Norman T. Neher, P.E.
Phone: (952) 412-2558 cell
Email: ntneher@nuveramail.net
Senior Mechanical & R&D Engineer | FEA/CFD Expert | Structural Dynamics, Thermal, Impact & Vibration | Aerospace • Medical • Energy • Defense
About
Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) with 30+ years of experience in R&D, advanced analysis, product development, and system engineering across aerospace, defense, medical devices, semiconductor, industrial equipment, and energy systems.
Specialist in finite element analysis (linear & nonlinear), vibration, fatigue, thermal, CFD, dynamic impact, and structural evaluation of complex electromechanical assemblies. Experienced in turning difficult technical problems into validated, manufacturable solutions.
Founder of Analytical Engineering Services, providing engineering design, FEA/CFD analysis, prototype development, and test programs for commercial and government clients.
Known for:
- Accurately predicting complex behavior through advanced simulation
- Creating test methods that dramatically shorten development cycles
- Leading cradle-to-production design efforts
- Solving failures through modeling, experimentation, and root-cause analysis
- Working across aerospace, medical, defense, and high-purity fluid systems
Tools & Strengths: ANSYS, SolidWorks, Creo, CFD, thermodynamics, structural dynamics, acoustics, materials, fatigue life estimation, vibration analysis, prototyping, manufacturing processes, system engineering.
Experience
Analytical Engineering Services – Founder / Engineering Director
Minneapolis, MN — 2001–Present
- Provide FEA, CFD, thermal analysis, vibration/fatigue evaluation, mechanical design, and R&D consulting.
- Lead engineering for lithium backup power systems, turbine-generator airflow/thermal optimization, and defense-related low-lethality projectile systems.
- Perform CFD, acoustic analysis, and advanced simulations on gas-turbine-based systems.
- Developed catheter designs and performed FEA for Mayo Clinic.
- Designed and tested prototypes using machining, molding, 3D printing, and custom fixtures.
- Developed diagnostic electronic hardware and automotive data-analysis systems.
- Regular use of ANSYS, SolidWorks, and test instrumentation.
Rimage, Inc. – Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract)
2018–2019
- Lead designer for automated electromechanical flash-memory duplication systems (Creo 3.0).
- Conducted FEA on critical components and built prototype electromechanical systems.
- Utilized in-house machining, 3D printing, and hands-on testing.
Cummins, Inc. – Sr. Mechanical Engineer / FEA Analyst
2018
- Developed nonlinear analysis, fatigue, and impact evaluation methods for complex electromechanical assemblies.
- Created correlation programs linking test data to FEA results.
- Produced design recommendations validated through iterative testing and simulation.
Boston Scientific – Sr. R&D Mechanical Engineer (Contract)
2016–2017
- Designed simulated blood-flow tests for multilayer catheter systems.
- Led FEA efforts that predicted catheter structural behavior and reduced development cycle from months to days.
- Modernized testing methods and designed fixtures using 3D printing.
Goodrich Sensor Systems (Collins Aerospace) – Senior Mechanical Engineer / Analyst
2005–2012
- Conducted structural, thermal, vibration, acoustic, fatigue, airflow, and impact analyses for aviation and defense sensor systems.
- Used ANSYS and Teamcenter to support gas-turbine, rocket, and aerospace hardware designs.
- Estimated fatigue life and validated results through testing.
- Authored analysis reports and presented findings to customers and management.
ATMI Packaging – Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager
2003–2004
- Supported design and manufacturing of high-purity liquid chemical packaging for semiconductor and pharmaceutical use.
- Created statistical manufacturing specifications that significantly reduced reject rates.
- Led redesigns for components produced in millions annually and transitioned machined parts to molded production.
Reuter Manufacturing – Project Engineer
2000–2002
- Designed systems for medical devices, cryogenic pumps, valves, actuators, and high-speed machinery.
- Generated $300K annual savings through cost analysis.
- Supervised engineers, machinists, and technicians; supported prototype-to-production transitions.
Futurestar – Engineering Manager / Project Engineer
1994–1999
- Led engineering group during major growth in ultrapure fluid-handling systems.
- Applied ANSYS to advanced flow-meter R&D.
- Reduced failure rates from over 50% to under 1% through redesigned processes.
- Published analytical techniques predicting product performance.
Northern Research – Lead Mechanical Engineer (Contract)
1992–1994
- Designed fatigue test rigs; developed catheter technologies using advanced metals and plastics.
- Created joining techniques that eliminated fatigue failures.
- Developed arterial simulation methods that accelerated system development.
Alliant Techsystems (ATK) – Senior Development Engineer
1986–1992
- Designed projectile-based weapon systems for Pentagon programs.
- Conducted aerodynamic, fluid-mechanics, parachute, rocket, and live-fire testing.
- Used DOE methods to optimize system performance.
- Identified new dynamic behaviors in gun-launched systems.
General Dynamics – Aerospace Engineer
1983–1986
- Performed computer modeling of air vehicles using flight-test and wind-tunnel data.
- Designed and tested force gages for subsonic, transonic, and supersonic wind tunnels.
Gulfstream Aerospace – Preliminary Design Engineer
1981–1983
- Designed and modified major aircraft components for production and new-model aircraft.
Education
B.S., Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics
University of Minnesota – Minneapolis
Professional Engineer (P.E.), Mechanical
Additional training: Taguchi Design of Experiments, MS Project, Project Management, annual FEA continuing education.