Nicholas Holt

Lead Research and Development Engineer at The Lycra Company

Waynesboro, Virginia, United States

About

Accomplished engineer with experience in research, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. In graduate school, developed and patented a novel additive manufacturing process and was trained in entrepreneurship to commercialize it. Has diverse technical and communication skills. Interests are in automation, research and development, and manufacturing.

Experience

  • Lead Research and Development Engineer at The LYCRA Company
    May 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 2 mos

    • Led hands-on experimentation at third party labs, applying Design of Experiments (DoE), developing test methods, and creating custom hardware to generate product samples. • Developed and scaled processes for polymer resin production (via Reactive Extrusion using a Twin-Screw Extruder), fiber spinning (Solvent, Melt Spinning), nonwovens production (carding/needling, thermal bonding, wet laying, hydroentangling). • Developed technologies to improve product quality and improve production metrics associated with manufacturing of spandex yarn. • Developed test methods and procedures to evaluate performance of new technologies, and summarized findings in formal reports and presentations. • Led Management of Change (MoC) and Process Hazard Reviews to commission new equipment or upgrades to equipment. • Demonstrated leadership by working with operations to develop solutions for plants in domestic and global markets. • Communicated complex ideas by writing reports and presenting test data to associates of various backgrounds.

  • Research Assistant at The AM3 Lab at The University of Arkansas
    Aug 2016 - May 2018 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Developed and patented Microheater Array Powder Sintering (MAPS), a novel additive manufacturing process which is used to digitally print flexible electronics • Wrote three research articles regarding MAPS, which were published in distinguished Springer journals • Received a grant from the NSF to present three research papers at the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium 2017 • Improved performance and reliability of microheaters by simulations and material analyses, then implemented fixes using MEMS fabrication techniques

  • Manufacturing Engineer at Nidec Motor Corporation
    Dec 2014 - Aug 2016 · 1 yr 9 mos

    • Increased output and reduced labor costs by projected 30% in laminations production by leading a coalition between Nidec’s Japanese and Arkansas branches to design, build and install automation systems for high-speed presses • Improved workplace safety by installing safety cages and devices to new equipment through Hazard Analyses • Tracked machine performance, tool wear and operator efficiencies by designing and managing a die tooling database

  • Die Shop Intern at Apex Tool Group, LLC
    May 2014 - Nov 2014 · 7 mos

    • Designed models and CNC programs for forge dies, coin dies and trim tooling to be used in drop forging • Increased productivity by enhancing ease of use and manufacturing of forging tools by communicating with operators and resolving discovered issues

  • Parts Salesman at O'Reilly Auto Parts
    May 2011 - May 2014 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Communicate with customers, work with them to diagnose or plan repairs for their car • Ensure customer satisfaction and build commission • Received Shamrock Award - given to employees who go “above and beyond” to ensure customer satisfaction