EXPERIENCE
Apr. 1998 – Aug. 1999
Nilfisk A/S — Copenhagen, Denmark
My first position after graduating from the Technical University of Denmark was as an R&D Engineer with Nilfisk, a Danish manufacturer of vacuum cleaners. One of my first major assignments was to completely redesign the internal components of the domestic vacuum cleaner model Nilfisk GM400. The existing design was too costly to manufacture and, at the same time, was significantly noisier than competing products.
This project was my first experience participating in structured brainstorming sessions aimed at solving a real engineering challenge. Working closely with colleagues from different disciplines, we developed a completely new internal design, including an innovative type of silencer that significantly improved the product.
The new design was later patented, with the Head of Design, the Head of R&D, and myself listed as inventors. This early experience left a lasting impression on me and reinforced my appreciation for the combination of engineering analysis, creativity, teamwork, and practical problem-solving.
As an R&D Engineer at Nilfisk A/S in Copenhagen, I managed product development projects from concept to production, combining engineering innovation with cost optimization and manufacturing efficiency.
I led a major redesign of the Nilfisk GM400, reducing component count, simplifying assembly, and optimizing the global supply chain while coordinating closely with suppliers, external consultants, international toolmakers, and cross-functional teams.
The project resulted in a patented design (WO01/74025 A1) and provided valuable experience in turning innovative ideas into commercially successful products through practical engineering and effective project management.
In August 1999, I decided to leave Nilfisk and continue my academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). I was accepted into the MSc program in Mechanical Engineering and began my studies with the ambition of further developing my technical expertise.
After two semesters, however, I realized that the chosen specialization and course content did not align with my interests and long-term goals. Rather than continuing on a path that did not feel right, I made the decision to step away from the program and return to industry.
I subsequently applied for a position with MAN Diesel & Turbo in Denmark, where I had the opportunity to work on the design and development of large marine diesel engines—an area that combined advanced engineering, complex mechanical systems, and practical industrial applications.
Nov. 2000 – Aug. 2002
MAN Diesel & Turbo — Copenhagen, Denmark
As a Design Engineer working with large two-stroke marine diesel engines, I was responsible for the design and structural analysis of critical engine components, including flywheels, turning gears, engine bases, and transmission elements.
The role required designing welded and bolted connections capable of withstanding extreme dynamic loads while ensuring reliability and manufacturability.
I collaborated closely with licensed engine manufacturers in Korea, Japan, and China, supporting the successful implementation of new designs across international production facilities. In addition, I developed engineering calculation tools in Mathcad to standardize the design and verification of mechanical components and created detailed 3D models using Unigraphics (now Siemens NX).
Between periods of international travel and postgraduate education, I worked for KJ-Hydraulik on three separate occasions. These assignments allowed me to progressively expand my responsibilities from mechanical design to project management and technical advisory, playing a key role in developing the company’s engineering function while delivering hydraulic solutions for the marine and offshore sectors.
Apr. 2000 – Sept. 2000, Jan. 2003 – Sept. 2003 & Nov. 2004 – March 2006
KJ Hydraulik — Faroe Islands
At KJ-Hydraulik, I served as design engineer and technical advisor to the Technical Director and Sales Department.
The company specializes in hydraulically driven machinery for the marine and offshore industries and I was responsible for engineering, documentation, customer and authority coordination, and bridging the gap between design and production.
My work included the design and project management of hydraulic equipment such as fishing winches, capstan systems, and other custom marine machinery, as well as supervision of manufacturing, repairs and conversions of ships.
Design work was performed using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
After completing my engineering studies and gaining industrial experience, I broadened my professional background through international humanitarian work with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). This period combined engineering, project management, logistics, and team leadership in challenging environments in Africa and South America.
Apr. 2006 – May. 2007
MSF (Doctors without Borders) – Rue Dupréstraat 94, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
As Technical Logistician and Engineer in South Sudan, I was responsible for the technical aspects of a hospital rehabilitation project, including power generation, electrical supply, building rehabilitation, and water infrastructure.
I established and managed a Construction and Rehabilitation Team consisting of approximately 50 sudanese craftsmen and workers.
Later, as Chief Administrator and Logistician in Colombia, I managed technical, logistical, security, and administrative operations for a remote project station, including responsibility for a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 staff members.
The objective of the station was to form the base for health brigades on the rivers of the Chocó region.
After serving with Doctors without Borders in South Sudan and Colombia, I relocated to Bogotá where I founded Kastalag Engineering ltda., which was an engineering consultancy specializing in mechanical design and structural optimization using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), delivering engineering solutions across the industrial, infrastructure, and marine sectors.
Jun. 2007 – Jan. 2009
Kastalag Engineering Ltda. – Bogotá, Colombia
With Kastalag Engineering Ltda. I developed a number of different projects together with amongst other Siemens Colombia, KJ-Hydraulik of the Faroe Islands and the Colombian state.
- Optimized highly loaded crane components and foundations using ANSYS, and designed a gravity-fed fire water supply system for the Colombian infrastructure project the Sumapaz Tunnel, including the mechanical, structural, and seismic design of the storage tank in accordance with NFPA standards.
- Performed structural assessments and redesigns of ocean-going fish farming vessels for KJ-Hydraulik in the Faroe Islands, improving performance and reliability for operation in the harsh North Atlantic environment.
- Designed two industrial vacuum ovens for Siemens Colombia, including the burners, heat exchangers, support platform, and rail-and-cart handling system. Completed 3D design in Autodesk Inventor, FEA in ANSYS Workbench following NAFEMS guidelines, and fatigue assessments using the Coffin–Manson method.
Feb. 2009 – Sep. 2015
MAN Energy Solutions – Copenhagen, Denmark
Worked as an R&D / Structural Engineer, specializing in the design, analysis, and optimization of welded steel structures and pressure vessels through advanced simulation methods, experimental validation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Researched, designed, and developed welded structures and pressure vessels, evaluating stresses, deformations, vibrations, and fatigue using FEA and classical mechanics.
- Performed advanced finite element analyses using Abaqus, HyperWorks, and fe-safe, combined with 3D design in Siemens NX, to optimize structural performance and durability.
- Conducted vibration and strain-gauge measurements on diesel engines during sea trials to validate numerical models and assess in-service performance.
- Provided technical guidance to engineering teams on complex structural issues, including fatigue, crack initiation and growth, stress concentration reduction, and component life extension.
- Led multidisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, and analysts in the development of new engine components and structural solutions, while completing specialized training in welded structure design and a four-year part-time Business Administration program focused on innovation.
Nov. 2015 – Sep. 2022
Externado University & Freelance – Bogotá, Colombia
During my time in Colombia, I worked independently as an Engineering & Business Consultant, combining my engineering expertise with my business management education to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and international academic initiatives.
- Led and coordinated the Emerging Market Initiatives at Externado University in Bogotá, including the recruitment of international students and faculty, logistics, budgeting, and marketing.
- Developed and delivered innovation workshops covering proven methodologies such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile Innovation, and the Stage-Gate project management process.
- Led entrepreneurship workshops for the NGO Fundación Nutrinfantil outside Bogotá, helping aspiring entrepreneurs develop innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial skills.
This photo was taken in 2021 in Putumayo, southwestern Colombia, where I led a rural development project in collaboration with a local Sacha Inchi producer and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
- Led a project to replace coca cultivation with the sustainable production and export of Sacha Inchi oil, creating an economically viable alternative for local farmers.
- Established production, imported packaging materials and equipment, secured export permits, and successfully completed the first shipment to a wholesale customer in Belgium.
- Overcame challenges including post-pandemic restrictions, quality assurance requirements, and cultural differences, helping connect producers in an underserved region with international markets and creating a sustainable economic opportunity.
After having lived several years in Bogotá, Colombia I relocated together with my family to New York City and started working with a Colorado based structural engineering company called Level Engineering.
Jan. 2023 – Current
Level Engineering PLLC – New York City, USA
As a Structural Engineer with Level Engineering I am mainly levereging my knowledge and experience in structural Finite Element calculations for analyzing and designing building structures in the New York City metropolitan area.
- Work with construction projects in the New York area (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens & Bronx).
- On-site inspections of buildings to define the extent of damage, repairs, modifications etc.
- Use RISA 3D and Abaqus for FE-Analyses and AutoCAD & Solid Works for design.
- Provide FE-Analyses and structural advice for other members of the organization. I have analyzed windmills, airport hangars, a solar-lenses-structure for a California based startup etc. for my colleagues.