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Markus S.

Sir. Mechanical Engineer

Newport Beach, United States

Global rank:

7,187 / 134,958

Skill pts: 6

CATIA 2020 Design Development Mechanical Engineer Product Engineering Prototyping

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About

Markus Scholten is an accomplished engineering executive with over 20 years of international experience in automotive design, development, and manufacturing. His expertise spans all aspects of product engineering, from feasibility analysis and cost estimation to prototyping and production. Notable achievements include designing a self-balancing three-wheel vehicle, engineering the Will.I.AMG for the 2022 Miami F1, and developing the Nikola One hydrogen-electric Class-8 truck.

Markus has a proven ability to lead projects from concept to completion, leveraging skills in CAD design, kinematic layout, and advanced manufacturing techniques. He has successfully collaborated with global stakeholders and managed teams across diverse projects, including the development of the Fisker Karma Sunset retractable hard top, Aptera’s mass-production-ready body redesign, and the high-performance LaMarc hypercar.

Fluent in German, Markus also brings extensive experience working with renowned brands like BMW, Audi, and Fisker Automotive. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree and excels in program management, problem-solving, and efficient manufacturing practices. Whether leading large teams or contributing as a hands-on innovator, Markus consistently delivers cutting-edge engineering solutions that align with business goals and customer expectations.

Portfolio

Experience

Independent Contractor / Owner – M.L.S. Engineering (May 2012 – Present) MLS Engineering · Full-time Feb 2012 – Present 14 yrs 4 mos Newport Beach, CA, United States Projects and Clients Include:
• Trinova: Designed and built a self-balancing three-wheel vehicle (leaning type).
• Undisclosed Clients: Convertible roof system feasibility and kinematic layout studies.
• Westcoast Customs: Will.I.AMG project – CAD, door engineering, panel design.
• CoreX Life and Fitness: Designed and prototyped a multi-function fitness machine.
• Alakai: Skai eVTOL development – modular fuselage, sliding doors, lightweight landing gear.
• Colorblind Enterprises (LaMarc Hypercar): Full vehicle design (chassis, hybrid powertrain, aero, interior).
• CADEA Germany: Automotive weather seal development.
• Saleen Automotive: Mustang upgrades and production efficiency improvements.
• Carroll Shelby International: Exterior components for 2015 Shelby models.
• Center Trax LLC: Designed and built a tilting 3-wheel commuter vehicle (CTx).
• US Specialty Vehicles: Re-engineered luxury SUV (G. Patton), JX show car development.
• Nikola Motor Company: Complete CAB and interior/exterior development for Nikola-One and Nikola-Two trucks.
• Karma Automotive: Sunset roof, Surf body design, and concept work on several models.

Education

FH Osnabrück Mechanical engineering, Mechanical Engineering 1992 – 1995

Other experience

Fabrication Experience Independent Contractor / Owner – M.L.S. Engineering
May 2012 – Present
• Trinova (Self-Balancing EV):
Personally fabricated a prototype of a fully functional leaning three-wheel vehicle, including:
• Welding, steel cutting, machining, and composite layups (fiberglass and carbon fiber).
• Hands-on vehicle assembly and drivetrain integration.
• Will.I.AMG – Westcoast Customs:
• Shaped a foam body model for the Will.I.AM concept car based on the AMG GT63s.
• Designed all structural and visual parts for fabrication and ease of custom-shop assembly.
• CoreX & CoreX Reformer Fitness Machines:
• Fabricated 2 prototypes of each machine using precision components and ergonomic design layouts.
• Colorblind Enterprises – LaMarc Hypercar:
• Directed and executed the prototype fabrication of a 1500HP hybrid supercar chassis and body.
• Managed custom component builds including pushrod suspension, carbon aero, and a bespoke exhaust system.
• Center Trax – Tilting 3-Wheel Commuter Vehicle:
• Built a garage-fabricated proof-of-concept model using manual and semi-automated tools.
• Developed the custom tilting mechanism and full BOM for scaling.
• US Specialty Vehicles:
• Designed and built the JX SUV prototype from clay and foam sculpting to a functional show vehicle.
• Contributed to the reengineering and physical build of G. Patton luxury SUVs.
• Nikola Motor Company:
• Led physical show-truck builds for Nikola-One and Nikola-Two projects.
• Built interior/exterior panels and assemblies including slide doors, beds, and aerodynamic structures.