About Us

Josh studied Mechanical Engineering earning his BSME at Georgia Tech and his MSME and PhD ME at Clemson University. After an industry postdoc through the National Science Foundation and American Society for Engineering Education, he took a role as a tenure-track professor at the University of South Carolina. After five years, he moved to UNC Charlotte where he earned tenure. He taught nearly every class in the Mechanical Engineering curriculum, graduated PhD and MS students, completed millions of dollars of funded research and published 53 papers mainly focused on sensing, signal processing, design and manufacturing.

Josh has always loved working on and solving hard problems and began consulting early in his career. In 2018, he co-founded Bravo Team with Jordan Burch and Cody Orlovsky to help people design machines and products. In 2021, he left academia to work at Bravo Team full-time. Bravo Team has experienced dramatic growth based on a strong foundation of core values, a culture of creativity, openness and vulnerability, zero tolerance for ego or bureaucratic waste, and the sheer delight of engineering. Dr. Tarbutton is an active member in the Entrepreneur Organization and mentor for their accelerator program. Josh is a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Attracting and growing a talented team that impresses me daily with their creativity and work ethic and being able to deliver beautiful designs to happy customers.

Specialties

Entrepreneurship, Mechanical Engineering and Design, Control systems, Signal Processing, Engineering Design Process, Software Development, Image Processing

Dan studied Business Management earning a BSBM at West Chester University, and he studied Mechanical Engineering earning a BSME and MSME at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina (Thermal-Fluids).

After working in the marine industry for 15+ years, he took a faculty position at UNC Charlotte, where he taught most of the Mechanical Engineering Technology curriculum courses. He also started and led several initiatives including the industrially supported Senior Design program, partnering with over 1000 companies to focus on their product development needs. Dan joined Bravo Team in 2021 to assist with growing a highly capable engineering team that exceeds our customer’s expectations.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Serving and empowering others around me to strive for greater achievements, and hopefully providing value through daily contributions to the team’s overall efforts.

Specialties

Entrepreneurship, Thermal-Fluid Design, Manufacturing, Budgeting, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Talent Acquisition & Growth, Financial Analysis

Ronnie studied Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science earning a BSME, MSME, and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). He holds professional engineering licenses in two states and has interests in precision machine and instrumentation design, metrology, manufacturing, research and development, and the engineering design process. Since 2011, Ronnie has taught classes in Precision Mechanical Design and Advanced Machine Design for Johns Hopkins University.

Ronnie has worked in the field of precision engineering for more than 22 years. Throughout his career, he’s had the opportunity to work for some of the best in precision, such as the Center for Precision Metrology (CPM), Moore Tool Inc., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Conec, Corning Inc., and Moore Nanotechnology Systems. He’s had opportunities to study diamond turning, to design novel instruments, high precision positioning systems, ultra-precision machine tools, and industrial conveyance systems, to characterize the errors of precision machines and production lines, to develop novel metrology software applications, to help analyze and develop space based telescopes, and to participate in in several standards committees. His experiences have allowed him to publish over 30 scientific articles and 20 plus restricted technical reports (RTRs).

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Demonstrating a production mindset and precision engineering methodologies by single handedly designing a pair of semi-automated end of cell production line machines in eleven days for Bravo Team LLC.

Specialties

The Engineering Design Process, Mechanical engineering and Design, Precision Engineering, Metrology, Machine Metrology, Data Analytics, Image Processing, Free-Form 3D Surface Measurement Processing, Software Development, Entrepreneurship, Standardization

Adam began studying at the University of Illinois At Chicago before transferring to Clemson
University to complete his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. While at Clemson he completed a 2
year engineering internship with the powertool manufacturer TTI, building prototype battery
packs and developing automated test procedures. Using this experience, he focused his career
in the field of electronics engineering working on prototype development, control systems, and
electrical and electronics systems design in the automotive industry for a professional
motorsports team, a government contractor, and an OEM.

Adam came to Bravo Team to apply his knowledge and 10 years of experience to industries
outside of the automotive world. His role is to provide support to all aspects of the electrical
team be it PCBs, electrical panels, software development, wiring harnesses, schematics, or
control systems. He works closely with all members of the team to ensure on-time delivery,
quality deliverables, and troubleshooting support.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Having the opportunity to pursue my career while managing to raise (with lots of help from my
wife) 4 children. Many people have to sacrifice one for the other; I have been blessed with the
opportunity, support, and dedication to do both.

Specialties

Embedded systems design, electrical control panel design, 3D modeling, automated test bench development, wire harness design and assembly.

Alex studied at UNC Charlotte earning his B.S in Mechanical Engineering. Before earning his degree, he worked as an automobile mechanic and served on the UNC Charlotte formula SAE race team. Through these two mediums he specialized in suspension and chassis design and fell in love with fabrication and welding. Upon graduating, Alex worked in the fossil power industry for two years where he gained experience in piping stress analysis, material science, and project management.

Alex’s diverse range of skills provides value to Bravo Team and our clients through all stages of a project, whether he’s in the shop fabricating or in the office keeping projects on time and under budget.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Early in my apprenticeship as an automobile technician I learned that I would never be satisfied in that industry. Having what it took to pivot my career by funding and earning an engineering degree would be my greatest accomplishment.

Specialties

Mechanical Engineering and Design, Machine Design, Stress Analysis, 3D Modeling, Data Science, Project Management, Welding, and Fabrication

Andrew studied Computer Engineering earning his BS from the University of Maryland. Before joining Bravo Team, Andrew had worked for various government contractors in the Washington DC area.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

In 2022, my partner and I embarked on the nearly five month journey to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Specialties

Computer engineering and design, programming (python, Java, C, C++), mathematical modeling (Matlab)

Andy, originally from Florida, was born at a very young age.
Despite being unable to do even the simplest of math problems or even talk, in
only 35 years he has had a meteoric rise in the engineering profession, culminating
in joining Bravo Team in March 2023. Andy graduated from the University of
Florida, where he was a member of the Human-Powered Submarine team and a flag
football champion. He has previously worked in the aircraft ground support and
biotech industries, developing safety devices for ground crews and pharmaceutical
manufacturing equipment, respectively. He, his wife and their dog Semi moved from
Berkeley, CA to Charlotte in 2021. They spend their weekends trail running,
trying new breweries and chasing squirrels.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Andy has been best man in 5 weddings.

Specialties

Mechanical Design, Wedding Speeches, Fluid Systems, Design for Sterile Environments / CIP / SIP / Single-use, Sensor Development and Integration

Ashley studied Mechanical engineering earning her BSME at UNC Charlotte and her MSME at NC State University. She worked in the nuclear industry for eight years where she gained experience in pipe and stress analysis, project management, sales, and business development. As a certified Crucial Conversations instructor, she provided training to 200 people. Her experience in training sparked a love of teaching and she then transitioned to academia where she taught in the Mechanical Engineering Technology department at UNC Charlotte. She taught undergraduate courses in statics, strengths of materials, machine design, and dynamics. She also served as faculty mentor on approximately 20 senior design projects.

Ashley returned to industry in 2022 when she joined Bravo Team. She has worked on both the engineering and business sides of the company in prototype design, testing, data analysis, project management, customer interface, and quoting.

Ashley is a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

My greatest accomplishment is obtaining my Professional Engineering license while balancing family life with three young children.

Specialties

Machine Design, CAD Modeling, Rapid Prototyping, Stress Analysis, Data Analysis, Budgeting, Project Management, Strategic Planning

Languages

Mechanical Engineering and Design, Machine Design, Stress Analysis, Data Analysis, 3D Modeling, Project Management, Business Development

Avery studied at UNC Charlotte earning his B.S in Mechanical Engineering with an energy concentration. During college, he worked in undergraduate research in optical metrology where he designed automated interferometry systems for additive manufacturing processes and other applications. Upon graduation, Avery worked at Thorlabs in the motion stage division where he developed multiple voice coil optical stages and a quality control software for the assembly line operators.

Avery has been working at Bravo Team since 2021 and has focused on designing and constructing automated systems in the food and packaging industry for in restaurant automation.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Avery designed a novel voice coil stage within a very short time period that had excellent performance which was patented while at Thorlabs.

Specialties

Machine Design, Product Development, CAD Modeling, Rapid Prototyping, Sheet Metal Design, PCB Design & Assembly, Hardware & Firmware Design, Embedded Systems, Automation/Control System, Coding & Programming (C, C++, Python & MATLAB) & Soldering

Beck studied at Liberty University and graduated with his BSME in 2022. While in school, he was an active member of the Human Powered Vehicle Club and Renewable Energy Club. His undergraduate research was focused on developing a novel method of synthesizing carbon nanofibers and metal foams. Beck has worked in both the HVAC and Accident Reconstruction industries prior to arriving at Bravo Team as a Mechanical Engineer. Outside of work, Beck is usually spending his time hiking, camping, and playing instruments. He and his wife, Stephanie, are also involved in their church and local ministries.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Contributions to science journals in the field of materials engineering.

Also, convincing my wife to marry me.

Specialties

Mechanical Engineering and Design, Machine Design, 3D Modeling, Data Science, Programming (Python and MATLAB), Materials Engineering

Beth earned her BS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University. She earned her MS at The Pennsylvania State University while doing research at the Applied Research Laboratory. Her graduate research focused on computational modeling of human physiology and developing new computational methods.

Beth spent 15 years in industry performing both technical work and project management on a wide range of government projects. These projects covered areas including weapons effects, human physiology, and natural language processing.

Beth spent three years as part of the Mechanical Engineering Technology faculty at UNC Charlotte. She taught courses in energy management and thermal sciences. Beth’s primary areas of research were augmented reality and human physiology. During her time at UNC Charlotte, Beth secured external funding and oversaw a number of graduate and undergraduate research assistants.

Beth joined Bravo Team in 2023 and serves in both technical and project management roles. She is a registered Professional Engineer in the North Carolina (Thermal-Fluids).

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Mentoring engineers is Beth’s favorite part of her career and her greatest accomplishment. She mentored high school students through graduate students in internships and university settings as well as early in their careers.

Specialties

Computational Modeling, Software Development, Thermal Fluids Engineering, Project Management

Cody Co-Founded Bravo Team as an undergrad with Joshua Tarbutton and Jordan Burch in 2018. With a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cody’s skills allow him to pursue his passion for developing innovative products and solutions.

Cody loves solving difficult problems and using his PCB design experience to create solutions that are both efficient and reliable. In addition to hardware design, he enjoys writing software. Cody has created a range of successful apps for both iOS and Android platforms that help businesses achieve their technology goals.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Developing cutting edge hardware and software solutions that lead to valuable and profitable products for our customers.

Specialties

PCB Design and Assembly, Firmware Design, Mobile App Development, Backend Data Handling

Gianni studied at Virginia Tech earning his BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He began his career working as a Process Engineer for a large composites manufacturing company. The work required the design and integration of custom machinery in order to reduce the operating costs of a continuous production line. This experience prepared him for his next role as a Mechanical Design Engineer for an automated machinery manufacturer. He spent the next 7 years designing high speed filling and capping equipment for the beverage and pharmaceutical industries. During this time, he was directly responsible for the design of 18 large-scale automation projects where he gained experience in prototyping, project management, and design for food safety.

In addition to the above experience, Gianni specializes in design for manufacturability. This experience comes from having worked closely with onsite machine shops in his prior roles. He is also skilled at creating rendered animations for proposed solutions and completed machine designs.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

In 2018, I designed and built a custom 60-watt laser cutter as a hobby project which I then used to start a small etsy business making custom wooden maps. The business generated enough profit in its first two months for a full ROI on the cost to build the machine.

Specialties

Mechanical Engineering and Design, Design for food safety, Design for manufacturability, 3D modeling, Project management, Rendering & Animation for product demonstrations

Greg studied Mechanical Engineering earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. After undergraduate graduation, he attended Politecnico di Milano earning his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Mechatronics and Robotics. During his undergraduate education, Greg contributed to research developing additive manufacturing processes for a piezoelectric thermoplastic. His research experience led him to an internship with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where he began working on robotic exoskeletons, helping to design and test the footwear of a robotic exoskeleton. During his Masters thesis he utilized trajectory optimization algorithms to generate human-like trajectories for use in robotic exoskeleton assisted rehabilitation sessions for patients diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders. At Bravo Team, he works to rapidly design and test mechatronic machines used to automate a variety of complex tasks.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

In 2019 I moved to a foreign country without knowing the native language or a single soul to pursue my graduate studies. Pushing through a rigorous curriculum, the covid pandemic, and numerous other challenges, I am proud to have graduated in 2022 with my Masters degree in a field that I am passionate about.

Specialties

Robot Operating System (ROS), Control Systems, Optimization, Mechanical Engineering and Design, Smart Materials, CAD, Python

Gunner studied mechanical engineering, earning his BSME and MSME at UNC Charlotte with a concentration in dynamics and controls. During college, he was a member of the UNC Charlotte Rocketry Team and worked for an additive manufacturing company where he developed a fully automated nozzle offset calibration routine for FDM 3D printers. Outside of work he enjoys working on hobby projects involving novel control techniques and building 3D printers.

Gunner has been at Bravo Team since January of 2022 and has focused primarily on designing and constructing automated systems in the food and packaging industry for in-restaurant automation.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Developing an automated ice dispensing method that is incredibly fast and accurate.

Specialties

Machine Design, Product Development, CAD Modeling, Rapid Prototyping, PCB Design & Assembly, Hardware & Firmware Design, Embedded Systems, System Dynamics and Controls, Coding & Programming (C/C++, Python, MATLAB) & Soldering

Jason started his CNC Machining career in a small family-owned shop in 1994. Along his career he has worked for a few small family-owned machine and fabrication shops. Machining parts for everything from textile, food industry, aerospace industry, nuclear, automobile industry, railroad companies, and various other industries. Eventually helping design and manufacture weapons parts. Learning how to build various types of rifles. Then he moved on to a major NASCAR Race Team where during his time there helped to win 2 NASCAR Championships, 3 Daytona 500 Championships, 1 Xfinity Championship, and over 60 Cup Series wins. Now a Bravo Team member the skies the limit!

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Nothing I’ve done, none of the talents that I’ve received could have been possible without my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!! Without HIM none of this would have been possible!

Specialties

Programming, setting up Mills and Lathes, Designing fixturing, Engineering Support among other shop needs. Proficient with: CNC Milling: Kryle VMC-500, Mazak VTC-41, Mori Seki SV50, HAAS VF-2, VF-3, VF-4, Doosan Mini Mill Manual Milling: Various Bridgeports & Knee Mills CNC Lathe: Citizen L16, L20, Miyano JNC-60, BNC-34, BND-34S, BND-42S, Doosan Puma 200, 240, 300M, GT2100, 2500LSY, 2600Y, 2600SY, HAAS SL-20, ST-30, ST-30Y CNC Laser: Mitsubishi ML2512HV Manual Lathe: Various styles and types

John has over 40 years of experience in mold design and CNC programming, with 18 years of tool and die machining. He is experienced in using CATIA, Solidworks, HSMWorks, PowerMill, PowerShape and MasterCAM. He has served as the design team lead for the Diecast mold design and secondary machining of tier one automotive component parts for Honda, Chrysler, Chevrolet and Ford. He is well versed in the design and maintenance of plastic injection molds. He has many years of experience in the design and CNC programming of custom crankshafts for agriculture, aircraft and racing engines. He has served in the role of toolroom and machine shop manager for the past 7 years and is a mentor for recent engineering graduates in their roles at Bravo Team. He currently lives completely off grid, making extensive use of solar power.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Served as a foster parent and house parent to 75 children, many of whom were able to return to their biological families.

Specialties

Mechanical Design for Manufacturability. Mold Design for Plastic injection and Aluminum, Magnesium and Zinc Die Casting. Machine shop and Toolroom management. Machine shop quoting. Design for 3D Printing. CNC programming and fixture design. CDL endorsements (doubles, triples, tanker, school bus, etc). Equipment operation of road grader, tracked skid steer, trencher and bulldozer for site grade preparation.

Jordan studied at UNC Charlotte earning his B.S in Mechanical Engineering and later went on to become a professional engineer licensed in the state of North Carolina and is currently working on his MBA.

Jordan is also a co-founder of Bravo Team, LLC, veteran of the U.S. Army, welder, fabricator, and CNC machinist and programmer. In his off time, he loves to spend time with his family.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Having helped build a successful company from the ground up and being awarded a patent for a product that my colleagues and I developed.

Specialties

Mechanical Engineering and Design, Machine Design, Stress Analysis, 3D Modeling, CNC Programming and Machining, Project Management, Welding, and Fabrication.

Keith developed an interest in engineering at a young age, he started soldering and building circuits when he was 12 years old. Keith has always had a strong interest in spaceflight and professional racing, which helped lead him into engineering. Prior to pursuing his degree, Keith worked in IT for the North Carolina Government, as well as Lowe’s Headquarters. During this time, he developed a website that showcases his work on fixing and modifying various types of audio hardware. Through his work in IT, he developed a love for programming and decided to gain a deeper understanding. He left IT to attend UNC Charlotte and studied Computer Engineering. Keith graduated in 2021 with Cum Laude honors.

After graduation, Keith joined Bravo Team in June of 2021. Some of his duties include PCB Design, Electrical Fabrication, Soldering, Firmware, Cross Platform Mobile App design and HMI design.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Creating a custom payment processor in Java. Keith was able to get his software PCI certified and enable a real payment gateway, making it a live payment device.

Specialties

PCB Design, Java, Swift, Dart, C, C++, Python, JavaScript, GUI Design, Digital Communication, and Bluetooth Low Energy Developer

Leslie studied food science at NCSU earning her B.S. in Food Science and a minor in Economics. She spent 6 years in the food industry gaining delicious experience in the confectionery field working on brands like Drumstick and Baby Ruth. International travel was a perk which provided a 6-week sugar confectionery course in Germany as well as trips to Mexico, India and Switzerland.

Leslie took an intentional break from a paycheck and worked the hardest, most rewarding job – raising a family while supporting her husband’s career. Volunteering filled the gap and she led PTSO organizations and school fundraisers that supported her kids’ schools.

Being a dog owner and lover, when the opportunity arose to help launch the BravoWalk brand, Leslie joined Bravo Team.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Hands down, raising my children.

Specialties

Building community through relationships, communication, leadership, project management

Alex studied at UNC Charlotte earning a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics with a concentration in energy. He is currently pursuing a PhD ME at UNC Charlotte.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe…

Being able to work with self motivated people in projects where teamwork makes the dream work.

Developing software applications from the ground up that lead to happy customers.

Specialties

Mechanical Engineering and Design, Software Development.

Matt studied at UNC Charlotte earning his BSET in Mechanical Engineering Technology and MS in Applied Energy and Electromechanical Engineering. Matt grew up working at a bicycle shop building custom bicycles building his desire to build, test and problem solve. Upon graduating he taught at a local community college then at several R&D firms then also spending time in CNC manufacturing equipment design.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Successfully developing several modular mechanical structures for magnetic gearbox development while working as an research assistant while at UNCC.

Specialties

Mechanical Engineering and Design, Machine Design, Stress Analysis, 3D Modeling, Project Management

Graduated from Western Carolina in 2009, and started working at Milliken R&D lab (non-wovens), then opened the doors for an engineering software company, with a focus in 3D scanning, and reverse engineering, for the next 10 yrs. Following his exit, Matthew was the Director of Engineering at Sleepme, helping the company to bring all product development internally, resulting in record sales and acquisition through VC.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Aside from my family; I consider my greatest accomplishment to be serving others around me. Striving to consistently give more than I consume, and hopefully provide value in a meaningful way.

Specialties

Entrepreneurship, Consumer Electronic Design, New Product Development, Product Life-Cycle Management, Electro-Mechanical Design, Systems Integrations, 3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering, Class-A Surfacing, FCC & CE Certification, International sourcing and fulfillment

Nick’s interest in engineering began with a fascination with motorcycles at an early age. He worked as a motorcycle mechanic for seven years before earning a BSME at Kennesaw State University in 2018. While in school, he was an active member of the Formula SAE team and competed in Nebraska and Michigan. He started his engineering career as a production support engineer before moving on to design engineering positions in motorsports and the food and beverage industry. At Bravo Team, he specializes in mechanical design, testing, and prototype manufacturing.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Overcoming fear of failure and completing my engineering degree at 28.

Specialties

Mechanical Design, Design for Manufacturing, Prototyping and CNC Machining, SolidWorks (CSWP)

Rich’s interest in machining began at an early age when he attended CWCTC for machine trades when he was still in highschool. He started off as a basic manual machinist, running all types of manual machines. He continued to progress working for a variety of different shops. Through that progression he expanded his skill set into CNC machines, Programming and fabrication. At Bravo Team, he specializes in Programming, Machining and Fabrication to support all engineers and their quick turn around prototypes.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Through years of working on myself and studying leadership. Developing people skills and being able to lead is by far one of my greatest accomplishments.

Specialties

Able to operate/ Fully Program the following: CNC Laser , CNC Vertical Lathe with live tooling , CNC Horizontal Lathe (2,3 & 4 axis with live tooling), CNC 3 axes century, Lathe with 60” chuck, CNC Mill , Manual Lathe, Manual Vertical Lathe, Manual Mill , Manual Boring Mill, Semi-CNC Mill, Surface, Grinder, OD Grinder, Drill Press. Able to program and design using Fusion, Solidworks and Siemens NX Able to Mig weld, Tig weld and Stick weld

Rob spent nearly 25 years in the paint and coatings industry designing large scale solvent recovery, paint and ink dispensing, tank cleaning, and high viscosity mastic and caulk mixers. After leaving the coatings industry, he spent the next five years as a systems integrator designing high speed automation for the pharmaceutical, automotive, and medical industries. He has owned and operated a variety of businesses ranging from industrial equipment to sporting equipment.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Creating a patented method to dispense high viscosity offset printing ink.

Specialties

Creating unique solutions to mechanical problems facing a variety of industries.

Stuart began his studies in Electrical Engineering at UNC Charlotte with a desire to pursue audio electronics and recording. While working as an undergraduate researcher on hybrid semiconductors and running sound for events on campus, he developed a deeper interest in electronic design. Stuart earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with Summa Cum Laude, then completed an audio engineering course at GAT3 Studios in Charlotte shortly after.

Stuart came to Bravo Team after recording and engineering an album in his home music studio. His primary role is electronic design, from system conceptualization to PCB layouts and assembly. He works closely with engineers of other disciplines to integrate all aspects of product design.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?

Writing, recording, and producing an album with virtually no guidance and without spending an enormous amount of money.

Specialties

Circuit design, PCB layout, C++ programming, digital communication, signal processing (primarily audio), acoustics, audio mixing, power electronics