RESUME
| alana_resume_may_2018.pdf |
PROFILE
Mechanical engineer with focus on DFM, early stage production, and establishing functionality across multiple systems. I’m a full-stack hardware engineer, leveraging a unique background and extensive experience with CAD, CAM, CNC machining, and DFM to rapidly develop products that are ready for production. My artistic sensibility and robust engineering skills are uniquely valuable for robotics, consumer products, and wearable tech/fashion tech.
EDUCATION
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, B.S. in Cognitive Science with Concentration in Robotics,
Science and Humanities Scholars Program, May 2011
EXPERIENCE
Pneubotics, Inc/Canvas Construction, Robotics Manufacturing Engineer, January 2016-Present
Other Machine Company, Manufacturing Engineer, Spring 2013-Fall 2015
Agent of Presence, Co-founder & Director of Technology, Summer 2011-December 2012
PROJECTS/ LEADERSHIP
Modular Snake Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Summer 2009-Winter 2010
Agnes Irwin School ‘Femme Tech Fatale’ Robotics Team, Team Leader, 2003-2007
Kappa Kappa Gamma, Philanthropy Chairman, Standards Committee, 2009-2011
SKILLS
Software: SolidWorks, HSMWorks, Autodesk Inventor/Fusion360
Machines: CNC Mill/Router (mainly Haas), Waterjet, Laser Cutter, General wood and metal shop tools
Languages: Armenian, basic French
Mechanical engineer with focus on DFM, early stage production, and establishing functionality across multiple systems. I’m a full-stack hardware engineer, leveraging a unique background and extensive experience with CAD, CAM, CNC machining, and DFM to rapidly develop products that are ready for production. My artistic sensibility and robust engineering skills are uniquely valuable for robotics, consumer products, and wearable tech/fashion tech.
EDUCATION
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, B.S. in Cognitive Science with Concentration in Robotics,
Science and Humanities Scholars Program, May 2011
EXPERIENCE
Pneubotics, Inc/Canvas Construction, Robotics Manufacturing Engineer, January 2016-Present
- Hardware Technical Lead for main robot system
- Key strategic collaboration on timeline and management of our engineering team
- Designed component/subsystems for pneumatically driven, compliant robots
- Prototyped metal and plastic parts for robot build using a variety of methods
- Simple Solidworks FEA analysis for mechanical components and subsystems
- Managed vendor relations for a variety of small run, highly specialized parts
- Established and improved systems for assembly, infrastructure, data management, and overall team operations
Other Machine Company, Manufacturing Engineer, Spring 2013-Fall 2015
- Experience with full hardware development lifecycle, from concept design through to production
- Helped establish and improve an assembly line and related systems for delivery of 25 units/week
- DFM/CNC programming for production and prototype parts
- Led QC initiatives for production parts , leading to familiarity with multiple metrology tools
- Designed and manufactured custom quality control tools
- Designed fixturing solutions for machined parts
- Developed sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships
- Built Bay Area-based supply chain for flexibility and quick turnaround production
Agent of Presence, Co-founder & Director of Technology, Summer 2011-December 2012
- Managed team of electrical engineers, product designers and leather artisans to produce company’s first product, an illuminated handbag
- Utilized CAD & rapid prototyping to design components for hard and soft good integration
- Coordinated timelines, created organizational infrastructure, led QC initiatives
- Designed the LED & fiber-optic coupling system in heartbeat dress project:
thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/introducing-a-dress-that-responds-to-your-heartbeat
PROJECTS/ LEADERSHIP
Modular Snake Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Summer 2009-Winter 2010
- Designed end effectors for snake robots (used in search and rescue applications)
- Developed portable control case to allow operation of the robot outdoors
Agnes Irwin School ‘Femme Tech Fatale’ Robotics Team, Team Leader, 2003-2007
- One of only two all-female teams (at the time) in the FIRST organization
Kappa Kappa Gamma, Philanthropy Chairman, Standards Committee, 2009-2011
SKILLS
Software: SolidWorks, HSMWorks, Autodesk Inventor/Fusion360
Machines: CNC Mill/Router (mainly Haas), Waterjet, Laser Cutter, General wood and metal shop tools
Languages: Armenian, basic French