Nick Simondet
Big Lake,MN
Summary
Innovative Composite Materials Engineer with 7+ years of experience driving cost-saving R&D, prototyping, and process optimization across aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. Proven leader in cross-functional teams, with expertise in material selection, testing, and manufacturing workflows to enhance product performance, and deliver next-gen solutions.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Composites Application Engineer
Mitsubishi Chemical Group
Mesa, AZ
04.2021 - Current
- Led the applied research and development of composite materials and manufacturing processes.
- Designed and executed experiments to evaluate product design, material selection, and processing methods.
- Conducted hands-on prototype fabrication and test article development.
- Oversaw all aspects of material characterization and quality control.
- Managed a cross-functional R&D team of engineers and technicians.
- Delivered cost and performance improvements through process optimization and material innovation.
- Led cost-saving initiatives reducing projected spend by $1.25M.
Process Engineer
DSM Dyneema
Mesa, AZ
09.2018 - 12.2020
- Oversee, design, and enhance product development for advanced, flexible, thin-ply composite fabrics
- Conduct thorough testing and evaluation of flexible composite materials and components.
- Developed and standardized test methods and SOPs to improve process efficiency and quality control.
- Strong presence and collaboration with quality, logistics, and sales.
Lead Scientist
Natural Process Design
Winona, MN
05.2017 - 08.2018
- Led research on self-repairing and self-sustaining composite systems, including development of prototype wall panels for military combat protection.
- Investigated and formulated magnesium oxide (MgO) cement composites as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement, targeting reduced CO₂ emissions.
- Explored biodegradable resins and natural fiber reinforcements; collaborated on prototyping next-generation eco-friendly composite technologies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Composite Materials Engineering
Winona State University
Winona, MN05-2018
Skills
- Materials: CF, GF, UHMWPE, aramids, thermoplastics, thermosets
- Manufacturing: RTM, filament winding, injection molding, compounding, autoclave, pultrusion, compression molding
- Testing and Analysis: Instron, MTS, FT-IR, DMA, DSC, TGA, TMA, NDT, SEM
- Simulation and CAD: SolidWorks, Moldflow, ANSYS, AutoCAD
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis across complex production challenges
- Proven ability to manage R&D timelines, budgets, and cross-functional collaboration
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Composites Application Engineer
Mitsubishi Chemical Group
04.2021 - Current
Process Engineer
DSM Dyneema
09.2018 - 12.2020
Lead Scientist
Natural Process Design
05.2017 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Composite Materials Engineering
Winona State University
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