Resume

As a recent PhD graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, I am exploring exciting opportunities in various cities. My expertise lies in designing, modeling, and simulating mechanisms and hydraulic machines, supported by a strong background in engineering tools and leadership. 

Key Highlights of My Background:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, with expertise in the design, modeling, and simulation of mechanisms and hydraulic machines.

• Proven track record in designing, assembling, and testing mechanical assemblies, including hydraulic motors, electro-hydraulic circuits, electric powertrains, and electronic circuits for data acquisition and control.

• Skilled in design for manufacturing (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and product data management (PDM).

• Strong leadership and project management abilities, successfully leading cross-functional teams in research and development projects.

• Advanced proficiency in tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, HyperWorks, SolidWorks, and Catia, with expertise in system-level modeling, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), finite element analysis, and design optimization.

• Familiar with embedded systems, control systems development, and emerging technologies like additive manufacturing, and AI/ML applications in engineering.

• Published author in peer-reviewed journals and recipient of prestigious awards for innovation and research excellence.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about my educational background, professional experience, or passions. I'm eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to new challenges and opportunities!

Technical Skills

• Programming language: MATLAB, Python.

• Computer-Aided Design: SolidWorks, Catia, and AutoCAD.

• Simulation Tools: ANSYS, HyperWorks, Simulink, StateFlow, and MSC Adams.

Education

Sept 2018 - Aug 2024

University of Minnesota - Center for Compact and Efficiency Fluid Power, USA

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Topic: "Design of Adjustable Mechanisms for Variable Displacement Linkage Pumps and Motors"

Research Projects: 

• Modeling, design, and experimental testing of two variable displacement low-speed high-torque hydraulic motor prototypes. This work was done in collaboration with Poclain Hydraulics and Bobcat Company.

• Modeling of a multi-stroke, variable displacement oscillating pump for hydrokinetic energy. This work was done in collaboration with Resolute Marine Energy.

• Hydrogen fuel agricultural sprayer simulation study: comparison of different powertrains for a 20-ton off-road machine, including simulations of vehicle dynamics, hydrostatic transmissions, series hybrid hydrostatic transmissions, electric motors, battery packs, and hydrogen fuel cells. This work was done in collaboration with CNH Industrial.

Sept 2018 - Aug 2020

University of Minnesota - Center for Compact and Efficiency Fluid Power, USA

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Sept 2011 - Aug 2013

National Autonomous University of Mexico

Master of Engineering in Mechanical Design 

Thesis Topic:  "Proposal for design and analysis procedures for bus superstructures" 

Research Project: 

• Developed an intercity bus body design methodology applying structural optimization techniques and impact simulations using the finite element method.

Apr 2010 - Apr 2011

Armed Forces University, Ecuador

Graduate Diploma in Automotive Electronics 

Thesis Topic:  "Study of the operation of the Toyota THS-II hybrid system" 

2003-2009

Politecnica Salesiana University, Ecuador

Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Engineering 

Thesis Topic:  "Influence of the Exhaust Pipe Arrangement on Bus Pollution". Simulated pressure losses on the exhaust system to determine back pressure.

Relevant Work

Sept 2024 - Current

University of Minnesota - Center for Compact and Efficiency Fluid Power 

Postdoctoral Associate

Minneapolis - Minnesota

• Developed Simulink models for hydrostatic and hybrid transmission systems integrated with hydrogen fuel cells and electric powertrains. See: Jonatan Pozo-Palacios - Design & Simulation Projects

• Validated models using experimental hydrogen fuel cell data, achieving a 98% accuracy in predicting system behavior.

• Conducted system-level modeling and optimization to enhance overall performance metrics.

• Conducted preliminary modeling work for the R&D project Hybrid Powertrain with Renewable Fuel Engine: Agricultural Sprayer Demonstration, leading to $1.8 million in Department of Energy funding (DE-FOA-0003248). 

Sept 2018 - Aug 2024

University of Minnesota - Center for Compact and Efficiency Fluid Power

Research Assistant at the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems Laboratory

Minneapolis - Minnesota

• Designed two novel hydraulic motor prototypes, achieving >90% mechanical efficiency across variable displacements.

• Modeled complex mechanisms and dynamic systems using MATLAB and validated them with experimental data.

• Conducted FEA and multibody dynamics analysis with ANSYS for structural and functional validation.

• Participated in the assembly, inspection, and testing of two hydraulic motor prototypes. See: Jonatan Pozo-Palacios - Design & Simulation Projects

• Conducted design optimization studies using parallel computing and MATLAB algorithms.

• Developed system level models of hydrostatic transmissions and series hybrid powertrains.

• Authored research papers and delivered presentations on topics related to mechanism design and fluid power.

Sept 2018 - Aug 2024

Teaching Assistant - Fluid Power Control Lab

Minneapolis - Minnesota

• Trained students on hydraulic valves, circuits, and control system design (PID, IMC, FF) for servo valves.

• Conducted functionality and usability checks of all the lab equipment.

Mar 2014 - July 2018

Full time instructor - Politecnica Salesiana University 

• Taught undergraduate courses in Machine Design, Solid Mechanics, CAD, CAE, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, consistently earning positive evaluations for teaching effectiveness.

• Developed and conducted 40-hour training programs in Adams Multibody Dynamics for professors, and in HyperWorks and SolidWorks for students, enhancing participants' simulation and design skills relevant to industry applications.

• Led a team of 25 students in designing, building, and testing Ecuador’s first Formula SAE electric vehicle with a budget of USD 250,000. Contributed to the design of key systems, including a high-voltage battery pack, carbon fiber components, suspension, brakes, steering, uprights, electric motor liquid cooling, battery air cooling, a tubular chassis, and transmission.

• Presented research and projects at national and international events, showcasing innovative designs and advancements in engineering education.

Sept 2011 - Aug 2013

Graduate Student Researcher - Mechanical Design and Technology Innovation Center CDMIT - UNAM

  Mexico City - Mexico

• Developed an innovative bus body design methodology, optimizing weight and safety through structural analysis and impact simulations using the finite element method. See: Jonatan Pozo-Palacios - Design & Simulation Projects

• Performed CAE simulations using different analysis techniques: structural analysis, non-linear explicit structural analysis, vibrations, thermal modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), topology optimization, and size optimization.

Feb 2010 - Jul 2011

Commercial/Technical Advisor - SECOHI

  Guayaquil - Ecuador

• Technical advice on maintenance of ZF automatic transmissions used in buses. 

• Commercialization of spare parts for trucks and buses.

Sep 2009 - Dec 2009

Internship: Automotive Technician - CETIVEHICULOS S.A.

 Cuenca - Ecuador

• Performed maintenance and servicing on Peugeot vehicles.

Other Experiences

Jan 2023 - May 2023

Tutoring

Tutored undergraduate students in topics related to numerical methods and optimization.

Jan 2020 - Dec 2020

Tutoring

Tutored graduate students in topics related to finite element analysis. 

Honors and Awards

• Global Fluid Power Best Paper Award, Bath/ASME Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control 2024.

• Fulbright Fellowship for Doctoral Studies in the United States, 2018 – 2020. The Fulbright fellowship, awarded by the U.S. government, is one of the most prestigious and competitive academic awards in the world. 

• Mechanical Engineering Department Fellowship, University of Minnesota 2018 – 2019.

• Ecuadorian Government Fellowship (SENESCYT) for Master's Degree Studies 2011 – 2013.