Intro

About Me

I build, test, and break things to make them work better. As a mechanical engineer focused on propulsion and thermal systems, I combine mathematical rigor—like 1D fluid and thermal modeling—with hands-on hardware ownership.

From designing fluid-based Reaction Control Systems (RCS) to engineering automation scripts that slash environmental testing overhead by 90%, my goal is always the same: driving hardware from the whiteboard to successful hot-fire or flight operations.

Click here to check out some of my solutions.

Outside the Lab

Rafael stripped motorcycle
Hands-On Diagnostics: I've developed practical intuition for powertrain mechanics by completely stripping down and rebuilding a motorcycle and its engine.
Rafael competing in a Spartan Race
Physical Endurance: I challenge my limits outside the lab by competing in Spartan Races, applying the same grit, focus, and resilience required to tackle high-pressure engineering problems.
Rafael 3D printed turbofan
Additive Manufacturing: I'm an avid 3D printing enthusiast. I've printed professional-grade parts as well as hobby projects like this working turbofan model.
Shockwaves on an airplane wing
Fluid Dynamics in Action: I caught visible shockwaves dancing over an airplane wing mid-flight across the Atlantic—a perfect real-world visualization of compressible flow regimes.

Project Portfolio

Shua with Starsailor rocket
Rafael standing in front of starsailor rocket

Space Concordia Rocketry — Liquid Propulsion Systems Integration

Keywords: Fluid Systems | Integrated Camera Systems | Launch Operations | Vibration Protection

I served on the core engineering team that successfully built and launched a full-scale liquid-propellant rocket aimed at crossing the Karman line into space. My responsibilities focused on two key areas: designing, building, and validating the cold-gas reaction control system used to keep the vehicle stable during flight, and owning the complete video capturing hardware setup. This involved developing rugged onboard camera housing to protect lenses from violent launch vibrations, as well as engineering a full Ground Support Equipment (GSE) camera system to capture ground angles. Together, these systems successfully recorded the launch and broadcasted the live stream. Beyond my subsystems, I was hands-on with rocket assembly, hardware integration, and launch operations.
Check out the launch news report here or the livestream here.

The final capstone prototype loading machine design

Vertical Farming Automation (Capstone Project)

Keywords: CAD Modeling | Stress Analysis | Electro-Mechanical Prototypes | Budget Management

Partnered with an automated farming company, AquaVerti, to design a full-scale machine capable of moving and loading industrial water beds within their existing facility. My team ran force and stress calculations to optimize the structural design, keeping the machinery as lightweight as possible. To prove the concept worked, we built a fully operational, scaled physical prototype complete with electric motors and sensors. Delivering the project early and under budget allowed us to perform additional testing and hardware optimization. The final system was later showcased by the company across multiple industry trade fairs.

Engineering Competition Team

Engineering Design Competitions

Keywords: Rapid Prototyping | Technical Presentation | Iteration | Team Leadership

Represented McGill Engineering across local, provincial, and national design tournaments. We competed in overnight 8-hour engineering challenges to design, build, and test fully functional, remote-operated robotic solutions from limited supplies to solve dynamic mechanical problems. Our success relied on rapid hardware testing and optimization cycles, debugging prototypes to deliver better solutions faster. We achieved consecutive 1st place victories at the local McGill Engineering Competition (2021, 2022) and advanced to win 1st place (2022, 2023) at the provincial Quebec Engineering Competition. Representing Quebec at the national Canadian Engineering Competition in both years, our design iterations earned us a 2nd place finish across Canada.

Mini-Baja offroad vehicle

McGill Baja Racing — Telemetry Instrumentation & Powertrain Test

Keywords: Data Acquisition (DAQ) | Sensor Arrays | Vehicle Testing | Field Operations

Designed and integrated custom onboard sensor networks for a rugged, off-road racing vehicle to capture real-time stress, speed, and temperature data during field testing. I used this physical data to cross-check and validate our CAD and simulation models. Additionally, I took hands-on ownership of engine tuning, engine diagnostics, and trackside mechanical operations to keep our vehicle reliable, and ran trade studies for converting the vehicle's mechanical systems to electric.

Solar Wind Turbine Model

Solar-Powered Wind Turbine Model

Keywords: SolidWorks CAD | Mechanism Assembly | Prototyping

Designed and assembled a functional, miniature desktop model demonstrating solar energy capture. The unit integrates a small solar panel that extracts sunlight to power an internal DC motor, spinning custom wind turbine blades. I modeled the full mechanical configuration in SolidWorks to ensure fitment and clean assembly.

AutoShades CAD model

Smart Home Automated Window Shades

Keywords: Arduino Microcontrollers | Smart Home Automation | Sensor Logic | C Programming

Developed a custom motorized window shade automation system controlled remotely via a smart home platform. Built using electronic Arduino microcontroller and ESP32, the system parses sensor data to track the exact position of the shades, allowing for automated scheduling, remote wireless triggers, and manual physical button control paired with visual status lights. No need to remember to close the shades!

Robotic arm project loop

Motion-Mimicking Robotic Arm

Keywords: Robotics | Closed-Loop Control | Sensory Wearables | Real-Time Actuation

Engineered a mechanical robotic arm programmed to mirror physical human limb movements in real time. Built a wearable sleeve embedded with sensor tracking arrays that reads the angular displacement of a person's arm, transmitting the physical motion data directly to an onboard computer to precisely coordinate corresponding mechanical motor responses.

Automated messenger database loop

Automated Data Extraction & Messenger Pipelines

Keywords: Python Programming | Web Scraping | Database Management | API Integration

Created custom Python software platforms built to automate data processing chores. Designed a web scraping tool that automatically downloads and structures large datasets from across the internet into a clean database. Paired these backend architectures with messaging programs that automatically cycle through data sheets to draft and distribute custom individual communications, featuring real-time data logs and error tracking.

Python Logo MATLAB Logo

Scientific Computing & Numerical Physics Simulations

Keywords: MATLAB | Predictive Analytics | Numerical Physics Modifiers | Algorithm Design

Wrote math-based physics solvers and code-driven modeling scripts in Python and MATLAB. Engineered digital algorithms to solve complex calculations, matrix equations, and trajectory routes. Built a numerical particle simulator that calculates overlapping electrical and physical force fields to map out and visually animate exactly how objects navigate and interact within a space according to the absolute laws of physics.

Education

Engineering Academic Journey
Concordia University Logo

Master of Applied Science (MASc) — Mechanical Engineering

Concordia University — Sep 2023 - May 2026

Specialization: Propulsion, Combustion, and Computational Thermofluids

  • Thesis Research: Developing 0D and 1D analytical thermodynamic and fluid numerical models to characterize multi-phase regenerative cooling channels for an Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE).
  • Simulation & Validation: Utilizing Siemens NX and Ansys Fluent alongside custom Python validation scripts to simulate structural boundaries and fluid phase transitions under extreme heat-flux profiles.
McGill University Logo

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) — Mechanical Engineering

McGill University — Sep 2019 - May 2023

Core Focus: Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Classical Thermodynamics, Aerodynamics, and Machine Element Design.

  • Engineering Competitions: Won 1st place in the Quebec Engineering Competition (2022,2023) and advanced as a winning delegate to the Canadian Engineering Competition (2nd place win). Developed a high-tempo design philosophy rooted in tight, rapid prototyping loops to rapidly iterate past physical constraints under extreme timelines.
  • Additive Manufacturing Management: Directed the campus 3D printing utility. Managed machine hardware allocations and actively consulted student teams to assist in design for additive manufacturing constraints to optimize print geometries for functional structural performance.
Tav College Logo

DEC — Pure and Applied Sciences

TAV College — Aug 2017 - Jun 2019

Academic Honors: Graduated on the Academic Dean's List (2017-2019) with top placement in regional physics and mathematical competitions.

  • Leadership Roles: Served as Captain of the student Robotics and Aero team, managing physical inventory, milestones, and timelines.
  • Club Foundations: Co-founded the TAV 3D Printing Club; Organized and led trainings for new students. Created documentation for printing for future cohorts.

Experience

Professional Experience

Rafael with Stewart engine post qualification

THERMAL ENGINEERING INTERN

MDA Space — MDA Space Logo — January 2024 - September 2024

  • Thermal Material Evaluation: Designed and operated test bench setups to characterize thermal interface materials, providing the technical recommendations that guided the engineering team's final selection for formal qualification.
  • Thermal & Space Systems Analysis: Performed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and thermal modeling for satellite subsystems and components using Siemens NX and Simcenter 3D.
  • Custom Test Automation: Developed custom Python software to automate thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) testing. Engineered an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) to simplify test operations and reporting, reducing engineer oversight and post-test data analysis cycles by approximately 90%.
  • Configuration & Documentation: Managed design data within Siemens Teamcenter PLM to ensure long-term configuration control. Produced extensive technical documentation and procedural manuals to guarantee project continuity and future-proof design workflows.

ENGINEERING INTERN - TRAIN VALIDATION

ALSTOM — Alstom Logo — May 2022 - October 2022

  • Test Hardware Integration: Designed and installed a custom wireless sensor array on train systems, enabling rapid testing during non-operational hours without impacting daily customer service.
  • Operational Efficiency: Created seamless test hardware that decreased setup times by integrating wireless telemetry and plug-and-play interfaces, allowing for quick, efficient data collection routines.
  • Sensor Calibration: Managed sensor calibration for all onboard sensors and DAQ units to ensure accuracy throughout the validation campaigns.
  • Manufacturing Coordination: Synchronized design modifications and manufacturing schedules between design engineers and manufacturing technicians to complete test hardware.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

NO3RD — No3rd Logo — July 2019 - January 2020

  • Automated Data Extraction: Programmed custom web scraping tools in Python to automatically collect, structure, and download high-volume data sets from the internet for the company database.
  • Backend Code Architecture: Collaborated closely within a 4-person software team to build, optimize, and launch core back-end server logic and functional API endpoints.

Design Team Experience

Starsailor rocket launching off the rail

ROCKET SYSTEM DESIGNER AND RCS LEAD

SPACE CONCORDIA ROCKETRY — Space Concordia Logo — August 2024 - January 2026

  • StarSailor Launch: Served on the core engineering team that built and successfully launched the world's largest student liquid-propellant rocket into space.
  • RCS Thruster Design: Designed the complete cold-gas thruster assembly for the rocket's Reaction Control System (RCS), specifically engineered to control vehicle despin maneuvers.
  • Nozzle Calculations: Developed sizing calculations and planned verification tests for thruster nozzles, designed for vacuum space and atmospheric ground-test conditions.
  • Cinematics & Payloads: Owned the development of the onboard camera housing payload, building protective structural enclosures to protect cameras from launch vibrations for recording and livestreaming.
  • Launch-Pad Operations: Assisted firsthand with hands-on mechanical assembly, real-time countdown check-out procedures, and final flight data analysis.

ELECTRONICS AND TEST TEAM LEAD

MCGILL BAJA RACING — McGill Baja Racing Logo — August 2020 - May 2023

  • Data Acquisition Arrays: Designed and integrated all vehicle sensors to record dynamic vehicle data, feeding raw testing numbers back to designers to validate CAD models and guide design.
  • Hands-On Maintenance: Took complete ownership of hands-on engine maintenance, tuning protocols, and system diagnostics to ensure maximum performance and engine reliability during testing campaigns and races.
  • Electric vehicle Transitions: Ran engineering and packaging studies to find ways to safely turn traditional mechanical car systems into electric alternatives.

ENGINE IGNITERS TEAM

MCGILL ROCKET TEAM — McGill Rocket Team Logo — August 2021 - August 2022

  • Igniter Development: Served on the core Engine Igniters subteam to build, prep, and check out custom ignition systems for hybrid rocket engines.
  • Experimental Testing: Supported static hot-fire campaigns by preparing the physical test hardware and setting up the ignition configurations on site.
  • Field Ground Safeties: Followed strict pre-fire countdown and test-site procedures to ensure the engine igniters fired reliably and safely during testing.

Additional Experience

Past Jobs

BUSBOY

EXCEPTIONS BISTRO — August 2017 - January 2019

  • Worked quickly, communicated with a team of 5+ staff to ensure cleanliness of the workplace
  • Assisted in finding better ways of completing tasks to improve productivity and efficiency

LAWN CARE WORKER

EMES LAWN CARE — 3 summers (6 months total)

  • Cared for lawns by mulching, aerating, wedding, grubbing and trimming and edging around walks, walls and flower beds
  • Used Zero Turn lawnmowers and other machinery to care for and clean up lawns

Teacher

Tav College — Tav COllege Logo — June 2023 - May 2025

  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans in accordance with curriculum standards.
  • Monitored student progress and provided timely feedback.
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.

GENERAL MANAGER

THE CUBE MCGILL — The EUS Cube Logo — October 2019 - May 2023

  • Managed a team of 6 technicians to operate and fulfill 3D print orders.
  • Optimized time management systems to increase equipment efficiency.

CLASS 2 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

CIUSSS MONTREAL — CIUSSS Center West of Montreal Island Logo — April 2021 - September 2021

  • Implemented new systems to increase the rate of patient vaccination.
  • Assisted medical and administrative staff with their systems.
  • Improved correction methods required by 75%.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT

TAV COLLEGE — Tav logo — January 2018 - January 2022

  • Assisted groups of 20+ students perform their laboratory experiments
  • Tutored students in physics, math, and chemistry
  • Conducted experiments alongside three other technicians for various research projects
  • Assisted in organizing a fully equipped 3D printing service
  • Kept laboratory equipment clean and in good working order for optimal functionality and longevity

Volunteer Experience

Frosh leader

McGill

what about a picture list?

Add a description here. its gonna be super awesome
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  • Co
  • Design and optimize time management of the equipment to decrease downtime and increase efficiency
  • Constructed new procedures to decrease lead time

McGill Engineering Competition contestant

McGill

CAD|Madness contestant

McGill

Technical Toolkit & Training

Technical Toolkit

Rafael with laser setup

I build, test, and validate. I apply physics-based principles directly to hardware development.

Propulsion & Thermal Systems

Advanced modeling and analysis for extreme environments.

  • Regenerative Cooling
  • Compressible Flow
  • Heat Transfer
  • CFD & FEA
  • RCS Design
  • Combustion Characterization

Engineering Software

The tools I use for engineering design and analysis.

  • Siemens NX
  • Simcenter 3D (Nastran, Thermal/Flows, Space Systems Thermal)
  • ANSYS (Fluent, CFX)
  • SolidWorks
  • Teamcenter PLM
  • Microsoft Office

Test & Instrumentation

Hands-on validation and operational support.

  • TVAC Chamber Ops
  • DAQ System Design & Integration
  • Sensor Calibration
  • Launch Pad Ops
  • 3D Printing (Modeling & Visualization)
  • CNC Lathe & Mill Operations

Programming & Computation

The programming languages I can work with effectively to automate tasks and perform numerical calculations.

  • Python (Numerical, Simulation, Automation, GUI)
  • MATLAB (Simulation, Data Analysis)
  • C / Arduino C (Machine Control)

Python Libraries:

  • SciPy
  • NumPy
  • Matplotlib
  • Plotly
  • Cantera
  • CoolProp
  • Pandas
  • Tkinter
  • and more

Soft Skills

Interpersonal and leadership skills that allow me to work effectively in team environments.

  • Team Management
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Practical Problem Solving
  • Pressure Management
  • Adaptability

Trainings & Certifications

MATLAB Simulink Simulations

2022 | In-depth training on modeling and simulating mechanical, fluid, and electronic systems for complex system-level verification.

SPICE Circuit Simulators

2022 | Electronics design and circuit verification, covering AC/DC source analysis and component validation.

CNC Mill and Lathe Operations

2019, Renewed: 2022 | Proficient in machine setup, G-code creation, tool swapping, and precision calibration.

WHMIS 2015

2018, Renewed: 2023 | Standardized laboratory safety and hazardous material management for industrial and research environments.

Elements

My test area

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Contact Info

Programming

Python
MatLab
Arduino C
Javascript

Blockquote

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Preformatted

i = 0;

while (!deck.isInOrder()) {
    print 'Iteration ' + i;
    deck.shuffle();
    i++;
}

print 'It took ' + i + ' iterations to sort the deck.';

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  1. Dolor pulvinar etiam.
  2. Etiam vel felis viverra.
  3. Felis enim feugiat.
  4. Dolor pulvinar etiam.
  5. Etiam vel felis lorem.
  6. Felis enim et feugiat.

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Shuas Item Shua added this item to test 3.14 YUSS
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Item One Ante turpis integer aliquet porttitor. 29.99
Item Two Vis ac commodo adipiscing arcu aliquet. 19.99
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Elsewhere

WHOA what page even is this??

Here is an awesome photo of me

Rafael holding gears

An awesome photo of me driving the baja at EDN 2020

The car in the picture below is named Roxie. She was built in the 2018-19 school year by the McGill Baja Racing Team.

Rafael driving the McGill Baja

An awesome picture I captured with the camera system I designed for SCRD StarSailor Launch

Rafael holding gears ARE THERE MORE????