Thomas & Beers, LLC

A History of Success

Since 1987, Thomas & Beers has provided a broad range of structural and mechanical engineering services. Computations range from the complexities of time-history nonlinear transient dynamic analyses to relatively simple (though often critical) hand calculations. Thomas & Beers articulate analytical results that are often just the starting point of finding appropriate engineering solutions. Proper evaluation of results, based on sound engineering judgment and experience are just as important as the results themselves.

Our Core Team

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER AND CO-FOUNDER

David Thomas, PE

David Thomas (CE, MSCE) specializes in structural engineering, design, and finite element analysis, with particular expertise in evaluating mechanical components used in structural applications. He has developed strength and failure criteria for use in evaluating finite element analytical results in determining component load ratings. He is proficient in dynamic analyses of structures, especially seismic evaluation of offshore oil platforms and appurtenances using time history, response spectrum analysis, and quasi-static techniques. He is also skillful in general dynamic evaluations of structures, including natural frequency determination, impact analysis, vibration isolation, and shock loading. Dave has extensive experience in using finite element analysis in conjunction with full-scale testing to develop component prototypes into viable end products.

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Principal Engineer

Matthew Heim, PE

Matthew Heim (ME, MSME) has broad industry experience in mechanical and thermal design, including extensive finite element analysis for static and dynamic mechanical performance, component strength and safety, thermal power transmission of mechanical structures, and solid modeling techniques. He has optimized structures based on strength, stiffness, and natural frequency, and has modeled dynamic system performance of diverse components for maximum performance.  He has designed and verified structural components in the offshore drilling, computer peripheral, aerospace, and consumer electronics markets. Matthew has extensive experience in lab and field verification of product performance using a wide range of metrology equipment.  His intimate knowledge of available manufacturing processes to produce the optimized design in low and high volumes ensures a practical and produceable component or system.

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SENIOR electrical ENGINEEr

Tom Lopez

Tom Lopez is a Project Manager with over 30 years’ experience in the nuclear, automotive, water, semiconductor, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. He has well-rounded skills in organizational, project, and service management. His recent experience involves developing a detailed program scope to deliver IT infrastructure, applications, and new technologies as part of the construction of a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Tom builds detailed project plans, keeps projects on budget, tracks progress, and analyzes project data to identify areas of improvement.

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PRINCIPAL ENGINEER AND CO-FOUNDER

Rick Beers, PE, SE

Rick Beers (CE, MSCE) has particular expertise in structural engineering, design and analysis of offshore oil and industrial facilities, including industrial processing plants, petroleum facilities, material handling equipment, and offshore oil platforms. He is proficient in steel design and the application of finite element analysis to traditional oil-field and general industrial structures and is knowledgeable of offshore oil drilling and production system equipment including topside and subsea components. Rick has developed extensive experience working with owners to effectively integrate structural engineering requirements into their facilities, including design, cost optimization, project management, field inspection, structural modifications, and safety requirements. He is experienced with the American Petroleum Institute and the American Institute of Steel Construction codes as they apply to structural engineering.

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CHEMICAL/PROCESS ENGINEEr

Michael Schmok, PE

Michael Schmok is a project development and implementation professional with more than 30 years’ experience in industrial plant operations and engineering.  His expertise includes process troubleshooting, project design, feasibility and definition grade studies, equipment specifications, capital cost estimates, procurement, and project management.  He has successfully managed projects on paper machines, stock preparation and chemical systems, power generation, water treatment and pollution control systems.

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Senior Designer

Ray Mahr

Ray has been a mechanical/structural designer for the past 22 years. In addition, he has 17 years experience in the construction field for commercial and industrial projects throughout California.  He is currently providing engineering support as a mechanical designer for Thomas & Beers. His specialties include  structural steel and concrete, process equipment and piping, machine installation and modifications. He has worked extensively on industrial projects at on/off shore oil production facilities, papermaking, power plants and chemical plants.

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Principal Engineer

Hans Larsen, PE

Hans Larsen (CE, MSCE)  has 15 years experience as a professional working on bridge design, pile systems, marine structures, retaining walls, and seismic retrofit. Hans has both structural and computer analysis skills and is skilled at working with clients from the proposal phase through construction. As a Principal Engineer, Hans has executive managerial responsibility for the company in addition to hands on engineering and engineering management. Hans’ leadership style incorporates a full understanding of customer needs and objectives, identification of value added resources, exceptional communication skills and a strong commitment to deliver excellence.

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Structural Engineer

Kaveh Fatemi

Kaveh brings a wealth of engineering experience, design, review and analysis as well as a Masters in Structural Engineering from California State University, Northridge and is currently a certified EIT. Kaveh is well versed in structural components and systems, technical codes as well a wide variety of Finite Element Analysis Programming and Optimization strategies. Kaveh has particular expertise in ETABS, SAP2000, RISA, ANSYS, MATLAB, SAFE, AutoCAD, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and Autodesk Inventor.

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Stu Long

SENIOR Mechanical ENGINEEr

Stu has been working in product development for 25 years.  He has a vast knowledge of materials: woods, metals, composites, plastics and methods of processing them as well as tooling and fixturing.  He has been using Solid works for 20 years in a wide variety of industries taking concepts all the way through production and fabrication.  His knowledge of conceptual development makes great impacts on the successful implementation of new and existing products.

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junior Engineer

Jacob Valdez

Jacob Valdez graduated from UCLA with a degree in Civil Engineering and has been a key asset in Thomas & Beers offshore platform and pier inspections.  These Level 1 inspections include offshore inspections followed by detailed reports for submission to BSEE and California States Lands Commission.  In addition to inspection work, Jacob is experienced with both ANSYS and RISA finite element analysis programs.

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