Nicholas Montes Email & Phone Number

California, United States

Stanford, California, United States

Hayward Ca

At Nelumbo I lead a Department of Energy (DOE) research project to develop hydrophobic nanostructured coatings for stainless steel and cupronickel surfaces. Responsibilities including managing the $945,000 project budget, addressing technical challenges in materials synthesis, durability, and testing, collaborating with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab to develop computational heat transfer models, and reporting progress towards project milestones to the DOE on a quarterly basis. I designed and constructed a laboratory scale vacuum steam condenser capable of testing the phase change heat transfer performance of hydrophobic-coated samplesIn addition I made key contributions to the company’s intellectual property portfolio by co-inventing three nanomaterials patents.

Berkeley, Ca

As an ORISE research fellow I worked on several projects including: Utilized electrochemical test methods to quantify the corrosion behavior of inorganic coatings on various aluminum alloys and performing post test analysis with SEM. Additionally I developed a predictive corrosion failure model to reduce product screening from several months to days. I also conducted a techno-economic analysis to determine best point of entry in the HVAC market for energy efficient coatings in collaboration with appliance energy efficiency experts at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

Walnut Creek, Ca

In my role as a Building Mechanical Engineer I was involved in a variety of project spanning many systems. Some of my highlights include: Aiding in designing a high pressure steam distribution system used to provide space and process heating at a wastewater treatment plant.Developing a heat transfer model and designed a heating coil for an Agent Orange clean up project in Vietnam.Performing a detailed techno-economic analysis of various cogeneration technologies (reciprocating engines, gas turbines, steam turbines) as part of a biogas usage and planning study for a wastewater treatment plant.

Stanford, Ca

Investigated the feasibility of driving a vehicle using a micro gas turbine using a highly detailed thermodynamic model. I also characterized samples of Li-ion battery cathode materials using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction.

Stanford, Ca

Led a group of three other graduate students in teaching Engineering Thermodynamics to a class of 80+ students. Responsibilities included leading weekly tutorials, holding office hours, writing homework assignments and exams, and occasionally lecturing while the instructor was traveling. In addition I created weekly presentations showing how thermodynamics is relevant in the news today.

Ann Arbor, Mi

Conducted 6 energy usage appraisals for small and mid sized industrial facilities and identified energy and cost savings opportunities averaging $50,000/ year with ROI less than 3 years.Received the 2013 Student Research Award, "Radiation Enhancement to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Pollutants" from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This award provided funding to conduct experiments on a natural gas fired furnace as part of a feasibility study.

Dearborn, Mi

Oversaw design changes of 2015 F-150 tailgate latching system to resolve failure modes identified during preliminary system testingDrafted a robust vibration testing procedure resulting in early identification of door latches with loose components thereby reducing likelihood of product recallReduced travel costs by creating a global multimedia presentation to train assembly plant personnel to perform final vehicle inspections previously executed by non-local engineers

Rockford, Il

Designed and implemented a process to detect manufacturing labor cost variance and enforce accountability resulting in a 10% reduction in cost varianceDetermined key supply chain metrics and created a diagram to provide operators with clear understanding of how their actions impact the business Lead cleanup of manufacturing tooling inventory by eliminating over 1600 redundant tools and developed a more controlled process for purchasing tools that promotes cost savingsAssisted design of machining fixtures by creating models and drawings with SolidWorks

Ann Arbor, Mi

Composed draft for an abstract of study that explored effects of diet on skeletal system in 96 specimens for future osteoporosis treatment Directed 2 group critiques of scientific journal articles to assess authenticity of findings, demonstrating leadership and critical thinking skillsPresented progress on current research projects to 5 colleagues at weekly seminars to evaluate if goals were accomplished and determine future objectivesInstructed new employees in operation of department technology enabling autonomous

Pontiac, Mi

Formulated Excel spreadsheet to standardize communication between divisions leading to more efficient working conditionsInspected over 100 ramps across 7 state and federal highways and assigned rating to identify which were in most critical need of repairSelf-trained and utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) software to analyze 250 miles of highway to identify "high crash-risk" zonesLed on-site investigation of "high crash-risk" zone to determine cause of crashes and proposed a change to increase area safety

Master’S Degree, Mechanical Engineering, 3.93/4.00

Activities and Societies: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research AssistantConcentrated in Energy Systems and Thermodynamics

Bachelor’S Degree, Mechanical Engineering, G.P.A. 3.88 / 4.00

Activities and Societies: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, BLUElab, LEAD Scholars.

Saint Peter'S Summer School, Environmental Studies

Participated in a summer study abroad course focusing on human environmental impact of the British Isles. Composed five papers.