Employee Spotlight: Nathaniel Khul

At DRI, innovation isn’t just a buzzword - it’s embedded in everything we do. Every product innovation is driven by a dedicated team of passionate and creative problem-solvers who are committed to pushing boundaries to improve safety and performance.

This month, we are excited to highlight a key contributor to our team: Nathaniel (Nate) Khul, a product development engineer at DRI. His innovative work is playing a significant role in shaping the future of road safety. 

How did your journey at DRI begin? 

I joined DRI a little over two and a half years ago. I was seeking a role that would allow me to utilize my degree and express my creativity specifically in prototyping, developing, and bringing concepts to life. DRI provided that opportunity. And being in the automotive space? That caught my attention - I’m a big car guy. 

What drew you to DRI? 

When I moved to California, I was seeking more than just a change in scenery - I wanted an opportunity that aligned with my interests in mechanical engineering and product development. The role at DRI provided the chance to pursue both professional growth and personal passions, all while contributing to projects that support the advancement of vehicle safety systems. 

What is a typical day like for you at DRI? 

As a product development engineer at DRI, I work on our line of soft surrogate targets used in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) testing. My daily responsibilities include CAD work, 3D printing, prototyping, and collaborating with machinists and the production team. Each day presents different challenges and opportunities. Since we’re a small company, we all wear a lot of hats. One day, I might be focused on CAD work at my desk; the next, I could be in the workshop working with a prototype or helping out with production. That kind of variety keeps things interesting. 

What has been one of your most significant projects at DRI? 

One of my most significant projects at DRI has been leading the development of the Soft Bicycle 360™. The goal is to create a lightweight and durable bicycle that is realistic yet can withstand multiple impacts while minimizing damage to vehicles during testing. This presented a significant challenge, as traditional bicycles are already designed to be both lightweight and strong. We needed to create a surrogate bicycle target that was soft enough to avoid damaging a vehicle, yet still durable and stable enough to hold up during testing.

A key breakthrough came when I combined professional engineering with personal experience as an avid mountain biker. I drew inspiration from a new type of racing spoke I had seen in the cycling community - string-based spokes rather than traditional metal ones. I realized these spokes would be perfect for our objectives. They are lightweight, flexible, and safe for impact. We tested them out, and they worked. The project culminated in a live demonstration at an event, marking the first time the Soft Bicycle 360™ was showcased in motion to customers. Everything ran smoothly, and it was rewarding to see the positive response. 

What’s the best part about working at DRI? 

The collaborative nature of the team and the variety of work. Everyone’s approachable and willing to help. If I need input, I can easily walk over to someone, and they’ll take the time to discuss it with me. This accessibility makes a big difference. 

What advice would you give someone interested in working at DRI? 

“Be a sponge.”

There’s a wealth of knowledge here, and many people who are willing to share it. Stay open to feedback and keep learning. It’s the kind of place where you learn by doing and by talking to the people around you. 

About Soft Bicycle 360 

Launched at the end of last year, the Soft Bicycle 360 is a next-generation VRU bicycle target that is transforming bicycle testing scenarios. Designed from lightweight foam, it realistically mimics a cyclist with a durable rider, frame, and tire profile, allowing for faster setup, safer impacts, and minimal vehicle damage during testing. 

Learn more about the Soft Bicycle 360 here.