I help deep-tech companies solve difficult engineering problems — from modeling and validation to prototype development, scale-up, and commercialization.
With a PhD in engineering and 25 years of experience in R&D, engineering analysis, manufacturing, and technology development, I work with companies when technical decisions have significant consequences for cost, performance, timelines, and investment risk.
For the past 10 years, I have also worked as a startup advisor, helping more than 175 deep-tech companies evaluate technology risk, develop R&D strategies, pursue non-dilutive funding, and transition innovations from research concepts toward commercial products.
My approach combines first-principles engineering, mathematical modeling, experimental analysis, and practical manufacturing experience. I do not just analyze data — I help teams understand whether their technology will work, what risks remain, and what engineering decisions should be made next.
## Engineering Services
### Engineering Modeling & Simulation
I develop engineering models to evaluate and improve complex systems, including:
* Heat transfer and thermal management analysis
* Fluid flow and pressure-drop modeling
* Transport phenomena modeling
* Electrochemical system modeling
* Performance prediction and optimization
* Python- and MATLAB-based engineering analysis
* Literature-based correlation development and validation
I have experience with engineering modeling tools including MATLAB, Python, MixSim, and multiphysics simulation approaches.
### Prototype Development & Technical Validation
I help companies evaluate whether prototypes are technically ready for the next stage by assessing:
* Performance claims and supporting data
* Experimental design and validation methods
* Failure modes and technical risks
* Technology readiness level (TRL)
* Scale-up challenges
* Design improvements needed before commercialization
### Manufacturing & Scale-Up Engineering
My engineering background includes semiconductor and pharmaceutical production environments, where I worked on process improvement, technology transfer, and manufacturing challenges.
I help companies evaluate:
* Lab-to-production transition risks
* Process sensitivity and yield challenges
* Materials and equipment selection
* Manufacturability constraints
* Cost and scalability assumptions
* Production readiness
### Deep-Tech Technical Due Diligence
For investors, founders, and leadership teams, I provide technical assessments of:
* Engineering assumptions
* Prototype maturity
* Validation discipline
* Development timelines
* Scale-up risks
* R&D strategy
The goal is to identify technical vulnerabilities before they become expensive problems.
## SBIR, STTR & Federal Funding Strategy
I also support deep-tech companies pursuing non-dilutive funding, including SBIR, STTR, DOE, NSF, NIH, and ARPA-E programs.
Over the past decade, I have advised more than 175 deep-tech startups on federal funding strategy, commercialization planning, and R&D architecture.
Services include:
* Technical strategy development
* Research plan structure
* Milestone and risk-reduction planning
* TRL alignment
* Commercialization planning
* Phase I to Phase II transition strategy
* Technical narrative development
My advantage is that I approach funding strategy from an engineering perspective. A strong proposal requires more than good writing — it requires a technically defensible development plan.
## Background
PhD Engineer with 25 years of experience in:
* Research and development engineering
* Manufacturing engineering
* Semiconductor and pharmaceutical production environments
* Mathematical modeling and simulation
* Transport phenomena and engineering analysis
* Design of experiments
* Technology transfer
* Prototype development
* Deep-tech commercialization
Previous organizations include:
* Draper Laboratory
* Catalent
I have served as a federal reviewer for NSF, DOE, NIH, and related programs, giving me insight into how technical proposals and commercialization plans are evaluated.
## Books & Publications
Author of 9 books covering engineering, commercialization, and federal funding strategy.
Commercialization
Business Coaching
Business Consulting
Business Plan
Research Proposals
Startup Consulting
Management Consulting
Grant Application
Grant Documentation
Venture Capital Consulting
Grant Proposal
Engineering Management
Gap Analysis
Research & Strategy
Information Technology
Angela R.
New Hill, North Carolina
$20/hr
5.0
5 jobs
Communicative Scientist with 20+ years of experience ranging from academic research labs to regulated toxicology testing, to manufacturing tech transfer throughout all stages of drug/ process development.
GLP and GMP experience
Report, SOP and Protocol Authorship
Regulatory submissions
ICH Regulations
Technical Transfer Documentation
Project Management
Cross-functional communication
Process Development
Process Improvement
Data Entry
General Transcription
Academic Research
Project Management
Microsoft Project
Customer Care
Kyle J.
Denver, Colorado
$250/hr
5.0
116 jobs
Are you a founder or CEO of a 7–8 figure business ready to scale—but bogged down in day-to-day operations?
If your company feels stuck in the weeds and you're constantly putting out fires instead of focusing on growth, it’s time to bring in operational leadership that creates clarity, structure, and momentum.
I'm a C-level operator with a proven track record of leading and mentoring 8-figure companies. I specialize in transforming operational chaos into streamlined, scalable systems—and helping teams evolve as their business matures.
Whether you're looking for a fractional COO or strategic consulting, I help businesses:
-Streamline operations to reduce overhead and increase capacity
-Build and align high-performing teams around clear KPIs and ownership
-Improve financial visibility and forecasting for sustainable growth
-Navigate change as you transition from startup to a structured, scalable company
If you're ready for experienced, no-fluff operational support that drives real results—let’s connect.
Process Development
Process Optimization
Project Management
Product Development
Business with 1-9 Employees
Business with 100-999 Employees
Business with 10-99 Employees
Management Consulting
Project Management Office
Business Operations
Startup Company
Team Alignment
Dave B.
Chandler, Arizona
$25/hr
5.0
7 jobs
***SEASONED CONSULTANT WITH > 500 BILLABLE HOURS IF YOU INCLUDE NON UPWORK ACTIVITIES. I help businesses reduce costs, eliminate waste, and boost efficiency through Lean and Six Sigma methods. With 40+ years in manufacturing engineering and operations, I’ve led projects that improved quality, accelerated throughput, and saved clients millions. I have also created course material and taught numerous Green Belt/ Black Six Sigma, Excel, Minitab, Design of Experiments and other statistical software classes.
If you’re struggling with delays, bottlenecks, or high defect rates, I can help you identify root causes, implement sustainable improvements, and deliver measurable ROI. If you need to take your career to a next level, I'm here to provide training and 1:1 hands on assistance.
What I Offer:
- Process Optimization & Lean Implementation – streamline workflows, reduce cycle time, and remove bottlenecks
- Six Sigma Projects (DMAIC / DMADV) – data-driven problem solving, defect reduction, and process capability improvement
- Training & Coaching – teach and mentor teams in Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methods
- Root Cause Analysis – identify and eliminate recurring issues that impact cost, quality, or delivery
- KPI Development & Dashboards – define metrics that matter, and track improvements with clear visuals
- Operational Excellence Audits – evaluate current processes and design a roadmap to improvement
Why Clients Choose Me:
- Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with hands-on industry experience (not just theory)
- 40+ years of proven results in manufacturing, engineering, and operations
- Strong communicator who adapts complex methods into practical steps for your team
- Focused on measurable results: cycle time, yield, cost savings, customer satisfaction
Let’s Work Together:
If you need to fix broken processes, boost efficiency, or hit aggressive business goals, I can help. Message me today to discuss your project—I’m ready to help you deliver results.
Process Improvement
Continuous Improvement
Six Sigma
Microsoft Excel
Statistics
Tutoring
Lean Consulting
Finance
Quality Assurance
Data Analysis
Experiment Design
Microsoft Office
HTML
Daniel T.
Bell Gardens, California
$60/hr
4.8
9 jobs
Current Thermal Process Engineer working in the design and analysis of fired heaters, steam methane
reformers, & ethylene crackers with 7+ years of experience designing and performing analysis on complex
thermal systems including fired steam generators, environmental control units, chiller systems, heat
exchangers, and pressure vessels. Possesses a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the California State
University, Los Angeles and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Thermal and Fluid
Sciences from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Looking to utilize advanced thermal
fluid knowledge and implement computational software in the analysis and design of complex thermal
systems.
CFD Analysis
Mechanical Engineering
Thermodynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Michael B.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
$90/hr
5.0
40 jobs
Hi, I'm Mike, founder of End Effect LLC. I have 15+ years of experience in manufacturing and hardware design, in both R&D and production environments. I am a certified Solidworks Expert and can quickly help bring your concepts to life, or refine an already existing process, product, or workflow. My experience across different industries and my diverse hands on manufacturing experience allow me to help design your product with quality, budget, and timeline in mind. Clear and active communication, first class service, and sustainable solutions for my clients are the pillars of my work. If you have a product or project you need help with, feel free to reach out!
SERVICES OFFERED:
✅ 3D design in Solidworks, including machines, mechanisms, tooling, structures, and more
✅ Process development, work cell design, and continuous improvement through 5S and LEAN
✅ Reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and optimizing for functionality and manufacturing
✅Structural, modal, thermal, and other FEA analyses, as well as motions studies
✅ Sourcing vendors for prototyping or high volume manufacturing
✅ Writing and conducting test plans to validate new products or processes
✅Creating manufacturing-ready drawings and work instructions
✅ Project management and general engineering consultations
INDUSTRIES SERVED:
- Aerospace
- Industrial
- Consumer Products
- Energy
- Medical Device
MANUFACTURING METHODS I CAN DESIGN FOR:
- CNC Machining
- Welding
- 3D Printing
- Injection Molding
- Extrusion and Pultrusion
- Urethane Casting
- Waterjet & Plasma Cutting
- Sheet Metal
- Composites
- And more...
Engineering Design
Mechanical Design
Rapid Prototyping
SolidWorks
3D Modeling
Product Development
Product Design
3D Printing
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Design for Manufacturing
Mechatronics
Manufacturing
Finite Element Analysis
Research & Development
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