Benjamin Tolbert

Ben Tolbert is a Mechanical Engineer and faculty member in Kennesaw State University’s Department of Engineering Technology. Tolbert earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Alabama and joined KSU in January 2024. His teaching includes manufacturing processes, CNC machining, welding, engineering graphics, engineering mechanics, machine design, and Senior Design I and II.

Before entering academia, Tolbert worked in engineering consulting, manufacturing, product development, and research and development across the automotive, energy, and consumer-products industries. His experience includes supporting new automotive production launches, developing products and manufacturing processes for Seattle- and Silicon Valley-funded startup companies, and serving as an Electro-Mechanical Engineer and subject matter expert for two pump systems used in the Coca-Cola Freestyle platform.

In Senior Design, Tolbert emphasizes identifying and clearly defining the right problem using Lean Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma methodology before developing a solution. This approach is shaped by his engineering consulting experience and helps students move from a well-defined problem statement to practical engineering solutions. Students then apply machine design, manufacturing, prototyping, testing, and engineering analysis to develop real solutions to real-world problems.

Tolbert’s approach to engineering education is strongly hands-on and application focused, emphasizing the connection between engineering theory, design, manufacturing, and implementation. His lifelong interest in engineering began with rebuilding and restoring cars, motorcycles, and boats. Outside the classroom and laboratory, he enjoys wakeboarding and wakesurfing, home renovation and woodworking, and automotive and marine restoration.