Kade Nielsen Email & Phone Number

Houghton, Mi, Us

Houghton, Michigan, United States

As an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab, I am part of the LuSTR-20 Geotechnical and Thermal Systems subteams. In this role, I collaborate closely with the team to facilitate test setups and research activities aimed at advancing geotechnical and thermal systems for lunar exploration.Key Responsibilities:- Support the optimization of the lunar simulant desiccation process, crucial for accurately simulating lunar surface conditions.- Assist in the setup of research experiments by preparing, measuring, and compacting lunar simulant samples in a controlled laboratory environment.-Write procedures and reports on regolith desiccation and sample preparation for customers such that my work can be replicated in the future.

Houghton, Michigan, United States

Worked on three of the five different ABET-accredited capstone replacement projects under the Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise (MINE) umbrella during my 8 semesters as a member. Elected enterprise manager for the 2024-2025 academic year, providing technical and managerial leadership and support for our 80+ students. Specific project experience below:NASA Lunabotics Competition "Astrohuskies" (2024-2025):▪ Worked simultaneously as enterprise manager and technical lead for Lunabotics rover excavation subteam.▪ Applied my experience with bucket ladder excavation system design and testing acquired through previous MINE semesters with the Trencher project.▪ Utilized skills including FEA, CAD modeling, systems engineering, and project management.MINE Lunar Trencher (2022-2024):▪ Worked as mechanical systems subteam lead (2022-2023) and later as project manager/technical lead (2023-2024), managing all aspects of the project's progress and directing the 13-student team to reach our research goals▪ Published a peer-reviewed conference abstract and a peer-reviewed journal article (pending publication).▪ Utilized skills including FEA, COTS parts selection, and project management.MINE Robot Arm (2021-2022):▪ Worked as a mechanical systems subteam member specializing in structural analysis for an NDA-covered robot arm project.▪ Worked directly with our customer to ensure project was on track through all stages of development.▪ Developed and utilized FEA and computational modeling skills.

Duluth, Minnesota, United States

▪ Performed duties of a manufacturing engineer on Cirrus SR and SF series aircraft production lines.▪ Supported production team through design, testing, certification, and implementation of tooling and processes to construct aircraft.▪ Performed root-cause analysis and applied lean manufacturing principles to reduce time and material waste within the aircraft assembly process.▪ Designed and supervised the execution of testing to gather relevant data.

Orrville, Ohio, United States

▪ Performed duties of a full-time mechanical engineer with JLG’s Telescopic Material Handler (TMH) NewProduct Development (NPD) team▪ Worked closely with prototype assembly and testing teams to identify and eliminate issues as they arose▪ Focused efforts in constraint-based design, CAD modelling, cost analysis, and writing test procedures▪ Identified components for improvements including weight reduction and more efficient utilization of materialand manufacturing resources to reduce cost and improve safety and reliability▪ Designed, modelled, simulated, and integrated parts in the context of a project requiring the collaborationof many national and international engineering teams▪ Applied a systems engineering approach to ensure compatibility of parts with other engineering groups’components and requirements as well as overall project goals▪ Received Class 7 industrial powered truck (telehandler) and MEWP (boom lift) operator certifications

Standish, Michigan, United States

Full-time summer intern focusing on precision measuring, reverse engineering, design, prototyping, computational simulation, complex mechanical analysis, and hands-on manufacturing and production work. Developed metrology skills through the utilization of a Faro Advantage Arm and Faro's CAM 2 software.

Midland, Michigan, United States

Worked as a civil engineering intern assisting the City of Midland with surveying and construction staking projects. Worked with a team of three members to stake future construction sites and ensure roadways, sidewalks, and other infrastructure were compliant with all state and local regulations. Utilized a variety of surveying and geospatial equipment to locate utilities underneath roadway projects.

Saginaw, Michigan, United States

Worked as a part-time sales associate for hocket and lacrosse equipment while in high school and early college.