Ashik Simon

Mechanical Engineer

About Me

My name is Ashik and I'm currently a Master's student pursuing mechanical engineering at UCSD. My experience primarily comes from working at many project clubs/teams with a focus on robotics. I've also immersed myself in a bit of software development to automate tasks and become multidisciplinary. My goal is to be at a point where I can design a product from the ground up from start to finish. Over my undergraduate experience at UCSD, I also had the oppurtunity to gain industry experience. I hope to continue a career focused on robotics and R&D with plenty of hands-on prototyping fabrication. This website is a platform to showcase all the projects I've worked on (work in progress).

Experience

June 2021 – September 2022

Hologic

R&D Engineering Intern to R&D Engineer I

Increase reliability on Hologic Panther Trax high volume lab automation system and Tomcat pre-analytical diagnostics instruments by troubleshooting mechanical issues
Designed low-cost vibration monitoring hardware for detecting mechanical misalignment and wrote algorithms to classify data
Researched, prototyped, and tested new product ideas for feasibility based on market needs
Performed fault insertion testing on liquid handling robots to validate process controls to catch and handle edge cases
Leveraged Python-based tools for signal processing, plotting, and analyzing large volumes of data to make well informed design decisions

October 2020 – December 2020

General Dynamics NASSCO

Engineering Intern

Reviewed and updated documentation/processes for the ESB and TAO ship programs
Utilized AutoCAD to design manufacturable modifications for existing machinery
Actively participated in implementing and monitoring continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, improve quality, reduce cycle time, and reduce costs.
Attained an understanding of shipbuilding logistics by regularly attending meetings with vendors, engineers, and customers

October 2019 – November 2022

Design/Build/Fly

Fabrications Engineer

The Design/Build/Fly (DBF) student team designs, fabricates, and demonstrates the flight capabilities of an electric-powered, radio-controlled aircraft that can best meet a given mission objective
Construct lightweight RC airplane airframes utilizing various composites and adhesives including carbon fiber, kevlar, and fiberglass
Prepare control surfaces and mount servos in innovative ways to minimize drag
Create positive molds from foam using hot-wire and sanding with a high attention to detail inorder to prevent imperfections in final product

October 2019 – January 2022

Yonder Dynamics

Mechancial Design Engineer

Build a functioning mars rover style robot for the University Rover Challenge
Responsible for creating a light weight high dexterity robot arm with six degrees of freedom
Work with Solidworks modeling as well as physics risk reduction calculations
Developed rotating base out of acetyl that is capable of withstanding high loads while remaining lightweight
Designed cost-effective parts that are manufacturable with on campus equipment, primarily 3D printing and lasercutting
Review technical documentation to look for design improvements

January 2018 – June 2019

Craftvue

Founder

Developed a custom application with Laravel web framework to help teachers manage data, organizesafety assessments, and material inventory
Effectively communicated with clients to properly incorporate ideas and concepts into the application
Successfully implemented in two schools with over 250 users.

2017 - 2018

FIRST Robotics

Senior Subsystem Engineer

Team of students and mentors construct a competitive robot within six weeks
Oversee the integration of various subsystems by designing and fabricating parts as well as delegating tasks to newer members
Thoroughly researched components to not violate competition rules and regulations

2015 – 2016

Northrup Grumman Challenge

Engineering Team Member

Team-based competitions that are organized by Northrop Grumman with strict time constraints, budget constraints, and on the spot thinking for troubleshooting
Developed a helium airship design the first year by manufacturing a custom aerodynamic balloonand implementing model RC aircraft controls
Designed a hovercraft capable of carrying 15 lbs of payload through an obstacle course

Education

University of California San Diego, La Jolla

September 2018 - June 2022

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Relevant Coursework: Introductory Mathematical Physics, Elements of Materials Science, Engineering Graphics and Design, Business Project Management, Introductory Fluid Mechanics, MATLAB Programming for Engineering Analysis, Dynamics and Vibrations, Heat Transfer, Solid Mechanics I

September 2022 - Present

M.S. Mechanical Engineering

Relevant Coursework: Mechanics of Fluids, Solid Mechanics and Materials, Robotics, Design of Haptic Interfaces, Energy Systems and Renewable Energy, Ocean Tech Design, Biomaterials and Medical Devices

Projects

Haptic Gripper