Conor Berndt
Development Engineer
Wyoming,MN
Summary
Development Engineer with hands-on experience working to enhance overall engine calibration performance for customer and environment. Creative, logical approach for generating new ideas and solutions, transition through to product development. Detail-driven professional with attention to exceeding expectations and improving product design. Well practiced in the design, development, and manufacturing of world class products.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Development Engineer
Polaris/Indian Motorcycles
Wyoming, MN
1 2020 - Current
- Delivered production engine calibrations for Indian and Polaris products: V-twin motorcycles, single-cylinder four-wheelers, and 2-4 cylinder inline engines.
- Responsible for optimizing calibration for performance and emissions, increasing torque and fueling accuracy
- Produced calibrations to meet vehicle tailpipe as well as engine dynamometer based emissions targets
- Calibrations delivered met vehicle fueling and engine torque delivery requirements
- Performed vehicle level engine calibration to integrate base engine calibrations (Scout, Challenger/Pursuit, Chief, FTR, Ranger, Sportsman, and RZR platforms)
- Calibrated knock sensors to detect a knock event validated by in cylinder pressure transducers
- Proficient with Bosch calibration software and calibration tools
- Attended Yamaha Champions Riding School and ZARS motorcycle track days to improve riding skills
- Guided vehicle engine calibration exercises on closed tracks to test the entire engine operating range.
- Experience operating chassis and engine dynamometers
- Enhanced calibration procedures by implementing advanced software tools and techniques.
- Saved company resources by identifying opportunities for process improvements in the calibration/testing department.
Research Assistant
MTU Diesel Engine Aftertreatment Lab
Houghton, MI
03.2018 - 10.2019
- Fabricated fast response NOx emissions analyzer with parts from retired emissions equipment to perform graduate research
- Created and organized engine dynamometer testing on a 6.7L Inline-6 280 hp Cummins ISB engine using 500 hp eddy current dynamometer
- Experience with Cummins CALTERM software to control diesel engine speed, torque, EGR flow, and fuel injection quantities.
- Generated engine and emissions analyzer data and presented analytical results to consortium of professional power systems engineers
- Holding engine speed and load constant, while sweeping exhaust gas temperature by 50 °C to establish aftertreatment characteristics
- Quantified NOx storage capabilities of catalysts at 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 °C
- Streamlined engine test cell maintenance including all emissions equipment maintenance
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
Senior Design/Capstone
Formula SAE
Houghton, MI
09.2017 - 05.2018
- Developed and implemented a process for setting competition targets
- Broke down dynamic event goals into vehicle performance requirements
- Led the team to 33rd overall finish and Formula Michigan
- Managed 55 team members to complete competition car
- Formulated vehicle subsystem requirements based off vehicle level requirements
- Performed Design of Experiments on race car suspension setup (toe, ride height, camber, etc.)
- Led to the development of requirements for every component of the race car
Team Member
Formula SAE
Houghton, MI
09.2014 - 05.2018
- Designed, fabricated, and validated billet aluminum control arms for an FSAE competition car
- Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.
- Tig welded 100% of race car chassis and components (frame, control arms, suspension mounts, exhaust)
- CNC machined race car components: wheel nuts, uprights, control arms, differential mounts
- Tuned and tested formula car suspension to achieve desired wheel rates and lap times in 4 separate time trials
Development Engineering Co-op
McLaren Performance Technologies
Livonia, MI
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Produced and instrumented test cell setup to operate engine cooling system using a Spintron to drive accessory belt
- Executed engine calibration procedures to marinize GM 5.3L, 6.2L SC, and 7.4L V8 engines
- Performed in field engine testing to validate marine engine cooling system and performance parameters
- Fabricated test cell fixtures and components using manual mill, manual lathe, mig, and tig welding processes
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Design Engineering Co-op
Mercury Marine
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
05.2016 - 01.2017
- Performed fuel injector characterization tests for 3 new engine development programs
- Assembled prototype engine cylinder heads for 12 concept build engines
- Managed engineering supplied parts inventory for 30 engine build
- Performed engine component level testing on fuel supply modules, filters, pressure regulators, and multiple cooling system parts
- Investigated root cause of thermostat field failure by replicating engine thermal condition in environmental test lab on 1,000 thermostats
- Supplied test fixture drawings to prototype machine shop for manufacturing
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Engineering Co-op
Systems Control Manufacturing
Iron Mountain, Michigan
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Designed fixtures for the manufacturing of electrical substation structures (walls, doors, trusses)
- Searched for tooling or workflow enhancements to increase team efficiency, cut process times by 50%
- Designed brackets to mount hydraulic rams on electrical substations to transport them through manufacturing facility
- Inspected and repaired equipment for use in the manufacturing of electrical substation enclosures
- Led a project with robotic welding company to design, manufacture, and implement 100% robotic welding processes in the electrical substation manufacturing process
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Houghton, MI 01.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Houghton, MI 01.2013 - 01.2018
Skills
Bosch Calibration Tools
AVL Dyno Software
MIG/TIG Welding
CNC Mill/Lathe
ETAS DAQ Systems
Simulation tools
Software development
Digital signal processing
Programming languages
Power systems
Hardware development
Performance optimization
Engineer mentoring
Problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration
Data analysis
Sawmill Operator
Research Assistant
Sawmilling
Owner/operator of a Wood-Mizer sawmill.
Timeline
Research Assistant
MTU Diesel Engine Aftertreatment Lab
03.2018 - 10.2019
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
01.2018 - 01.2019
Senior Design/Capstone
Formula SAE
09.2017 - 05.2018
Development Engineering Co-op
McLaren Performance Technologies
05.2017 - 09.2017
Design Engineering Co-op
Mercury Marine
05.2016 - 01.2017
Engineering Co-op
Systems Control Manufacturing
01.2015 - 08.2015
Team Member
Formula SAE
09.2014 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
01.2013 - 01.2018
Development Engineer
Polaris/Indian Motorcycles
1 2020 - Current
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