Matador Engineering, Inc.

Employee Appreciation Day 2025! At Matador, our success comes from the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of our incredible employees. We wanted to take a moment to appreciate the hard work and passion that each one of them brings to the table every day. Jesse Ardila, Garret Putz, Scot McKnight, CxA, LEED AP, NEBB CTQuenton Vanderford,Tara Bustamante your commitment to excellence drives our company forward, and we are grateful for everything you do. Thank you for the positive impact you make! - Blake and Sergio

Super proud to have collaborated with EMA on delivering high-performance commissioning for the Louisiana National Guard facility! This project is a great example of how smart engineering and teamwork drive sustainability and efficiency.?Blake Boyd, P.E., NEBB CxCP Sergio Bustamante, P.E., NEBB CP Jesse Ardila Garret Putz

Celebrating the Final Spotlight of #EngineersWeek! To wrap up Engineers Week, we’re proud to spotlight?Sergio Bustamante, Co-Founder and President of?Matador Engineering. Sergio’s leadership is the foundation of our commitment to building an engineering company rooted in?ethics, integrity, and excellence. At Matador, we believe great engineering isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about doing the right thing, every time.?Thank you Sergio Bustamante, P.E., NEBB CP for all of your dedication and commitment! What inspired you to become an engineer? "So, I first heard the word “mechanical engineer” as a kid on an 80’s cartoon called M.A.S.K. The guy designed toys and flew in a car so I was like, “ um yes that’s what I would like to do as well thank you”. I’ve always had a mechanical interest and I was always working on motorcycles and cars growing up. Reading about military technology etc. I just knew I would be fulfilled if I followed that path." What college did you attend and why? " I chose Texas Tech after I fell in love with the people and the campus after a visit. I’m originally from West Texas, and it just felt like home. I transferred in as a sophomore, so all I took were engineering classes. I only had to take one elective to graduate, and it was “drawing-1“. Turns out that class would change my entire life as it is where I met the love of my life. (Same as Blake, but I did it first ??)" What’s a surprising fact about your work that most people wouldn’t know? "I can log in to a lot of really cool places around town and completely change the interior climate. There are a lot of systems working in the background inside of all of the buildings we occupy that nobody knows about and therefore take for granted. If you feel comfortable and don’t notice anything then we are doing our job." If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be doing? "Most of my teachers said I didn’t act like a scientist. More like a game show host. So there’s that. I suppose I would’ve liked to be a professional soccer coach. I love soccer and teaching and coaching people. I was told by my wife I would make a good lawyer, because I love to argue and evidently I love the sound of my own voice.??"

Meet Blake Boyd- Co-Founder and Principal of Matador! Our #EngineersWeek spotlight of the day! With a passion for solving complex engineering challenges, Blake has shaped Matador Engineering’s commitment to integrity, precision and efficiency. His expertise and leadership continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. We appreciate everything you do Blake Boyd, P.E., NEBB CxCP What inspired you to become an engineer? "As a kid, I was endlessly curious—always asking why things happened, fascinated by space, science, and nature. I loved building with LEGOs, Erector sets, and K'NEX, and I even took apart my parents' VCRs just to see how they worked (sorry, Mom and Dad!). The adults around me kept saying, You should be an engineer!—even though I didn’t quite know what that meant at the time. Growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut. Most astronauts then were military test pilots with engineering degrees, so studying engineering felt like a natural path." What college did you attend and why? "I chose Texas Tech University for its strong engineering program and Air Force ROTC, even though it was 7 hours across the state and I didn’t know a single person when I arrived. While I ultimately chose not to pursue a military career, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Tech gave me an excellent education, incredible friendships, unforgettable experiences, and—most importantly—I met the love of my life." What’s a surprising fact about your work that most people wouldn’t know? "Most people think engineers constantly do high-level math. But the reality? The other night, I was helping my son with his 5th-grade math homework and realized—I rarely use math that complex in my day-to-day work! Advanced calculations are handled by software, and what truly matters is experience. Engineering is about solving problems, making informed decisions, and knowing?where to find the answers. We don’t know everything, but we’re trained to be resourceful—and that’s our real superpower." If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be doing? "I’d still be working in science and the natural world. I could have just as easily become a doctor or a physicist. But at the end of the day, engineering was the perfect fit because it's the right mix of science and real world application.For all the aspiring engineers out there: Stay curious, stay resourceful, and never stop asking?why."?

Meet Jesse Ardila!? For?#EngineersWeek, we’re spotlighting the incredible minds behind?Matador Engineering! Up today is?Jesse Ardila, one of our talented?engineers & project managers. Jesse brings expertise, innovation, and a problem-solving mindset to every project, helping us deliver top-tier solutions to all of our clients. Thank you Jesse Ardila for everything you do at Matador!! What inspired you to become an engineer? "Both of my grandfathers were engineers, and I always loved getting to hear the stories about their work and projects." What college did you attend and why?? "UTD, I wanted a place that was close to home, had a great engineering program and one that had an NCAA soccer team for me to play on. After I got recruited the choice was easy." What’s a surprising fact about your work that most people wouldn’t know? "We constantly have to think of creative ways to test systems that are seemingly inaccessible. Sometimes using whatever we can find in the facility to make it work." If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be doing? "Designing disc golf courses internationally!"

In celebration of Engineers Week, we’re excited to introduce each of our incredible engineers! Today we have a Q & A session with our amazing Commissioning Engineer- Garret! With a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring top-quality performance, he plays a key role in keeping our projects running smoothly. Thank you Garret Putz for all of your incredible work! What inspired you to become an engineer? "I’ve always been someone who enjoys problem-solving and figuring out how things work. Growing up, I was fascinated by how machines, structures, and systems come together to make life easier and more efficient. That curiosity, combined with a strong interest in math and science, naturally led me to engineering. I wanted a career where I could apply my skills to real-world challenges and make a tangible impact." What college did you attend and why? "I attended Murray State University because of its strong engineering program, close-knit community, and hands-on learning opportunities. The smaller class sizes meant I had direct access to professors who were invested in my success, and the emphasis on practical experience prepared me well for the real world. Plus, the campus atmosphere and traditions made my time there unforgettable. Shoes Up! ?? What’s a surprising fact about your work that most people wouldn’t know? "Most people assume engineering is all about crunching numbers and designing things, but a huge part of the job involves communication and teamwork. Whether it’s collaborating with clients, contractors, or other engineers, being able to clearly explain ideas and solve problems together is just as important as technical skills." If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be doing? "I’d probably be working in a role that focuses on sustainable energy and helping others. I’m passionate about making clean technology more accessible so that people everywhere can benefit from a safer, more sustainable environment. Whether through advocacy, education, or hands-on projects, I’d want to make a real difference. As I continue my engineering career, I hope to use my skills to contribute to that mission in a meaningful way."

Celebrating Our Engineers this week! At Matador Engineering, our success is built on the talent and dedication of our incredible team. This #EngineersWeek, we want to recognize our four brilliant mechanical engineers who bring passion, precision, and integrity to everything they do. Blake Boyd, P.E., NEBB CxCP Sergio Bustamante, P.E., NEBB CP Jesse Ardila and Garret Putz- Thank you guys! Your work makes meaningful impact every single day!

All of us at?Matador Engineering?want to wish a fantastic birthday to our amazing?Commissioning Manager, Scot!? We truly appreciate everything you do. Wishing you a year ahead filled with success, joy, and plenty of celebrations! Scot McKnight, CxA, LEED AP, NEBB CT

So proud to have been part of this landmark project!

We are incredibly proud of Nichole and all she has accomplished! She will do amazing things in the engineering world. It has truly been a blessing to have her as part of the Matador team, and we’re excited to see all the great work she will continue to do in the future.