C++ Mechanical Engineering

Michael Cortez

****************@*****.*** / 713-***-**** / www.linkedin.com/Michael-Cortez

SKILLS

Coding Experience: Java, C++, MATLAB

3D Modeling/Analysis Experience: SolidWorks, Onshape, AutoCAD Manufacturing/Prototyping Experience: Composites, 3D PrinTng (PLA, ABS,PLA-CF, ASA,PPA), Machining, Shapeoko (CNC Router), Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Soldering, Formulated and tested small scale solid propellants (Rocket Candy, APCP) for hobbyist rocketry

Design/ConstrucTon/Analysis Projects: SpaceX Rocket Booster Catch System (Class Project), Autonomous Robot (Tetrix), Engineered and fabricated custom hobby rocket including propulsion and recovery systems, Developed a RoboTc Arm with 6-DOF

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Expected May 2027 University of Houston - Clear Lake, Houston, TX GPA: 3.122

• Relevant Coursework: Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Intro to Materials, Intro to manufacturing, Measurement & Data Analysis, Advanced Technical WriTng Minor in Engineering Management Expected May 2027

University of Houston – Clear Lake, Houston, TX

Associate of Science in Engineering December 2023

San Jacinto College Central, Pasadena, TX GPA: 3.68

• Relevant Coursework: Electrical Circuits, Engineering Mechanics StaTcs & Dynamics, CompuTng for Engineers (MATLAB)

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE

Intro to Manufacturing Project Spring 2025

University of Houston-Clear Lake, Bay Area, TX

• Developed the circuit design using Arduino and C++, Programming the system to autonomously catch the rocket booster using servo motors and sensors.

• Created detailed CAD designs for the chopsTck catch mechanism and assembled technical drawings for manufacturing.

• Contributed to prototyping efforts, assembling the system using a mix of wood and 3D printed components with the use of power tools.

• Conducted Finite element analysis (FEA) to analyze stresses, forces, and failure points using solid mechanics to ensure the system’s reliability

San Jacinto College, NaQonal Science FoundaQon Grant Lead Intern Summer 2025

• Mentored interns on roboTcs principles, guiding them through chassis construcTon and driving base development.

• Taught core Java programming concepts while integraTng them into robot control systems.

• Design and assembled a roboTc arm featuring a gear-driven DC motor and servo-actuated claw gripper.

• Demonstrated real-world engineering applicaTons through a personal hobby rocket project, explaining the design, 3D modeling, and 3D prinTng process.

• Introduced interns to propellent fabricaTon, including the creaTon of sugar-based (“Rocket Candy”) and APCP propellants, followed by supervised tesTng.

San Jacinto College, NaQonal Science FoundaQon Grant Lead Intern Summer 2024

• Led a team of undergrads, mentoring them on roboTcs concepts and pracTcal skills.

• Designed and developed a 6-DOF roboTc arm programed in Java using and later Arduino and Raspberry Pi to add other components.

• Conducted extensive tesTng on the roboTc arm to ensure funcTonality and performance under different condiTons.

• Researched and experimented with alternaTve materials (Carbon Fiber PLA) for parts to reduce weight while maintaining strength.

• Integrated a camera system with livestream capabiliTes to control the robot remotely through obstacles San Jacinto College, NaQonal Science FoundaQon Grant Intern Summer 2023

• Gained proficiency in Java to program a basic robot plajorm.

• Collaborated with the team on 3D prinTng and CNC RouTng to fabricate robot parts.

• Worked with microcontrollers (Arduino) to control servos and DC motors, enabling the construcTon of a simple robot driving base.

• ParTcipated in hands-on experiments and technical exercises, learning various roboTcs concepts and applicaTons.

San Jacinto College, RoboQcs Lab Assistant Fall 2023 – Spring 2025

• Facilitated 3D prinTng projects for Calculus II “Cup” Assignments, 3D art projects, and roboTcs club events and builds.

• Mentored students on engineering coursework, CAD design, and roboTcs fundamentals.

• Assisted with troubleshooTng printers, electronics and mechanical assemblies in the lab. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Team Member November 2020-Current

Chick-Fil-A Deer Park, TX

• Collaborated in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment to ensure quality.

• Part of the leadership team as a Team lead from 2022-2023 EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Judge of RoboQcs CompeQQons Volunteer

• First Lego League (FLL) Technical judge January 2024

• First Tech Challenge Regional championship (FTC) Technical Judge February 2024

• First Tech Challenge (FTC) Technical Judge February 2025 XPONENTIAL 2025: Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Volunteer May 2025

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