Nicholas Johnson

Nicholas Johnson is an accomplished technology entrepreneur and strategic innovator with extensive experience bridging deep engineering expertise and customer-focused product innovation. Over the past decade, Nicholas has founded and led multiple successful technology ventures, showcasing his unique ability to transform complex technical challenges into commercially viable solutions. His entrepreneurial vision and product development acumen have consistently driven growth, adoption, and market leadership across diverse sectors including electric vehicle infrastructure, autonomous transportation, and smart-city technologies.

 

Academic Credentials:

• B.S., Electrical & Electronics Engineering, California State University, Chico

• Self-Driving Car Nanodegree, Udacity

 

Professional Experience:

• Orange Charger – Founder, CEO, and Board Member
  Founded and scaled Orange Charger, a leading provider of integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for multi-unit housing and commercial real estate. Under his leadership, Orange Charger became a nationwide EV charging platform delivering millions of zero-emission miles annually. Nicholas spearheaded innovative hardware/software integration, executed successful venture fundraising initiatives, and built a high-performing operational team, significantly accelerating EV adoption and advancing transportation electrification.

• LYT – Founder and Chief Technology Officer
  Co-founded LYT, pioneering a connected and intelligent transportation platform designed to optimize urban mobility through real-time traffic signal management. Secured significant federal research funding, deployed successful pilot programs, and developed advanced machine-learning algorithms that dynamically managed urban traffic flows, enhancing mobility and reducing city-wide congestion.

• Tesla Motors – Electrical Engineer
  Contributed to Tesla’s groundbreaking vehicle and energy storage products, playing a key role in developing thermal electromechanical systems for the Model 3 and Tesla’s Powerpack installations. Nicholas delivered critical system integration solutions, designed high-volume production components, and validated suppliers to ensure compliance with Tesla’s rigorous standards.

• Particle – Firmware Engineer
  Developed foundational IoT firmware, prototyped innovative products, and supported rapid scale-up of Particle’s IoT ecosystem, enabling developers worldwide to build connected solutions efficiently.

 

Strategic Advisory & Thought Leadership:

• Collective Member, Baukunst – A select group of top technology practitioners advising founders and supporting innovative ventures at the intersection of technology and design.

• Extensive experience providing strategic oversight, financial governance, and industry expertise to rapidly scaling technology startups.

 

Honors & Awards:

• IEEE Region 6 Conference – 2nd Place Award Recipient (2015)

 

Nicholas Johnson leverages his entrepreneurial spirit, deep technical expertise, and strategic insight to advise Sentinel Space Systems, guiding critical technology strategies, innovation pathways, and market-focused growth initiatives. His forward-thinking approach ensures Sentinel remains positioned at the forefront of aerospace technology innovation and market leadership.