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Alejandro Fernandez

Aerospace Engineer & Design Specialist

San Luis Obispo, California

ABOUT ME

I am an aerospace engineering student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, focused on electronics packaging, composite manufacturing, and autonomous systems. As Electronics Packaging Team Lead for the Formula SAE team, I design impact-resistant enclosures and thermal management solutions using Siemens NX and MATLAB. I bring hands-on experience across CAD design, CNC machining, advanced 3D printing, and UAV development, with a technical foundation spanning aerodynamics, autonomous flight systems, and precision manufacturing with composites and advanced materials.

PROJECTS
CONTACT
RESUME
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Formula SAE Electronics Packaging Subsystem Lead

I led the design and manufacture of robust electronics packaging for a Formula SAE vehicle operating in high-vibration, thermal, and shock environments. The project focused on lightweight, impact-resistant enclosures that balanced durability,...

Siemens NXCAD modelingFDM 3D printingThermal managementVibration isolationElectronics packagingCarbon-nylon composites
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Formula SAE Aerodynamics Team

Contributed to the design and fabrication of aerodynamic components for the Formula SAE vehicle, supporting sensor integration, airflow management, and rapid prototyping. Developed CAD models and manufactured precision aluminum and 3D-printed parts,...

GD&TSiemens NXSolidWorksCNC machiningManual machiningAluminum fabricationAerodynamic prototyping
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FPV Race Quadcopter

I designed and built a high-performance FPV race quadcopter optimized for aggressive maneuvering, low-latency control, and rapid iteration through flight testing. The project emphasized full-system integration across lightweight structures,...

PID control tuningVibration mitigationFlight controller tuningBetaflight Systems ControlLightweight mechanical designComponent layout optimizationHigh-current powertrain integration
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Autonomous Survey UAV

I designed and built a long-range fixed-wing survey UAV optimized for autonomous operation, extended communications range, and stable data collection. The platform emphasized endurance, reliability, and systems integration to support multi-kilometer...

Mission planningAvionics integrationFixed-wing UAV designTelemetry integrationAutonomous flight controlGround station developmentLong-range RF communications
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Manual and CNC Machining Projects

This project portfolio encompasses a range of manual and CNC machining work focused on the fabrication of precision components for aerospace, motorsport, and prototyping applications. The work emphasizes translating CAD designs into manufacturable...

WeldingCNC latheCNC millingCNC turningManual latheManual millingHaas Mini Mill
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Surfboard Shaping and Glassing - Composite Fabrication Project

This project involved shaping and glassing a surfboard from raw materials, emphasizing hands-on composite fabrication, surface finishing, and process control. The work included foam shaping to achieve the desired rocker, rail geometry, and thickness...

Precision routingProcess sequencingEpoxy resin systemsCore material reuseDimensional controlFiber layup planningComposite manufacturing
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Carbon Fiber and Kevlar Vacuum Infusion - Advanced Composites Manufacturing Project

This project involved manufacturing composite components for Pilates reformers using vacuum infusion molding with both carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcements. The work focused on mold preparation, fiber layup, resin infusion, and cure control to...

Carbon fiberResin systemsVacuum baggingVacuum infusionComposite layupMold preparationKevlar composites
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Airfoil Modeling and Testing - Aerodynamic Prototyping Project

I modeled multiple airfoil geometries in Fusion 360 and tested their aerodynamic performance using 3D-printed samples in a makeshift wind tunnel powered by a leaf blower. Lift force and pressure differences between the top and bottom surfaces were...

Fusion 3603D printingData plottingAirfoil modelingLift measurementPressure measurementExperimental aerodynamics