Alex Pacheco
Chemical Engineering Student & Operations Lead
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
ABOUT ME
I'm a chemical engineering student at the University of Waterloo with hands-on experience in high-pressure systems design, propulsion testing, and laboratory operations. As Operations Lead at Waterloo Rocketry, I develop P&IDs for complex systems and coordinate large-scale test campaigns. My technical foundation spans CAD design, fluid systems analysis, and programming, with proven ability to optimize designs for performance and safety while managing cross-functional teams.
Propellant Injector Valves
Designed and validated two coaxial sleeve valves for use on Waterloo Rocketry's 2026 Rocket, Polaris. Increased flow rate through the injector valves by 40% will reducing mass by 60% and simultaneously reducing footprint. Performed stress analysis...
Engine Testing Operations
Developed piping and instrumentation diagrams for rocket and ground side fluid systems. Authored test procedures for rocket cold flow and hot fire tests. Led testing operations, managing a team of up to 20 personnel.
Quick Disconnect Arm
Designed, manufactured, and validated a rapidly reusable quick-disconnect arm mechanism, controlling the release of oxidizer fill plumbing from the rocket. Implemented a modular design, validated through effective usage in three different...
Hotfire Test Assembly
Spearheaded the design and manufacturing of testing infrastructure for a hotfire test of Waterloo Rocketry's Eridium V2 engine. Performed stress analysis on all components, designing for a peak thrust of 15 kN. Managed a team of 5 other engineers...