Staff Bios

Lester Engel

Lester Engel leads the company’s detailed, quality-focused testing and services. He oversees the company’s lab, continually adding new equipment and techniques. He continues to personally perform failure analysis on metals, cermets, plastics and other materials. He renders expert opinions, giving depositions and testimony for litigation support. Les helps manufacturers select materials and processes, develop product designs and other specifications.

Les also has experience as the chief metallurgist for Brown Boveri Turbomachinery and as a metallurgical engineer for the Aircraft Engine Group of General Electric, where he focused on material selections for hot aircraft and marine gas turbine components. His GE career began in Nuclear Systems Programs, where his work included serving as the principal investigator on three NASA programs.

Les earned his undergraduate and master of science degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

His current professional designations include:

James Brusso

James Brusso brings keen expertise to Engel Metallurgical and its clients, performing failure analysis; rendering expert opinions, giving depositions and testimony for litigation support; assisting in materials and process development; and developing and reviewing products design, materials and process details. He is also Engel Metallurgical's quality manager.

Jim has worked with Engel Metallurgical since 2000. Prior to that, he held several positions with The Timken Company in Ohio, where his responsibilities included establishing the company’s materials testing laboratory, team leader for product response on a Department of Energy-funded program and final technical review to satisfy ISO 9000 accreditation.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree, Master of Science and Ph.D., all in Metallurgical Engineering, from Michigan Technological University in Houghton.

He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Minnesota and a member of ASM International and the American Foundry Society.

Edward C. Barcikowski

Edward C. Barcikowski joined Engel Metallurgical in September 2007, after serving as Vice President and General Manager of three Minneapolis-area metal treating companies. He has more than 35 years of commercial heat treating experience, including managing entire heat treating operations and developing specialized capabilities. Ed helps clients with equipment specifications, equipment installation, process specification, personnel training, custom problem solving, quality monitoring and improvement, material selection, failure analysis, and mechanical testing. He shares his knowledge through trade industry presentations, vocational/technical school teaching and professional association involvement.

Ed earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He is a member of ASM International.

Margaret T. Bush

Margaret T. Bush has provided expertise to Engel Metallugical clients since 2005, with specific experience in mechanical testing and failure analysis for various materials, including metals, cermets and plastics. Margaret also has experience with metal marine materials testing and mechanical and metallurgical testing on steel, aluminum and copper-based materials.

Margaret earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Michigan Technological University in Houghton.

She is a member of ASM International and The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS).