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Nic M.

Mechatronic Engineer

Cape Town, South Africa

Global rank:

4,363 / 135,319

Skill pts: 10

2D & 3D Modeling Altium Designer CAD Design Engineering Drawing Product Development

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About

I’m a Mechatronic Engineer with 5+ years of experience in 3D design using Fusion 360 and Inventor. I specialize in design for manufacturing, 3D prototyping, and end-to-end product development. With hands-on experience from years of building functional parts for home and agricultural applications, I understand how to design for real-world use—especially in tough environments.

I own and operate 3D printers for rapid prototyping and bring a strong background in electronics, including PCB and embedded system design. My solutions are always optimized for practical assembly, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

My experience spans agricultural tools, mechanical assemblies, and consumer gadgets. I'm flexible, deadline-driven, and available for voice or video calls. Let’s turn your idea into a manufacturable reality.

Portfolio

116 0

Electro valve

Experience

Hardware Engineer – PCB Design Classified · Full-time Jan 2020 – Present 6 yrs 5 mos Cape Town, WC, South Africa Designing advanced, high-reliability PCBs for defense systems, including schematic capture, layout, and integration with embedded microcontrollers. Focused on signal integrity, power delivery, and hardware-software interfacing under strict design constraints. Role involves rapid iteration, deep datasheet analysis, and precision hardware engineering.
Agricultural Equipment Designer & Builder Pleasant View Farm · Freelance Jan 2015 – Dec 2024 9 yrs 11 mos Mossel Bay, WC, South Africa Designed, fabricated, and field-tested agricultural machinery including planters, sprayers, and spreaders. Utilized practical DFM principles and prototyped components using 3D printing and hands-on fabrication. Gained deep insight into functional field requirements, assembly challenges, and real-world maintenance constraints. Work spanned mechanical design, troubleshooting, and iterative improvement.

Education

Stellenbosch University Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Graduated with strong academic performance, Cum Laude in computer science modules and mechanical design modules 2021 – 2024 Activities and Societies: House Committee Member (Residence Leadership) Joggers Club Completed a four-year interdisciplinary program focused on mechanical design, embedded systems, and software integration. Developed proficiency in Fusion 360, Inventor, and electronic system design. Excelled in embedded C programming and PCB development. Participated in student leadership and extracurricular activities promoting discipline, fitness, and team collaboration.
Agricultural High School Oakdale National Senior Certificate (NSC), Math's, Science, Accounting, Agricultural Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), Distinction in all above mentioned subjects 2016 – 2020 Activities and Societies: Played Rugby Took part in debate competitions Won the nationals competition for tug-of-war Completed a technically focused high school curriculum emphasizing engineering and agricultural sciences. Core subjects included Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting—all completed with distinction. Developed advanced technical drawing and workshop skills in welding, machining, and woodworking. These foundations shaped a practical, problem-solving mindset critical for design and manufacturing. Participated actively in leadership, competitive sports, and debate.

Other experience

Reverse Engineering and DFM Consulting (Informal) Assisted local farmers and workshop users with redesigning and improving legacy machinery parts. Focused on simplifying assemblies, reducing fabrication costs, and improving durability. Produced digital models from broken or worn-out components using calipers and visual inspections. Delivered printable or machinable designs.
3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping Workshop Operated a self-maintained 3D printing lab for prototyping and low-volume production. Designed, tested, and printed functional components for agricultural equipment, household tools, and mechanical assemblies. Specialized in design-for-printability, quick iteration cycles, and mechanical part testing.
Home Automation and Smart Device Projects Designed and built custom smart home devices using ESP32 microcontrollers and 3D-printed enclosures. Projects included automated curtain systems with position feedback, smart kettle retrofitting, and custom PCBs for motor control and power management. Used Fusion 360 for mechanical parts, Altium/LTspice for electronics, and implemented embedded firmware in C.

Licenses & Certifications

Altium PCB Basic Design Course Altium Jan 2025 – Present
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Mechatronic Engineering Stellenbosch University Dec 2024 – Present
National Senior Certificate (NSC) Agricultural High School Oakdale Dec 2020 – Present