The Mission
The word fathom means to understand completely by getting to the bottom of a problem.
Fathom Applied Engineering was founded on a straightforward premise: complex mechanical and regulatory challenges require deep analytical rigor, not surface level fixes. We partner with organizations to deliver robust mechanical design, code compliance, and decisive engineering leadership. When the stakes are high, we provide the technical certainty you need to move forward.
Who We Are
Fathom was founded by Kevin Hickey, PE, a mechanical engineer with over 12 years of experience building and leading technical teams in some of the most demanding environments in the world.
Kevin's foundation was built in the nuclear navy, where he was certified as a Nuclear Engineer Officer by the U.S. Department of Energy. That background instilled a zero-margin-for-error standard that shapes how Fathom approaches every engagement.
From there, Kevin spent nearly seven years leading mechanical design for a small modular reactor program growing an engineering team from 4 to 19, reducing structural material costs by 27% through multidisciplinary design optimization, and delivering ASME code-compliant pressure vessel and heat exchanger designs for a first-of-kind nuclear power plant.
He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an M.S. in Interdisciplinary with a concentration in Engineering Management and Leadership from Purdue University.
What that means for you
When you work with Fathom, you get direct access to that depth of experience. No handoffs to junior staff. No generalist opinions on specialized problems. Just rigorous mechanical engineering and honest, accountable technical guidance.