Resume 

Ben Vrakas

4801 Sheboygan Ave, Apt. 613, Madison, WI, 53705

benvrakas@gmail.com

Voice/text: 414-551-8244

Academics

At Brookfield East I participated in the BEAST Robotics program including design/build of a unique actuator arm assembly that helped our team win the Presidents’ Award during my senior year. I also participated in the Rockets for Schools program where our team won first and second place awards at the midwest RFS launch competitions. My involvement included design and construction of payloads and fuselages for high power rockets up to six feet tall.

I graduated from Brookfield East High School in 2019, where I engaged extensively in AP, Honors, and PLTW coursework. Brookfield East was ranked the #1 School District in Wisconsin by Niche in 2020. I achieved an ACT score of 32, with a Math score of 35.

I completed the first two years of a Dual Degree program at the University of Wisconsin River Falls (UWRF). This coursework, which leads to a B.S. in Applied Physics for Industry and Engineering (APIE) and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, included statics, dynamics, calculus and mechanics of materials.  Covid related campus shutdowns and the opportunity to do interesting work in Madison led to an academic pause.

During this time I was contacted and employed as a freelancer for a startup in Madison Wisconsin.

Portfolio

For examples of my engineering projects including published 3D models, please visit my digital portfolio at:

https://sites.google.com/view/vlabs-benvrakas/portfolio

https://www.printables.com/@VLabs_256532

Employment

Micronics LLC, Middleton, WI (July 2023 to June 2024)  -Employed as an independent contractor to this startup, providing design/build of product prototypes incorporating Sheet Metal, FDM, SLS, and off the shelf components. Worked with systems automation, product design, G-code script manipulation, FEA/Modal Analysis, and rapid high-intensity iteration and testing.

Biebel's Hardware, Hartland, WI (2019-2021) - During Covid virtual college period I worked sorting fasteners and helping customers at the local hardware store.  

Space Science Institute (2017-2019) - As a student intern I worked on projects alongside my brother for a local NASA contractor. These included designing and constructing imaging targets and camera mounts for testing and calibrating software related to the MastCamZ module for the Mars 2020 Rover. 

Freelance CAD and Speciality Computer Construction (2011-2019) - Since middle school I have worked on projects for multiple online employers through the freelance service Fiverr, designing injection molded components for real-world products, and completed numerous  3D Printing and CAD assignments.  I have solved engineering problems and provided prototyping services, modeling replacement parts for local clients using my design skills, CAD software, and custom-built 3D printers. I have also designed and fabricated custom computers and cases, some of which have been sponsored by AMD and featured on their social media pages.

Freelance Computer Repair (2011-2019) - During middle and highschool I performed computer tech services for numerous clients, including data recovery, system upgrades, and software and hardware troubleshooting. 

Skills

I have over 9 years of experience in parametric CAD with Autodesk Inventor, a strong mechanical engineering aptitude and a good understanding of computers. I have experience implementing Python and Java into projects, performing electrical engineering work, and an understanding of physics E&M. I am skilled in implementing seals, air ducts, bearings, ball screws, and other mechanical components. I also have experience designing for FDM, SLS, sheet metal, and CNC.

Activities/Interests

I have held major participation and leadership roles in both high school and college robotics programs, focusing on mechanical engineering. I had a booth and held seminars on 3D modeling with Inventor at MakerFaire Milwaukee in 2014 and 2016. As a co-captain, I led a regional champion team participating in the Rockets For Schools program.

I was featured on AMD's (Advanced Micro Devices) media page for designing and building custom PC cases. During high school, I designed and built electric skateboards and an ebike because the commercial options were too expensive. I also designed and 3D printed a micro drone in middle school using the Arducopter flight controller, as anything with BLDC motors is intriguing to me.

I am heavily involved in and contribute to the open-source community known as RepRap, designing parts for the mechanical systems in 3D printers that are 3D printed themselves. I am currently working with a local print farm to convert Ender 3s into more reliable machines with upgraded electronics and firmware.

My other activities include SkillsUSA, Science Olympiad, the Tennis Team, Stage Crew, and being USBA Safety Certified in Biathlon. I enjoy mountain biking, cross-country and downhill skiing and cooking.