Hi, I'm Nathaniel Karau
Engineer | Designer | Innovator
Mission: To design and deliver innovative engineering solutions through creativity, precision, and continuous improvement.
About Me
My degree is in Manufacturing Engineering and I'm passionate about designing practical, innovative solutions to complex challenges.
My expertise includes CAD modeling, product and structural design, prototyping, and creating manufacturable components. I enjoy bringing ideas from concept to reality—whether it’s designing prototypes, optimizing manufacturing processes, or developing functional parts.
Proficient in SolidWorks, Inventor, and AutoCAD, I combine technical skills with creative problem-solving to deliver high-quality results. I thrive in collaborative environments, leading projects and ensuring designs meet both performance and production requirements.
Beyond engineering, I’m always exploring new technologies, experimenting with 3D printing, and expanding my skill set to stay ahead in the aerospace and manufacturing industries. I’m motivated by the opportunity to tackle challenging projects that make a real impact.
Skills
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Work Experience
Awards/Achievements
(Click the Card to Expand)
2024 - Present
Wieser Form Fabrication | Engineering Project Manager
- Improved workflow efficiency by 25% by coordinating the design and implementation of manufacturing tools and supporting on-time project delivery.
- Created and maintained production schedules to balance workload and prioritize orders on a weekly and monthly basis.
- Reduced design errors by 25% through the utilization of Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling and design verification, and ensured compliance with industry standards.
- Reduced production delays by 15% through collaboration with shop floor operators and suppliers to resolve technical issues.
Awards/Achievements
- Innovated new CAD models that reduced error and improved workflow and accuracy.
- Designed and implemented custom templates and designs that the shop floor has standardized.
2023 - 2024
Viracon | Senior Engineering Design Experience (Capstone)
- Led the design, analysis, and development of a scaled Tilt Table prototype to improve ergonomics for employees, optimizing workflow and enhancing productivity.
- Applied SolidWorks for detailed part and assembly modeling, ensuring manufacturable designs for fabrication teams.
- Conducted tolerance analysis and FEA studies to confirm structural integrity and performance compliance.
Awards/Achievements
- Prototype was accepted for full-scale implementation at Viracon's facility.
- Design modifications improved throughout and reduced ergonomic strain from employees.
2022 - 2024
Walmart | Stocking Associate
- Recognized as a reliable team player who was consistently sought out by coworkers and supervisors for assistance with daily tasks and problem-solving.
- Demonstrated a strong work ethic by completing assignments efficiently, maintaining store standards, and going above expectations to support the team.
- Took initiative to help others and ensured shelves were fully stocked and organized, contributing to smooth store operations and customer satisfaction.
Awards/Achievements
- Frequently selected as shift lead or trusted to handle high-priority stocking tasks.
- Suggested layout/organization changes that improved customer experience or reduced restocking time.
- Praised by supervisors for dependability, teamwork, and problem-solving.
2022 - 2022 (Internship)
Midwest Manufacturing | Engineering Manager Intern
- Supervised a team of five to improve workplace efficiency, reducing system runtime.
- Developed strong communication, critical thinking, and management skills, enhancing team productivity and project outcomes.
- Ensured safety compliance by traveling to new plants and implementing safety measures, increasing safety compliance.
Awards/Achievements
- Implemented safety protocols to reduce safety incidents.
- Assisted in implementing safety training modules for new hires.
2019 - 2024
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Developed expertise in manufacturing systems, design for manufacturability, lean practices, and engineering leadership through coursework and projects; collaborated with cross-functional student teams to plan, prototype, and present engineering solutions to real-world manufacturing challenges; gained hands-on experience with SolidWorks, introductory FEA and PLC programming, and led multiple team-based engineering projects.
Awards/Achievements
- Earned Dean’s List honors multiple semesters for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Student-athlete on the UW–Stout Track & Field Team, successfully balancing Division III athletics with full-time academics.
Projects
(Click on Projects to View)
Tilt Table - Prototype
(Capstone Project)
Box Form -
(5' x 5' x 6')
Barrier Form -
(34" x 23" x 10')
 Cover Photo.jpeg)
Light Pole Base Form -
(30" Diameter)
Pool Form -
(7' x 13' x 5')
Stair Form -
(16' x 12' x 4')
.jpg)