Nicholas Tran

Aspiring Mechanical Engineer well-versed in powertrain components, design-for-manufacturing, geometry optimization. Seeking full-time position in Mechanical Engineering and adjacent sectors.

Transaxle Housing Lead at Society of Automotive Engineers - BAJA (2024-10 – Present)

• Engineered a streamlined gearbox housing using SolidWorks CAD software, reducing weight by 8% and cost by 12% through FEA verification for improved reliability and serviceability.
• Produced detailed DXF and CNC-ready mechanical design drawings adhering to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and company drawing standards for manufacturing.
• Conducted experimental validation of strain gauges to accurately estimate maximum torque, decreasing design constraints by 40% and facilitating optimized powertrain component designs.
• Communicated key gearbox housing design modifications and FEA verification results across 3 formal review stages (Conceptual, Preliminary, Critical) to a panel of 10+ industry experts and alumni.
• Managed compilation of project-wide bills of materials for all transaxle components over a 10-month development cycle, utilizing Excel to ensure 100% traceability.

Foreign Intern at EON-SEA (2025-05 – 2025-07)

• Designed and prototyped an ROV flotation system within an 8-week timeframe, improving sonar stability for ocean surveys and cutting energy usage by repositioning critical components.
• Enhanced project efficiency by bridging language barriers through clear communication, ensuring all team members understood critical design specifications and updates.
• Delivered weekly progress reports and key design decisions for an ROV flotation system to the CEO, securing a $100 budget and ensuring project transparency.

Payload Lead / Scheduler at BLADE - AstroFlora (2023-09 – 2024-08)

• Secured $600 NASA funding by developing and presenting Conceptual, Preliminary, and Critical Design Reviews, confirming Cube Satellite technical feasibility for radish radiation experiments.
• Created a detailed timeline for the team, meeting all milestones and deadlines and significantly improving productivity and organization.
• Executed end-to-end Cube Satellite development, including design, fabrication, integration, and launch over a 1-year period, documenting growth-related effects of radishes.

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering – California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (2022 – 2026)