Co-op student supports Nominal Controls’ research and development technology for space application
By: Krista Henry (she/her)
Canadian manufacturer Nominal Controls is tapping into student talent to help transform semiconductor-based technologies.
The organization hired their first co-op student to support projects for industry leaders such as Tesla, among others.
Founded in 2016, Nominal Controls focuses on solid-state control technology used for the industrial machinery, renewable energy and scientific research industries. Recently, the organization began research and development of technology viable for aerospace/space.
As the organization ramps up their business and product offerings, having additional support through a co-op student has been a rewarding experience.
Matthew Bridger
Waterloo co-op student
Nominal Controls hired their first co-op student, Matthew Bridger, in the role of research and development test engineer assistant for the winter 2023 term. Bridger is a Mechatronics Engineering student in his first work term and exceeded the organization’s expectations for the co-op student role.
“The latest system developed for a private space company pushed our technology to the limit,” says Peter Zhang (he/him), founder of Nominal Controls.
“Our team has produced cutting-edge solutions for the space industry that are being used for ground tests. It’s very exciting for us because we’re contributing to their goals of space exploration and sending humans outside of Earth.”
Waterloo students have the experience with fine equipment they have in school, as well as the scientific inquiry skills we need.
Matt has been great. Even though it’s his first work term, he’s a very competent, three-dimensional (3D) artist and a very excellent machinist.
First work term student impresses with work ethic
Bridger has played an important role in developing models, manufacturing hardware, programming, as well as testing electronics for multiple projects. For Nominal Controls, having a student on board was beneficial for their small team of four.
“We
were
working
on
a
very
tight
schedule
and
had
to
follow
a
very
agile
development
approach.
Matt
had
to
work
with
last
minute
specification
changes
and
design
modifications
for
our
lead
engineer,”
says
Zhang.
“He
made
the
quick
hardware
modifications
so
we
could
deliver
on
time.
He’s
a
fast
learner
and
eager
to
work.
I
hope
his
experience
with
us
has
helped
his
existing
understanding
of
both
solid-state
controls,
hardware
and
software
integrations
even
further.”
When Bridger applied to Nominal Controls, he didn’t realize he would be building custom designs for the likes of top companies.
“We built customized assemblies for big names like Tesla which was stressful but rewarding,” says Bridger.
“We worked on the data, getting everything set up, and testing. I didn’t know a lot about any of that coming into this role. I thought I’d be doing more paperwork and less hands-on work. Instead, I’ve learned a lot.”
Following his experience, Bridger wants to explore additional opportunities with semiconductors. He encourages other students to take a chance and work with smaller organizations for the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience in the field.
Nominal Controls expects to ramp up with more projects in the future. After a positive experience with their first co-op student, the organization is looking to continue hiring students to support their growth.