Emmanuel Kegara Nyagaka
BLOOMINGTON
Summary
- Mechanical Engineer with experience in mechanical design, testing, and structural analysis, currently serving as a Lab Technician III at 3M conducting advanced film and material testing to support product development and reliability.
- Skilled in FEA simulations, prototyping, and material evaluation, with expertise in SolidWorks for design and Excel for data analysis and trend visualization.
- Proven ability to bridge laboratory testing with engineering applications, delivering data-driven insights that improve product performance, sustainability, and reliability.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Lab Technician III
3M
Maplewood
04.2025 - Current
- Prepared and coated experimental adhesive formulations on various liners and substrates (thin films to laminates) to optimize product development.
- Operated and maintained advanced testing equipment such as Instron machines (180 peel, ply adhesion), Rho point gloss meter, X-Rite spectrophotometer, DHR3 Rheometer, Taber abrasion tester, and VHX digital microscope to deliver accurate and repeatable test results.
- Performed mechanical and physical property testing on films and adhesives, including gloss, color, peel strength, abrasion resistance, shrinkage, and adhesion, to evaluate product durability, aesthetics, and performance.
- Utilized UV curing equipment to bond light-activated adhesives and evaluate how different UV levels affect performance.
- Collaborated with engineers and technicians to analyze test data, compile reports, and recommend enhancements for product performance and reliability.
- Adapted test methods and troubleshot equipment for R&D projects.
- Contributed to R&D projects that improved product durability and minimized defects.
Lawn Care
JEM Outdoor Care
Bloomington
05.2023 - 08.2025
- Founded and led lawn care service, managing team of three to deliver comprehensive outdoor services such as mowing, weeding, tree pruning, mulching, leaf removal, and deck washing.
- Managed operations by scheduling services, communicating with clients, purchasing equipment, and tracking expenses.
- Communicated effectively with customers about their individual needs regarding lawn care treatments.
- Kept accurate records of lawn care treatments and client requests for service adjustments.
Park Maintenance
City of Bloomington
Bloomington
05.2022 - 08.2024
- Maintained landscaping across 30+ parks to improve safety and enhance visual appeal.
- Executed mowing, weed trimming, mulching, and tree trimming to uphold park cleanliness and accessibility.
Playground Facilitator
City of Bloomington
Bloomington
05.2018 - 08.2021
- Supervised 20-30 children in engaging, educational activities to promote learning and social interaction.
- Mentored and guided teen volunteers to enhance their leadership skills and support program objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Minnesota
Duluth12-2024
Skills
- R&D support
- Mechanical testing
- Adhesive development
- Material selection
- Film Testing
- Prototyping
- Data analysis
- SOLIDWORKS
- CAD modeling
- MATLAB
- Minitab
- FEA
- BOM
- Microsoft Office
Projects
Senior Design Project
- Designed and prototyped an atmospheric water collector housing and reservoir in SOLIDWORKS to address water scarcity, focusing on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
- Conducted material testing and FEA simulations to evaluate structural integrity and durability.
- Built and tested prototypes using 3D printing; created BOM, documentation, and technical deliverables.
Bicycle Crank Project
- Designed a lightweight bicycle crank set assembly in SOLIDWORKS and optimized geometry to reduce stress concentrations.
- Performed FEA simulations to ensure peak stress remained below limits and displacement under a 400N load stayed <2 mm.
- Delivered detailed reports including stress analysis plots, convergence tables, and design recommendations.
Timeline
Lab Technician III
3M
04.2025 - Current
Lawn Care
JEM Outdoor Care
05.2023 - 08.2025
Park Maintenance
City of Bloomington
05.2022 - 08.2024
Playground Facilitator
City of Bloomington
05.2018 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Minnesota