Trent Karst
Mechanical Engineering student at Montana State University. Lead designer for battery box subsystems and treasurer for MSU Solar Racing. Experienced in hands-on mechanical work, CAD, and leadership. Passionate about innovative renewable energy technologies.
Bozeman, MT | trent@trentkarst.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/trent-karst-0980b7379/
Experience
MSU Solar Racing Club — Lead Designer & Treasurer
Bozeman, MT | Aug 2025 – Present. Lead the battery box subsystem design. Utilize CAD modeling (Solidworks/Fusion) and materials selection to optimize strength-to-weight ratios and heat management. Elected treasurer for Spring 2026.
Karst Farms — Farm Hand
Fairview, MT | Oct 2018 – Aug 2025. Operated heavy machinery and assisted in crop production. Developed strong work ethic and expertise in time-sensitive, physically demanding operational workflows.
Karst Farms — Mechanic
Fairview, MT | Oct 2020 – Aug 2025. Performed maintenance and repairs on industrial farm equipment and vehicles. Gained foundational technical troubleshooting skills and high attention to detail.
Quality Living Counseling — Web Designer
Remote | Nov 2024 – Mar 2025. Designed and maintained functional web platforms for professional counseling services. Applied interface design principles and accessibility standards to technical projects.
Education
Montana State University — B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Bozeman, MT | Aug 2025 – Present. Honors College Student. Focus on fundamentals, renewable energy, and advanced materials.
Fairview High School — High School Diploma
Fairview, MT | 2021 – 2025. Graduated Valedictorian, 4.0 GPA. Student-athlete active in six clubs and three sports.
Skills
Mechanical & Design: Solidworks, Fusion, Shapr3D, AutoCAD, 3D Printing, Experimental Design.
Professional: Team Collaboration, Project Coordination, Digital Proficiency, Financial Stewardship (Treasurer).
Awards & Honors
- Valedictorian: Ranked 1st in Fairview High School Class of 2025.
- Trig Star Award: Top percentage performance in Junior and Senior years.
- Academic Olympics: Superior and Honorable Mentions in Applied/Intermediate Math.
- Track State Champion: Anchored winning 4x400m relay (Class B Montana, 2025).
Languages
English: Native/Fluent
Italian: Basic
German: Basic