Engineer Mechanical
Resume:
CHRISTOF J. HETTIGER
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CHRISTOF J. HETTIGER
Euless, TX 76039 Single Renter, Able
to Relocate
**********@******.***
www.linkedin.com/in/chettiger/
SUMMARY
Engineer with expertise in finite element structural analysis (FEA modal solutions & vibration) and prior
working experience in computer automated design (CAD). Excellent research, academic, and industry
background in dynamics, structures, and strength of materials. In 2009, obtained a US Secret Security
Clearance as a DoD contractor employee (Last actively used in 2010).
Accomplished track record to systematically analyze, organize, and summarize technical data . Detail
oriented, prioritizing tasks, and performing work accurately with efficiency . Proven reputation as a valuable
team player that has a strong interpersonal and communicative personality.
Held industry responsibilities in laboratory component testing and pretest/post test analysis to predict,
substantiate, verify, and correlate actual test data. Ensured structural response data met customer safety and
stability requirements. Analyzed and post processed mathematical models in NASTRAN and PATRAN FEA
simulation programs. Routinely documented results for archival reference and satisfied due diligence
protocol.
SOFTWARE SKILLS:
Finite Element Analysis Experience: NASTRAN 2012, PATRAN 2010, SolidWorks, MATLAB, Abaqus
Computer Automated Design Experience: NX (Unigraphics), SolidWorks
Additional Industry Experience: Microsoft Office, MATLAB, Teamcenter, Kronos
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Bell Helicopter: Mechanical Engineer (Structural Dynamics):
2012 – 2014
• Performed airframe structural vibration analysis for various US government military and private
civilian contracts. Work effort led to successful collaboration with the structural design department,
lending recommendations and risk mitigation from a dynamics point of view.
• Regularly investigated natural modal frequencies and modal shapes, forced response transfer
functions, and rap test results. Performed harmonic analysis to convert time domain test data to the
frequency domain. When needed, applied coordinate transformation matrices.
• Performed FEA simulation trade studies by modifying the mass and stiffness matrices to avoid
harmonic resonance and instabilities associated with the main and tail rotor. Investigated parts
ranging from various vehicle frame structures, to electronic housing equipment.
• Used hand calculations and self double checks whenever possible to validate results. Root cause
analysis and a full understanding of fundamental physical principles were always a priority.
• Accomplished finite element analysis and visualization using NASTRAN and PATRAN. Organized
amplitude and phase data graphs by executing script codes generated from MATLAB and Excel.
Listed modal frequencies with corresponding modal shapes.
• Wrote a structural dynamic analysis validation report in support of flight test requirements for an
assigned project platform. Work effort aided in successful initial on time execution of test flight.
UT Austin Sanger Learning & Career Center (SLCC): Calculus Tutor
2008 –2012
• Improved interpersonal and communication capabilities by tailoring tutoring styles according to the
needs of each student, individually and in groups. Actively conveyed technical knowledge by
connecting abstract theories to intuitive concepts.
CHRISTOF J. HETTIGER
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• Throughout college, worked with other tutors in continually refining tutor strategies to assist students
in improving their own critical thinking abilities.
L-3 Communications, Mechanical Coop Intern (Structural Design): Fall 2009,
Summer 2010
• Performed aircraft modernization tasks for various US government contracts. Completed the
required SF-86 paperwork and obtained a US National Secret Security Clearance.
• Managed technical documentation including engineering change orders (ECOs) and electronic bill of
materials (EBOM). Drafted, 3D modeled, and edited assembly/part CAD drawings.
• Utilized Teamcenter to conduct the engineering documentation tasks and approve of completed
drawings. Used NX (Unigraphics) for the CAD drafting and modeling. Wrote two reports reviewing
the intern work experience to satisfy the coop program class credit requirements.
RESEARCH, INTERNATIONAL, & TEAM EXPERIENCE
Undergraduate Bell Helicopter Research (Professor Jayant Sirohi): Structures/Dynamics FEA
• Successfully converted a rotor helicopter test stand SolidWorks CAD model into a functional finite
element model using meshing techniques and enforcing boundary constraints available in the
SolidWorks simulation toolbox.
• Calculated natural frequency results that were within appropriate tolerance margins as verified by
Bell Helicopter’s own Ansys finite element values. Wrote a final procedural report detailing the steps
taken and lessons learned.
Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS): Six Week Summer Course 2011
• Attended classes in Positive Psychology and Sustainable Technology & Culture (ST&C). During the
ST&C course, traveled to Statkraft and Wavestar companies in Denmark and Norway to discuss
water and wave energies as viable renewable resources being currently researched and developed for
electrical power production.
Senior Design: Air Vehicle Design & Integration (AV D&I) Subgroup
• Collaborated as an AV D&I member to assist the whole team in completing an unmanned aircraft
system (UAS) for performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) used to deliver
precision guided expendables (PGE) on fixed ground targets. Various tasks included CAD modeling
aircraft parts, PGE and aircraft construction/modification, data analysis from flight tests, and
practical use of system engineering protocols.
Low-Speed Fluids Laboratory Project: NASCAR Model Drafting Team
• Worked together with members to research and discuss the physical causes and behaviors of vehicle
drafting. Performed wind tunnel smoke wire and wake profile trade studies by varying the distance
gap between two NASCAR vehicle models. Wrote a technical report and presented an oral
presentation discussing the results.
Design Build Fly (DBF) Competition 2009
• Traveled on the DBF trip to Tucson, Arizona and participated in the multi-university competition of
RC model aircraft.
EDUCATION & RELATED COURSES
B.S. Aerospace Engineering & Minor, Psychology: The University of Texas at Austin, Overall GPA
3.37/4.00
• Structures FEA & Dynamics Analysis, Mechanics/Strength of Materials & Lab, Linear & Control
Systems
ACHIEVEMENTS
CHRISTOF J. HETTIGER
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Tartan and Naomi Collier Endowed Engineering Scholarship for Homeschooled Students (TNCHS), Spring
2010
World Taekwondo Federation 1st Degree Black Belt, Spring 2007
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