Nick Barclay

I’m a Los Angeles-based freelance mechanical engineer seeking full-time work or new clients. I have experience in industrial food production, automation, injection molding, sheet metal, thermoforming, and more. I’ve led both myself and teams of technicians and engineers through all stages of engineering projects, from concept development and prototyping to testing, commissioning, and full-scale production.

I thrive on tackling complex challenges that require creative problem-solving and effective collaboration within a team. Let's connect!

I am a mechanical engineer with over six years of experience in design engineering, sustainability, and aeroponics. My expertise includes industrial food production, automation, injection molding, sheet metal, thermoforming, and rapid prototyping.

Previously, I worked as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at AeroFarms, where I led the design and development of modular growing systems, optimizing efficiency and scalability for commercial production. I have experience in prototype development, testing, and iterative design, ensuring that concepts are refined into manufacturable and high-performance products.

In addition to full-time roles, I have worked as a consultant and freelance engineer, managing engineering projects for small businesses, startups, and larger companies. I have led multimillion-dollar projects, collaborated with technicians and engineers, and overseen the entire product development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to validation and mass production.

I am currently seeking full-time opportunities while pursuing my PMP certification to further strengthen my expertise in project management.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University and began my studies at St. Lawrence University, where I completed a major in math before transferring to Columbia.

At Columbia, I served as the chassis, body, and aerodynamics lead for the Formula SAE team, where I developed expertise in structural design, material selection, and prototype builds. Additionally, I led a project with the Columbia Space Initiative, which won a NASA design competition, demonstrating my ability to apply engineering principles to innovative aerospace solutions.