Mechanical Engineer · Automation & System Design · Electromechanical Prototyping

Building reliable automated systems that bridge mechanical · electrical · software.

Mechanical engineer turned automation problem‑solver. I take concepts from CAD through prototyping, testing, and validation to production‑ready systems. I enjoy rapid iteration, hands‑on fabrication, and designing for maintainability and scale.

Projects

Automated Oyster Mushroom Farm

Founder · 2024 — Present
  • Scaled from 0 to 20+ kg/week in under 9 months via iterative prototyping and process optimisation.
  • Built a custom automation & control panel regulating humidity, temperature, and airflow.
  • Engineered a self‑cleaning inline HEPA‑filtered humidifier with custom 3D‑printed mounts.
  • Developed preventive maintenance, SOPs, and tested a pioneering anti‑mould approach.
BMS‑style controls Sensor fusion Ventilation & ducting Reliability

Operational Automation & Live Stock Control

Business Development & Ops · 2024 — Present
  • Integrated accounting + transport systems into a live stock control workflow.
  • Digitised paper processes into automated order‑to‑delivery pipelines.
  • Built procurement tools for government contracts, saving dozens of hours/week.
Process design Systems integration Data workflows
Experience

4 Front Furniture — Business Development & Operations Manager

Sep 2024 – Present · EN4
  • Managed cross‑functional operations for 40 staff; improved efficiency and capability.
  • Integrated accounting + transport into live stock control; reduced errors and manual work.
  • Automated order‑to‑delivery workflows; increased throughput and traceability.
  • Built procurement automation for government contracts; hours saved weekly.

JSJ Smart Homes — Automation Engineer

Nov 2020 – Sep 2022 · N17
  • Designed, programmed, and installed bespoke home automation systems.
  • Created instant pricing & panel‑design tools; supported +50% revenue growth.

NLB Engineering — Trainee Mechanical Engineer

Jul 2019 – Oct 2019 · CM17
  • Produced detailed 2D/3D drawings for manufacture in SolidWorks.
  • Programmed CNC milling machines and lathes (G/M code) for prototypes and production.

Move Out! Mushrooms — Founder / Systems Designer

Feb 2024 – Present · London
  • Built integrated electromechanical systems and validated performance via iterative testing.
  • Focused on contamination control, safety, and long‑term reliability.
Skills & Competencies

Design & Manufacturing

CATIA V5 · SolidWorks · AutoCAD · 3D CAD · CNC · 3D printing · Fabrication

Automation & Controls

Python · JavaScript · Node.js · SQL · G/M Code · Sensor/Actuator Integration · BMS‑style controls

Systems & Process

Electromechanical integration · Fluidics & ventilation · Reliability · SOPs · Testing & validation

Resume
Download a PDF copy of my resume
Matthew Nicholas — CV (2025)
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Contact

Email: youremail@example.com · LinkedIn: /in/matthew-nicholas · Location: London, UK