Paul Niskanen’s career, spanning over 30 years, includes positions in both high-tech manufacturing and R&D environments and in companies both large and small:

• Niskanen Consulting provides materials and processes support services in the areas of product and process development, project management, business development, and technical marketing. Clients include Alion Science and Technology; Rogers Corporation; Eck Industries; Thermal Transfer Composites, LLC; the Engineered Surfaces Center at the University of North Dakota; and Black Laboratories, LLC. We have supported client development efforts for corrosion resistant alloys for DoD aircraft use. Identified DoD R&D projects for bid potential. Managed a small rolling mill procurement project. Evaluated the mill hardware for application, coordinated project, tested control systems, supported installation, managed start-up, and trained client staff. We have developed applications of new materials and process concepts for DoD weapon systems manufacturing, and provided technical support to funded projects. Surveyed Midwest and Southeast aluminum die casters for new fabrication out-sourcing, and advised in final selection. Evaluated manufacturing and laboratory facilities for a client for addition of a specialty material into their product line. Created process flow diagrams and created cost models for manufacturing in their facilities.
  
  
• Alion Science and Technology
  • Assistant Vice President and Division Manager, Materials and Processes Division
  • Program Manager
• Lanxide Corporation
  • General Manager castable reinforced aluminum products
  • Product Manager for castable aluminum composites
  • Manager, Market Development
• Advanced Composite Materials Company
  • Manager, Major Programs
  • Project Engineer extrusion and rolling
• Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company
  • Associate Scientist in the Advanced Projects Research Group
  • Materials and Processes Engineer in the Structures Division

Credentials include:
M.S. in Metallurgy, Georgia Institute of Technology
Bachelor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Southern Polytechnic State University
4 U.S. Patents
R&D 100 Award Recipient
Veteran - U.S. Navy Air

 

 

Client Comments:

"... Paul’s knowledge, communication skills, and professionalism have provided real value to our technology development program. His efforts over that last two years have helped us establish solid working relationships with a number of industrial partners, and have provided technical expertise to our superfinishing, cold spray, metallurgical analysis, and other enhanced surface engineering projects. His tasks have always been completed on time and within scope..."  John R. - director, North Dakota

“….Paul is a quick study, using his extensive background he sized up our operation and made immediate recommendations on how to get the most out of our equipment and personnel. Paul is also hands-on and is not afraid to pitch in and work with technicians and engineers to teach proper techniques and procedures. By far Paul’s help has been well worth every penny spent, a true professional!..."   Dan W. - president, Delaware

"…Thank you for your work for us. You are competent, thorough and knowledgeable…"   Tom S. - business manager, Arizona

 

 

 

Microstructure of a cast aluminum metal matrix composite
containing 30 volume percent SiC particulate.

 

 

 

Assortment of MMC Castings
(Courtesy of Thermal Transfer Composites, LLC.)