NICO CABALQUINTO
PROFILE
Creative engineer and lighting designer with experience across LED systems, digital fabrication, and live performance environments. Proven ability to design, prototype, and deliver technical solutions from early concept through fabrication, installation, and operation across exhibitions, stage productions, and site-specific installations.
EXPERIENCE
Newlab
Product Realization Specialist | June 2024 – Present
Supported early-stage startups in translating concepts into functional prototypes through hands-on digital fabrication.
Operated and supported SLA, SLS, and FDM 3D printing workflows to enable rapid iteration and testing.
Delivered in-house fabrication and design support including 3D modeling, prototyping, and part production.
Provided tool training and one-on-one technical guidance, enabling safe and effective use of advanced fabrication equipment.
Center for Performance Research
Production and Facilities Manager | May 2023 – February 2025
Planned, designed, and executed technical production for public programs including performances, film projects, workshops, and classes using ETC Ion lighting console, Behringer X32 digital sound mixer, and QLab.
Advised artists and residents on technical feasibility, fabrication approaches, and production workflows.
Managed production equipment inventory, hired and supervised contract production staff, and maintained facility operations and safety protocols.
32 Sounds
Lighting Director | September 2022 – Present
Directed stage crew to focus and configure lighting fixtures for live performance of documentary film.
Operated ETC Ion lighting console, programming and calling show cues for live performance environments.
Scenic Fabrication Design Shop
Creative Engineer | February 2022 – December 2022
Researched and developed LED-based technical solutions for large-scale installations.
Designed, prototyped, and implemented fabrication methods for custom LED sculptures.
Programmed custom software to animate and control high-density addressable LED systems.
NYU Tisch — Interactive Telecommunications Program
Postdoctoral Artist in Residence | August 2021 – September 2022
Supported students with fabrication, LED technology, and audiovisual systems for thesis and coursework projects.
Provided technical mentorship and critical feedback throughout design and prototyping phases.
Developed and delivered supplemental production and fabrication workshops in support of faculty curriculum.
Future Colossal
Physical Technologist | August 2021 – September 2023
Consulted on LED technologies and fabrication approaches for high-budget productions and installations.
Designed and programmed madMapper workflows for interactive LED systems.
Fabricated and installed site-specific interactive installations.
Leo Villareal Studio
Technical Project Manager | January 2019 – January 2020
Fabricated, assembled, and programmed large-scale LED artworks for museums, galleries, and private collectors.
Created and maintained Bills of Materials (BOMs) and comprehensive technical documentation for active projects.
Wrote technical specifications defining performance, hardware, and system requirements.
Assisted with configuration and administration of artwork control computers, ensuring hardware and software compatibility.
EDUCATION
New York University — Tisch School of the Arts
Interactive Telecommunications Program | Sep 2019 – May 2021
New York City College of Technology
Emerging Media Technology / Entertainment Technology | Sept 2017 – June 2018
Rutgers University — New Brunswick, NJ
Visual Arts (Photography), Minor: Art History | Aug 2008 – Jan 2011
SKILLS
Software & Programming
Fusion 360 · madMapper · QLab · OBS · Adobe Illustrator · Adobe Photoshop · TouchDesigner · Arduino (C)
Lighting & Sound Control
ETC Ion · Behringer X32 Digital Mixer · sACN · Art-Net · DMX · OSC
Fabrication & Making
3D Printing (SLA, SLS, FDM) · Laser Cutting · Large Format Printing · Woodworking · Soldering · Installation · Photography