Nathan Olsen

About Nathan Olsen

I am a manufacturing engineer in the aerospace industry with a focus on developing, programming, and optimizing manufacturing processes for flight-critical components. I currently work at CAD Enterprises, where I support production for commercial and military aerospace customers including GE, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, Parker, and SpaceX to name a few. My work centers on machining and process development for high-temperature nickel alloy castings, including Inconel and Hastelloy, in high-mix, tight-tolerance environments. I regularly program and optimize CNC processes across 5-axis vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, Swiss-type lathes, twin-spindle/twin-turret lathes, boring, and secondary operations. A strong emphasis is placed on design for manufacturability (DFM), frequently working directly with customers and internal teams to identify improved designs, alternative features, and process strategies that enable more efficient, repeatable, and cost-effective manufacturing while meeting strict aerospace requirements. I work closely with operations, quality, and leadership teams to support AS9100 and NADCAP-controlled special processes, including welding, brazing, heat treat, and grinding. The focus is on manufacturability, repeatability, throughput improvement, and production stability in a highly regulated aerospace environment. I hold a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Grand Canyon University with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. I enjoy a practical, shop-floor-driven approach to engineering and take pride in bridging design intent with real-world manufacturing execution. Core interests: Aerospace manufacturing, CNC programming, advanced machining, process development, design for manufacturability, and continuous improvement.

Experience

1. Manufacturing Engineer

   Cad Enterprises

   Jul 2024 — Present · Phoenix, AZ, US

   As a Manufacturing Engineer at CAD Enterprises, I develop and optimize precision manufacturing processes for complex aerospace components, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and manufacturability. My role combines advanced CNC programming, process engineering, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure reliable production of high-tolerance parts in demanding materials such as Inconel, Hastelloy, and other superalloys.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:Advanced CNC Programming:Program and validate toolpaths in Mastercam for 5-axis, 4-axis, horizontal machining centers, and live-tool lathes. Create efficient machining strategies that reduce cycle time, extend tool life, and uphold tight tolerance requirements.Process Design & Optimization:Engineer complete manufacturing workflows, including fixture design, machining sequences, and inspection methods. Improve operations to boost repeatability, reduce scrap, and support scalable production.Complex Material Expertise:Machine aerospace-grade superalloys using advanced cutting techniques to maintain dimensional accuracy and material integrity.Cross-Functional Collaboration:Work with production, quality, engineering, and leadership teams to solve technical issues, implement manufacturing solutions, and support new product introductions.Continuous Improvement:Identify and execute opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and throughput increases through data-driven engineering.Technical Documentation:Develop setup sheets, machining standards, tool lists, and best-practice guidelines to ensure consistency across operators and shifts.Core Skills:CNC Programming (Mastercam)| 5-Axis Machining | 4-Axis Machining | Horizontal Mills | Live-Tool Lathes | Process Engineering | Fixture Design | Lean Manufacturing | Aerospace Manufacturing | Superalloys (Inconel, Hastelloy)| GD & T | Toolpath Optimization | DFM/DFA

Education

• Grand Canyon University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering

• Grand Canyon University

  Minor in Entrepenurial Studies, Business/Commerce, General

• Foothill High School

  High School Diploma

  2016 — 2020