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Daniel C.

Certified SolidWorks Designer | Mechatronics Engineer | CAD & Additive Manufacturing Specialist

La Paz, Bolivia

Global rank:

2,794 / 115,277

Skill pts: 11

Additive Manufacturing MATLAB Simulink Mesh mixer Prototyping Ultimaker Cura

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About

Mechanical design and CAD specialist with a Mechatronics Engineering background and over 4 years of hands-on experience in SolidWorks, 3D printing, and prototyping. Certified by Dassault Systèmes (CSWA, Additive Manufacturing, Sustainability). I’ve led interdisciplinary R&D projects, participated on Bolivia’s first CubeSat and award-winning NASA HERC team, and developed functional parts for clients and research. Passionate about precision modeling, real-world engineering impact, and bringing complex ideas to life through CAD and prototyping.

Portfolio

Experience

R&D Engineer – 1U CubeSat Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” | Mechatronics Engineering R&D Centre · Part-time Jun 2024 – Present 1 yrs 6 mos La Paz, La Paz Department, Bolivia In this role, I contributed to the development of research on CubeSat, focusing on GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) and systems design. I led a subgroup of five engineers to develop a neural network-based trajectory predictor using CVXPy, Simulink Real-Time, and ROS frameworks. I also supported the design of ADCS, thermal, and communications subsystems through subsystem trade-off analysis and prototyping. We validated sensors through stratospheric balloon launches, gathering critical data under near-space conditions. This work integrated applied machine learning, aerospace systems modeling, and rigorous design methodologies.
R&D Engineer – Structural and Thermal Analysis FIAB – Fundación de Investigación Aeroespacial en Bolivia · Part-time Jun 2023 – Present 2 yrs 6 mos La Paz, La Paz Department, Bolivia At FIAB, I support structural and thermal subsystems for Bolivia’s first CubeSat, a project backed by the UNOOSA Access to Space for All initiative. My work involves performing thermal simulations in ANSYS to model heat transfer during launch and orbit, and developing mechanical interfaces in line with CubeSat standards. I collaborate with a national team to create qualification documentation and simulation results for deployment via EXOpod systems. This role involves deep mechanical and aerospace systems engineering work in a real-world satellite context.
R&D Engineer – Robotic Chess Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” | Mechatronics Engineering R&D Centre · Part-time Feb 2021 – Dec 2024 3 yrs 10 mos La Paz, La Paz Department, Bolivia As founder and lead engineer of the Robotic Chess project, I coordinated a team of 21 students to develop an autonomous chess-playing system that integrates a KUKA industrial robotic arm, a ROS-based motion controller, and a custom-built electronic chessboard capable of piece detection. I designed the chessboard’s custom PCB, implemented embedded control logic, and led live demonstrations at university events to promote STEM fields among high school audiences.
Thesis Researcher – ABS Post-Processing and Encapsulation PRINT3D · Full-time Jul 2023 – Jul 2024 1 yrs La Paz, La Paz Department, Bolivia For my undergraduate thesis, I developed two integrated systems for high-quality ABS 3D printing: a thermally controlled encapsulation chamber and an acetone vapor polishing post-processing system. The enclosure prevents warping and cracking by regulating internal temperatures with IoT sensors. The polishing chamber offers glossy finishes by reducing visible surface roughness to less than 0.16% of printed layers. The system was implemented by PRINT3D for customer projects, earning my research a score of 97/100 and Magna Cum Laude honors. This work combined CAD, thermal design, and IoT integration for industrial applications.
Task Tool System Lead – NASA HERC Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” | VEMEC Team – NASA HERC 2024 · Part-time Nov 2023 – Apr 2024 5 mos Huntsville, AL, United States As part of Bolivia’s NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) team, I led the engineering and fabrication of mission tools used during rover tasks. My focus was on the integration of 3D printing technologies (ABS, TPU) and CNC machining to produce robust and functional rover tools. Our team earned the "Most Improved Performance Award" after major design optimizations increased speed and reliability. This role strengthened my additive manufacturing and team coordination abilities in competitive, high-stakes environments.
Additive Manufacturing Intern PRINT3D · Internship Feb 2023 – Jul 2023 5 mos La Paz, La Paz Department, Bolivia At PRINT3D, I managed a fleet of over 15 FDM printers (Ender 3V2, Anycubic I3 Mega), performing advanced maintenance and firmware upgrades using Sonic-Pad controllers. I designed and manufactured over 100 client parts using SolidWorks and slicer software like Cura and PrusaSlicer. These included functional prototypes, industrial parts, and aesthetic products. My design responsibilities involved dimensional tolerancing and stress considerations for load-bearing plastic components, further advancing my applied CAD and design-for-manufacturing skills.
Software Development Intern SEDNA SRL · Internship Jul 2022 – Jan 2023 6 mos La Paz, La Paz Department, Bolivia I supported backend and full-stack development of biometric access control systems using C#/.NET and SQL Server. I also collaborated on web interface development using Java and JavaScript. My contributions were integrated into SEDNA’s commercial offerings, providing enhanced security systems for clients in healthcare and business sectors. This experience solidified my understanding of structured programming, software architecture, and database integration.

Education

Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo B.Sc., Mechatronics Engineering, Magna Cum Laude | GPA: 3.06/4.0 | Thesis score: 97/100 2019 – 2024 Activities and Societies: Mechatronics Engineering R&D Centre (Robotic Chess, CubeSat) VEMEC Team – NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge Mechatronics Student's Scientific Society IEEE Student Member (RAS, PES) Completed a 5-year program focused on mechanical design, control systems, embedded programming, and robotics. Developed multiple research and engineering projects including Bolivia’s first CubeSat and a NASA HERC rover. Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a thesis on ABS 3D printing post-processing systems adopted by an industrial partner.

Other experience

Conference Presenter – LACCEI 2024 and CASICAM 2025 Presented original research at two international conferences: the 23rd LACCEI Multi-Conference (Mexico, Virtual) and the Casablanca International Conference on Additive Manufacturing (Morocco). My talks focused on the design and testing of 3D-printed wheels and tire treads for NASA HERC vehicles, sharing experimental results and design methodologies with researchers and professionals in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Lead Author – Research in Additive Manufacturing and Mechanical Design for NASA HERC Led the writing of two academic papers focused on mechanical design and additive manufacturing in the context of the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC). As first author of the LACCEI 2024 paper and second author of the CASICAM 2025 paper, I coordinated the research structure, conducted technical analysis, and articulated our findings for publication. Both works explored 3D-printed non-pneumatic wheel systems and tire treads for extreme terrain, contributing novel approaches to human-powered space vehicle performance and showcasing applied mechatronics design.
Workshop Lecturer – KUKA Robotics (ITEC 2024) At ITEC 2024, I delivered a practical workshop on KUKA industrial robotic arms. I taught manual operation, safety protocols, KRL programming, and introduced participants to ROS-based control systems and inverse kinematics. The workshop was designed for advanced mechatronics students and contributed to raising industrial automation competencies among undergraduates.
STEM Outreach Coordinator & Lecturer I co-led Bolivia's national STEM outreach initiative affiliated with the NASA HERC project. We conducted workshops in 8 of 9 Bolivian departments, reaching over 7,000 participants. I delivered hands-on sessions in 3D design (TinkerCAD), electronics, and mechanical systems, aiming to spark student interest in robotics and aerospace. This role combined technical knowledge with public speaking and national logistics coordination.

Licenses & Certifications

Additive Manufacturing Associate SolidWorks Designer Jun 2024 – Present See credential
CAD Design Associate (CSWA) SolidWorks Designer Jun 2024 – Present See credential
Sustainability Associate SolidWorks Designer May 2023 – Present See credential