assessments for efficiency.
- Designed dry sump lubrication system for marine auxiliary power generation engine, following industry standards.
Designer
Lotus Engineering
Ann Arbor, MI
08.2004 - 01.2005
- Collaborated with the OEM on a 6-month project to design the first production cylinder head with a fully integrated exhaust manifold, incorporating upper and lower water jackets for cooling.
Designer
General Motors
Warren, MI
03.2003 - 04.2004
- Validated class A surface for clay model shop and mock-up
Designer
Delphi
Flint, MI
03.2002 - 09.2002
- Designed plastic modular fuel reservoir assembly components for enhanced functionality.
- Modified component designs to optimize mold flow and resolve packaging issues.
- Developed a component for Harley-Davidson program to secure electronic fuel pumps across multiple configurations.
- Evaluated assembly feasibility to ensure effective integration of components.
Designer
Ricardo
Plymouth, MI
09.1999 - 02.2002
- Contributed to General Motors High Feature V6 engine program as designer.
- Designed die cast front engine covers and accessory drive brackets.
- Conducted oil pan volume studies to ensure optimal performance.
- Created piston approach diagrams while adhering to design guidelines.
Designer
General Motors
Pontiac, MI
09.1995 - 09.1999
- Created designs and drawings for rear axle shock mount and leaf spring mount brackets, cast differential housings, and stamped steel covers.
Education
Bachelor of Industrial Management - Industrial Management, Drafting and Design
Baker College
Flint, MI06-2002
Skills
- NX/Teamcenter and Creo
- Parametric modeling, sketcher, wave linker, skeleton files, master model concept, draft analysis, thin wall checker
- ASME Y145-2018
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- Tolerance stacks
- Casting, injection molding, sheet metal and weldment design
- Manufacturing processes
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
Military Service
- Gulf War Veteran, United States Marine Corps – Honorable Discharge
- Dates of Service: February 1988 – February 1992
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Military Service
Veteran, United States Marine Corps
Dates of Service: Feb 1988 - Feb 1992
Timeline
Senior Designer
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
10.2023 - Current
Senior Designer
BorgWarner
08.2019 - 05.2025
Senior Designer
General Motors
10.2014 - 08.2019
Project Engineer II
Ingersoll Rand
01.2012 - 10.2014
Product Designer
Electrolux Home Care Products
07.2011 - 01.2012
Designer
General Motors
09.2009 - 06.2011
Designer
AVL Powertrain Engineering
01.2005 - 10.2008
Designer
Lotus Engineering
08.2004 - 01.2005
Designer
General Motors
03.2003 - 04.2004
Designer
Delphi
03.2002 - 09.2002
Designer
Ricardo
09.1999 - 02.2002
Designer
General Motors
09.1995 - 09.1999
Bachelor of Industrial Management - Industrial Management, Drafting and Design
Baker College
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