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 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.

Portfolio

Shua with Starsailor rocket
Rafael standing infront of starsailor rocket

Space Concordia Rocketry Division

Alongside the rocketry division of Space Concordia, I took part in launching a full liquid rocket with the aim of surpassing the karman line. My roles in the team were to design, build, and test both reaction control systems for attitude control and cameras to be used on and off the rocket to capture the awesome footage of the launch. We successfully launched the rocket and watched it soar into the skies, collecting valuable data for future launches. The team (and I) continue with more developments for the next launch. Time for more thruster and more cameras! Watch a news report about it here or some of the livestream here!

The final capstone prototype loading machine design

Mechanical Engineering Capstone

My team and I worked with a small vertical farming company, AquaVerti, to design a full-scale machine to load vertical farming water beds integrated with the preexisting facility. We performed force and stress analysis to minimize the system's weight. We also designed and built a fully operational scaled prototype as proof of concept, complete with electronics and sensor arrays. This project was completed over the course of 8 months and was presented to the company at the end of the year. The project was completed below bugdet and on time for additional testing and improvements.

My team

Engineering Competitions

During my time at McGill, my team and I participated in various engineering competitions as a Senior Design team, both within McGill and at regional and national levels. We achieved first place in the McGill Engineering Competition (MEC) in 2021 and 2022, representing McGill at the Quebec Engineering Competition (QEC) and placing first in 2022 and second in 2023. Our successes at QEC allowed us to represent Quebec at the Canadian Engineering Competition in 2022 and 2023.

Mini-Baja

McGill Baja Racing Team

Every year, the McGill Baja Racing Team designs, builds, and tests a new off-road mini-Baja vehicle. The main objective of the design team is to simulate real-life engineering problems. It allows students to gain real-world engineering experience while still in university. The team must create a reliable, sustainable, and maintainable vehicle that is competition ready. The vehicle is brought to various SAE competitions across North America to compete with other universities from around the world.

Solar Wind Turbine

Solar Wind Turbine Desktop Model

Need a new desktop paperweight to remind you about sustainablitity? Maybe just something solar powered? The Solar Wind Turbine is a small desktop model that uses a solar panel to power a small motor. The motor spins a small wind turbine. The Solar Wind Turbine is a great way to show off the power of renewable energy and the potential of wind power. It also makes a great conversation starter for your desk at work or at home. I designed this model for a friend who was pursuing a career in sustainable engineering.

AutoShades cad

Home Assistant Controlled Automatic Shades

Control my shades from a distance? Open and close them while I spend late nights in the library studying? Absolutely!! I designed the AutoShades using Arduino microcontrollers and various sensors to open and close the shades on command. While obeying a home assistant, the AutoShades also can be controlled in person with the buttons. It includes LED indicators to signal the operations to the user.

robotic arm project

Robotic Arm Project

A robotic arm designed to mimic human motion. With an array of sensors placed on a human arm and an onboard computer, a human can control this robotic arm by only moving their own arm. This allows for easier and more intuitive control of the machine.

Python Web Scraper

This python-based web scraper can extract data from many input websites on the internet. It is integrated with an API to save and upload its extracted data. It includes real-time progress bars and data loggers for data confirmation or error debugging. It can be integrated with more API for scheduling, full-time updates, and the ability to completely run in the background without opening to request certain data.

Whatsapp message example

Automated Python Messenger

Rather than spending a large amount of time writing and sending individualized messages, this WhatsApp puppeteer program will automate and send texts to many people individually with extreme speed. The software cycles through the list of recipients, customizes the message, and sends it to them. The software allows for scheduling and repetition.

Python

Python Programming

It is imperative that a mechanical engineer knows how to build programs. This can be for design models, stress analysis, or even just to solve complex calculations. With the python language and its vast array of libraries, these operations become available to those who have the ability to command it. I've used Python to create various algorithms from matrix calculators to A-Star pathfinding algorithms to solve problems more effortlessly and efficiently.

MATLAB

MATLAB Modeling

Utilizing MATLAB and its powerful numerical computational abilities, I have simulated particles in a confined area. The electrical and nuclear forces acting on any particle determine its path in space. After calculating all the forces on each particle, the simulation calculates the next position of every particle based on the simple kinematic equations.

MATLAB and its powerful numerical computational properties are important tools in an engineers toolkit. It allows engineers to run simulations on designs based on the laws of physics.

Arduino

Arduino Projects

Arduino microcontrollers are the basis of many of the projects I've completed. I became proficient in the C based Arduino libraries and used them as the brains of my projects. Data acquisition and processing, wifi relay, and direct operational control are tasks performed by the Arduino.

Education

Engineering Academic Journey

My academic background anchors a deep specialization in high-pressure thermofluids, compressible aerodynamic regimes, and advanced propulsion systems. I focus on bridging complex structural-thermal analysis with rigorous, experimental testing.

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 a Next-Gen Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE).
  • Simulation & Validation: Utilizing Siemens NX and Simcenter 3D (Thermal/Flow) alongside custom Python validation scripts to simulate structural boundaries and fluid phase transitions under extreme heat-flux profiles.
  • Space Concordia Rocketry (Launch Operations): Contributed to the historic deployment of the world's largest student liquid-propellant rocket to space. Assisted engine hotfire testing, rocket assembly, launch operations, and recovery.
  • Space Concordia Rocketry (Fluids): Owned fluid architecture decisions, component matching, and structural packaging constraints for a complex reaction control system (RCS) supporting high-altitude liquid flight operations.
  • Rocket Payload & Onboard Systems: Designed and integrated the rocket's complete onboard camera housing system from scratch, ensuring delicate lenses could survive severe launch vibrations to safely record and livestream the space flight milestone.
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) and advanced as a winning delegate to the Canadian Engineering Competition. Developed a high-tempo design philosophy rooted in tight, rapid prototyping loops to rapidly iterate past physical constraints under extreme timelines.
  • McGill Baja Racing (Instrumentation): Owned the end-to-end data acquisition array on the vehicle chassis. Designed and deployed custom instrumentation to pull real-world physical dynamics, streaming telemetry and actionable structural/thermal data back to core design engineers to validate CAD models.
  • 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 Dean's List (2017-2019) with top placement marks across regional physics and mathematical criteria.

  • 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, building out parameters and optimization documentation for custom FDM rapid prototyping setups.

Experience

Professional Experience

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.
  • Cross-Functional Operations: Coordinated project milestones directly 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 massive 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.
  • Process Optimization: Evaluated team software workflows, implementing cleaner task delegation paths to directly accelerate feature delivery and deployment efficiency.

Design Team Experience

ROCKET SYSTEM DESIGNER

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

  • Historic Launch Flight: 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 delicate optics 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.

DRIVETRAIN AND ELECTRONICS TEAM

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

  • Data Acquisition Arrays: Designed and integrated all vehicle sensor telemetry networks to record physical performance variables, feeding raw testing numbers back to engineering branches to validate CAD models.
  • Hands-On Maintenance: Took complete ownership of hands-on engine maintenance, tuning protocols, and system diagnostics to ensure maximum performance and engine reliability during rugged testing cycles.
  • 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 standalone hardware and setting up the ignition configurations on site.
  • Field Ground Safeties: Followed strict pre-fire countdown workflows and test-site procedures to ensure the engine igniters fired reliably and safely during operational windows.

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?

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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

As an engineer, my value lies in my ability to bridge first-principles scientific knowledge with high-tempo, hands-on 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 Thermals)
  • 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 (Op Amps, AC/DC sources), covering AC/DC source analysis and component validation.

CNC Mill and Lathe Operations

2019, Renewed: 2022 | Proficient in machine setup, G-code interpretation, 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

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i = 0;

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

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

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  2. Etiam vel felis viverra.
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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????