Mechatronics engineer. I build automation systems and ship software.

Design Engineer at Wasco. Background in test stands, robotics, PCB design, and full-stack development.

10000k+
Hoses tested per season through FireGauge
20+
Fire departments using FireGauge
Nathan Burtnett

Engineering Highlights

Selected highlights across work and hands-on projects (Wasco, Lam Research, Cal Poly).

Wasco

Test Stands & Data Automation

Built 4-5 automated test stands with real-time data logging for pressure, flow, electrical, and life-cycle testing.

My Role

  • Designed and built multiple test stands from concept to production
  • Implemented real-time data collection and analysis systems
  • Automated test procedures to reduce manual labor and improve repeatability
Test EngineeringData LoggingAutomationPython
Wasco

UR5 Robotics Automation

Robotic component testing cell with UR5 cobot integration for automated quality control.

My Role

  • Integrated UR5 collaborative robot for automated component testing
  • Developed vision systems and motion control algorithms
  • Reduced testing time while maintaining high accuracy standards
RoboticsUR5Computer VisionMotion Control
Oxidation Furnace Upgrade
Cal Poly SLO

Oxidation Furnace Upgrade

Designed the fluid delivery and electrical distribution systems for an oxidation furnace upgrade in the microfabrication lab.

My Role

  • Designed high-purity gas delivery using clean-room certified components
  • Engineered a safe electrical distribution system for the upgrade
  • Assembled an oxidation steam generator to expand lab capabilities
Fluid SystemsElectrical SystemsSafetyProcess Engineering
Cryogenic Coolant Manifold
Lam Research

Cryogenic Coolant Manifold

Metal 3D printed cryogenic coolant manifold for semiconductor equipment.

My Role

  • Designed complex manifold geometry optimized for additive manufacturing
  • Worked with metal 3D printing processes and material properties
  • Validated performance under cryogenic conditions
3D PrintingAdditive ManufacturingThermal DesignCAD

Products

Things I've shipped for clients and side projects.

FireGauge

FireGauge

Fire Equipment Testing Platform

What it is

Mobile-first app for capturing firehose tests in the field and generating clean reports.

My contribution

  • Built end-to-end mobile and web application
  • Productized for multiple fire departments and testing companies
  • Handled deployment, hosting, and ongoing maintenance

Impact

  • Digitizes ~10k hoses per season across 20+ departments
  • Eliminated hours of manual transcription
  • Now used by multiple testing companies and fire departments
Visit the website
Feed Formulation App

Feed Formulation App

Rations & Ingredient Control

What it is

Web app that captures feed formulation knowledge and turns it into a simple, repeatable tool.

My contribution

  • Learned domain expertise quickly
  • Built entire application in a weekend
  • Created intuitive interface for daily use

Impact

  • Daily rationing and ingredient control now live in one tool
  • Shows ability to absorb domain expertise quickly and ship
See the app

Fun Builds

Side projects that show range, personality, and the joy of building things.

B2 Bomber CoG Vibrations Demo

B2 Bomber CoG Vibrations Demo

Carbon Fiber Center of Gravity Analysis

Lab demonstration project analyzing center of gravity and vibrations for a B2 bomber carbon fiber model.

CompositesDynamicsInstrumentationStructural Analysis
MeetingCost Calculator

MeetingCost Calculator

Real-time Meeting Cost Tracker

Web app that calculates how much your meeting costs in real-time based on participant salaries. Built for fun and to demonstrate full-stack skills with a sense of humor.

Full-StackUI/UXReal-time Calculations
Try it out
Nerf Gun Turret

Nerf Gun Turret

Motorized Targeting System

Motorized Nerf turret with targeting capabilities. A hobbyist build demonstrating mechatronics, controls, and rapid prototyping skills.

MechatronicsControlsRapid Prototyping

Capabilities

Skills and areas where I can contribute, from hardware to software.

Test Stands & Data Automation

Automated test stands with real-time data logging for pressure, flow, electrical, and life-cycle testing.

Robotics & Motion Control

Robotic automation systems, cobot integration, and motion control for manufacturing and testing applications.

PCB Design & Embedded Systems

Circuit design, PCB layout, embedded firmware, and integration with mechanical systems.

Full-Stack Web Development

End-to-end web applications, mobile-first interfaces, and deployment infrastructure.

AI/ML Integration

Integrating AI and machine learning into existing workflows, data analysis, and automation systems.

Manufacturing Engineering

Process optimization, supply chain coordination, and bridging the gap between design and production.

NB

Shop photo coming soon

Current Role
Design Engineer @ Wasco
Location
Treasure Valley, ID
See what I'm working on
@NathanBurtnett

About Me

I'm a mechatronics engineer who builds automation systems and ships software. Started hands-on in the shop (welding, machining), studied mechatronics at Cal Poly, and now work as a Design Engineer at Wascobuilding test stands, robotics automation, and new products.

I started coding with AI the week ChatGPT launched. Since then I've shipped FireGauge (field testing app used by 20+ departments), built test stands and robotic automation systems, designed PCBs, and created full-stack web applications for clients and side projects.

I talk like a builder, not a consultant. If you're working on automation, robotics, or software that needs to work in the real world, let's talk.

The Journey So Far

Early
Welding → Machining
Started hands-on in the shop—welding, machining, and learning how things get built.
College
Allan Hancock → Cal Poly (Mechatronics)
Moved from Allan Hancock College to Cal Poly SLO. Mechanical engineering with a mechatronics focus.
Internships
Wasco & Lam Research
Interned at Wasco during community college, then Lam Research as a Systems Engineer intern—semiconductor/test focus.
Wasco
Design Engineer
Pressure switches, test stands, R&D, and data automation. Kept experimenting with AI the week it launched.
FireGauge
Built & Productized
Solo-built FireGauge for my in-laws’ firehose testing company; now productized for 20+ departments and ~10k hoses each season.
Now
Design Engineer + Side Projects
Continuing to build test stands and automation at Wasco, while shipping side projects and taking on select client work.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Got a process that's eating up hours? Let's fix it. Book a free 30-minute call or send me a message.

Send a Message