James Tillotson

Research Engineer

Colorado State University | May 2016 to Current

• I am responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of industrial and lab equipment. Including, installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair, reconfiguration, and operations of equipment.

• I work with faculty and clients to define, plan and conduct experiments and collect data using our research engines and laboratory test equipment that is relevant and appropriate based on the test program objectives.

• I write research proposals, test plans, instruction documentation, checklists, procedures, and other laboratory documentation necessary for safe and effective laboratory operation.

• I implement new apparatuses, experiments, control software and GUI’s, and infrastructure.

• I write, modify, debug, and implement DAQ, HMI, and analysis software in LabVIEW, MatLab, Python, Excel and others.

• I install, maintain and repair a variety of data acquisition systems and software packages. Specifically, National Instruments cRIO hardware and software.

• I maintain, trouble shoot and repair/replace computer systems used for data acquisition and engine and instrument control.

• I specify order, configure, and install new equipment including lab instrumentation, data acquisition systems, controls, pumps valves, meters, sensors and other hardware.

•  I work closely with Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) to ensure that research is conducted in a safe and effective fashion.

•  I supervise up to 9 undergraduate engineering intern staff members and a number of graduate students conducting a wide range of tasks.

• I wrote, and implemented laboratory safety and proficiency training program.

• I coordinate tracking and disposal of hazardous waste.

• I complete our spill prevention and containment inspections

• I manage, maintain, and stock all lab tools and equipment and tool consumables.

• I execute proper disposal of excess, defective or obsolete equipment for the lab.

Co-founder and Member Manager

iCordia Surgical | August 2013 to April 2016

• I pioneered a procedure for the transapical resection and replacement of the aortic heart valve

• I designed a medical device to remove aortic valve tissue trans apex

• iCordia was a CSU Venture Accelerator Company, Fall 2015 Cohort

• I tested the medical device in a beating heart simulator to validate efficacy

• I tested the medical device in a live porcine model to test efficacy and safety

• I completed the first known placement of a temporary artificial valve aortic arch in a live porcine model.

• I formed an LLC startup (iCordia Surgical LLC. Established May 2014)

• I oversaw a senior design capstone project to improve efficacy and safety of the original tool (August 2014 to May 2015)

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Colorado State University | June 2012 - May 2014

• I was a member of interdisciplinary multi-organizational research and design team

• I participated in a concept to product design process

• My work was hands on design, manufacturing, testing, and validation

• I performed data analysis for presentation to final customer

Aircraft mechanic shop hand

The New Firewall Forward | Winter 2010

• I cleaned, prepared, and painted aircraft engine components.

• I was responsible for shop upkeep, cleaning floors and workspaces and sorting tools

• I inventoried parts for each engine

• I worked with machinists to clean CNC and other machine tools.

Other Positions

2007-2011

• Poudre School District, Custodian,  Fall 2011

• Firewall Forward, short staff aircraft mechanic shop hand, December 2010

• Aqua Pumps Inc., Water Well Repair Technician, Summer 2010

• Aims Community College, Ceramics Lab Technician, 2009 to 2011

• Campus Crusade, 5th grade Head Counselor, Summer 2009

• Whitman’s Outdoor Services, Landscaping. Summer 2008

• Thunder Prairie Ranch, Ranch Hand, Summer 2007