Nicholas Padilla

Software Engineer

Seattle, Washington, United States8 yrs 5 mos experience

Most Likely To SwitchAI ML Practitioner

Key Highlights

Designed workflows saving 2,000+ hours annually.
Championed responsible AI adoption in processes.
Mentored teams to enhance software quality and compliance.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Software Process Quality Engineer with expertise in Aerospace and Manufacturing.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Safety-critical SystemsProcess ImprovementProject ManagementLeadershipQuality AssuranceDesign EngineeringManufacturing Engineering

Other Skills

GitBashSafety Critical SoftwareAgentic AIArtificial Intelligence (AI)LinuxRCAPlanningStrategyDFXStatisticsComputer SimulationsWorkflow OptimizationTeam BuildingProcess Automation

About

I’m a Software Process Quality Engineer at Blue Origin, passionate about building high-performance systems and improving processes. Beyond my day-to-day work, I explore the intersections of engineering, business, AI, and leadership, sharing lessons I’ve learned along the way. I write and create content to help others see things differently—whether it’s a new perspective on decision-making, a framework for solving complex problems, or insights from my own experiences in business school and the aerospace industry. My goal is to make knowledge practical: if you read my posts, I want you to walk away with ideas you can apply immediately. I also love engaging with others—discussing new trends, sharing lessons, or exchanging strategies for growth. Let’s connect if you’re curious about engineering, business strategy, AI, or just want to swap ideas on personal and professional growth.

Experience

8 yrs 5 mos

Total Experience

1 yr 4 mos

Average Tenure

3 yrs 8 mos

Current Experience

Blue origin

2 roles

Software Process Quality Engineer

Promoted

Mar 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 2 mos · Kent, Washington, United States · On-site

Summary:
Driving high-impact process improvements, mentoring teams, and implementing innovative frameworks to enhance software quality, efficiency, and compliance across the enterprise. Passionate about translating complex challenges into actionable solutions and sharing lessons learned throughout the company.
Key Achievements and Responsibilities:
Designed and implemented new workflows and tools that saved the team 2,000+ hours per year, improved compliance by 50%, and enabled robust metrics tracking.
Led the team through a period of leadership transitions and team rebuilding, expanding scope and creating structured training time to maintain execution excellence.
Mentored and coached members of every safety-critical software business unit, improving speed, compliance, and overall team capability.
Championed adoption of responsible AI in team processes, helping establish a standard for innovation and responsible technology adoption.

GitBashSafety-critical SystemsSafety Critical SoftwareAgentic AIArtificial Intelligence (AI)+31

Design Quality Engineer

Sep 2022 – May 2023 · 8 mos · Kent, Washington, United States · On-site

Summary:
Driving process improvements, stakeholder engagement, and quality excellence across design and manufacturing operations. Focused on creating systems and workflows that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration.
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Championed updates to the Non-Conformance system, significantly improving data accuracy and emphasizing prevention of recurring issues.
Conducted stakeholder research and user feedback sessions, identifying pain points and leading initiatives to optimize business processes.
Presented process changes and design improvements to audiences of 50+, navigating critical feedback and gaining alignment across teams.
Reviewed work orders to ensure quality and readiness for manufacturing, contributing to smoother production workflows.
Provided strategic insights that delivered measurable improvements in both design quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Stakeholder EngagementProcess ImprovementsQuality ExcellenceData AccuracyUser FeedbackDesign Improvements+2

Mountain, ltd.

Design Engineer

Apr 2020 – Sep 2022 · 2 yrs 5 mos

Summary:
Delivered high-quality engineering solutions for complex projects, improving workflow efficiency and ensuring accurate documentation and project execution. Focused on creating repeatable processes and collaborating across teams to drive successful outcomes.
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Designed and issued up to 5 work prints per day in AutoCAD, ensuring accurate project documentation and alignment with standards.
Developed efficient workflow processes and templates, streamlining project execution and ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, balancing timelines and priorities to maintain on-time delivery.
Collaborated cross-functionally with field engineers, planners, and QA teams to ensure project accuracy and operational alignment.

AutoCADWorkflow ProcessesProject ExecutionCross-functional CollaborationDesign EngineeringProject Management

General dynamics ordnance and tactical systems

Design Engineer

Feb 2019 – Dec 2019 · 10 mos · Lincoln, Nebraska Area

Summary:
Delivered process improvements and innovative design solutions that increased efficiency, reduced waste, and supported high-quality manufacturing outcomes. Focused on automating workflows, problem-solving complex challenges, and producing actionable insights for teams.
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Developed a data reduction program in 2 months, saving the company $82,000 per year in labor and improving process efficiency.
Improved manufacturing procedures, reducing lost and wasted materials while increasing consistency.
Designed and modeled parts and manufacturing aids to meet GD&T standards and compliance requirements.
Created and maintained thorough part documentation, supporting design history and customer compliance.
Diagnosed and fixed issues in proprietary tools with no documentation, ensuring continued workflow efficiency.
Delivered multiple automation solutions, streamlining repetitive tasks and saving significant team time and resources.

Process ImprovementsData ReductionManufacturing ProceduresAutomation SolutionsManufacturing EngineeringProcess Improvement

Wipro limited

Software Developer

May 2018 – Sep 2018 · 4 mos · Lincoln, Nebraska Area

Summary:
Built automation solutions and ensured software functionality for high-stakes digital systems, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and quality. Developed scalable tools that reduced manual work and improved operational reliability.
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Developed 16 custom auto-filling notice generators for Nebraska’s Medicaid website, streamlining form completion and submission.
Diagnosed and resolved code errors daily, ensuring website functionality and a seamless user experience.
Tested program functionality and updated test procedures to ensure compliance with design and functional requirements.

University of nebraska-lincoln

Route Setter, Climbing Wall Staff

Aug 2017 – Dec 2019 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Lincoln, Nebraska Area

Summary:
Designed engaging climbing experiences, taught safety-critical skills, and supported operations for the Outdoor Adventure Center. Focused on improving experiences for participants, teaching practical skills, and collecting actionable feedback for continual improvement.
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Designed and built fun and challenging climbing routes for patrons, incorporating user feedback to improve future experiences.
Taught safety-critical rope skills to climbers, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to safety standards.
Promoted the Outdoor Adventure Center through events and outreach initiatives, increasing engagement and participation.

Academy sports + outdoors

Camping Sales Associate

May 2017 – Aug 2017 · 3 mos · Liberty, Missouri

Recommended equipment that would best suit customer needs
Advised customers on cool camping locations
Made customers feel welcomed and enjoy their visiting experience

The cave bouldering gym

Employee (small business)

Jun 2016 – Aug 2016 · 2 mos · Kansas City, Missouri Area

As the only staff member in the facility I would:
open and close, balance the cash register, operate the point of sale, enter waivers into database, clean and maintain the facility, and resolve any issues during the day.

Gary crossley ford

Detailer

May 2016 – Aug 2016 · 3 mos · Liberty, Missouri

Worked in a four person team to detail cars
Help deliver high end cars to customers

Amazing play fun center

All Positions of Operation

Jul 2013 – Jun 2015 · 1 yr 11 mos · Liberty Missouri

I was one of very few employees trusted with a key to the facility. I would open alone on many Sundays and run the entire facility myself for a few hours.
Technician for arcade and laser tag:
would combine broken laser tag vests and remotes to create working ones
Party Host:
Ensure children had great birthday parties, usually dressed as batman
Point of Sale Operator:
Provide excellent customer service, sell birthday parties
Game Master:
Organize large groups of children and led them through games of laser tag