Michael Backus
About Michael Backus
Michael Backus is the Lead Engineer of Advanced Manufacturing at Nikola Motor Company, with extensive experience in various engineering roles across multiple industries.
Company
Michael Backus is currently employed at Nikola Motor Company as the Lead Engineer in Advanced Manufacturing. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he has held this position since 2022. Previously, he worked at Nikola Motor Company as a Senior Process Engineer in Advanced Manufacturing from 2020 to 2022. Nikola Motor Company specializes in electric vehicle manufacturing and is known for its innovative approaches to renewable energy and sustainable transportation solutions.
Title
Michael Backus serves as the Lead Engineer in Advanced Manufacturing at Nikola Motor Company. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing advanced manufacturing processes and contributing to the development and production of electric vehicles. His leadership and engineering expertise play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
Education and Expertise
Michael Backus earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Green Engineering from Virginia Tech, graduating in 2014. His educational background equipped him with solid foundational knowledge in mechanical engineering and a specialized understanding of sustainable and environmentally friendly engineering practices.
Background
Michael Backus has a diverse engineering background, starting as an Engineering Intern at Electro-Mechanical Corporation - Federal Pacific Division in 2010. His career includes roles such as Mechanical Design Intern at Robby Gordon Motorsports, Engineering Intern at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, and Engineering Intern at Techsburg, Inc. He transitioned to full-time roles at Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Group Trucks Operations before joining Nikola Motor Company.
Professional Experience
Michael Backus has gained extensive experience in advanced manufacturing and process engineering. At Volvo Group Trucks Operations, he worked as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for four years in Dublin, VA. His earlier roles include Manufacturing Engineer at Volvo Construction Equipment and Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Techsburg, Inc. His career trajectory demonstrates a strong focus on manufacturing and process improvement within the automotive and heavy equipment sectors.