William Solovei Portfolio - Careers and Purdue Organizations

Careers and Purdue Organizations

Go back to the Main Page by clicking "here"

Cellular Vehicles

Mechanical Engineer: Thermal Control Architecture for Cell-Handling Systems

Designed and validated a Peltier-based thermal control subsystem for a biotech automation platform requiring precise temperature regulation during cell handling and processing.

Developed system-level thermal models to evaluate heat flow, power requirements, and achievable temperature differentials under real-world constraints. Used analytical calculations and spreadsheet-based solvers to size thermoelectric modules, cold plates, heat sinks, and forced-convection airflow.

Conducted iterative design trade studies balancing thermal performance, efficiency, manufacturability, and integration constraints, including enclosure geometry and environmental sealing considerations. Simulation-informed decisions were translated into hardware-ready architectures suitable for regulated product development. (Image shown is non-proprietary and representative due to NDA; subsection shared with permission.)

Thermo Fisher Internship

Mechanical R&D Internship (x2): Limit Switch Sensor Integration

Mechanical Engineering R&D intern on a multidisciplinary product team, contributing to multiple prototype subsystems through hands-on mechanical design and integration under strict spatial constraints.

Designed and integrated a mechanical limit-switch sensor into an existing 3D-printed assembly to detect part position, where traditional sensing approaches were not feasible due to severe packaging limitations. The solution required custom fixture design in SolidWorks, precise actuator alignment, and modification of the switch geometry to ensure reliable mechanical actuation without interfering with surrounding components.

This work emphasized design-for-assembly, tolerance awareness, and practical sensor integration within a real-world product development environment. (Scope shown is limited due to NDA; subsection shared with permission.)

CAES Internship

Manufacturing Cell Planning and Takt-Time Optimization

Worked as a Business Process Improvement Intern focused on improving manufacturing efficiency through data-driven production planning and analysis.

Developed an Excel-based cell planning and capacity analysis tool that aggregated cycle-time data across multiple assembly lines to model staffing requirements, shift configurations, and daily takt-time targets. The tool enabled standardized operator planning and supported consistent production output across varying demand levels and shift schedules.

This project emphasized manufacturing systems thinking, quantitative analysis, and the translation of raw production data into actionable planning tools for operators and supervisors. (Scope shown is limited due to NDA; subsection shared with permission.)

ASME Racing Speed Boat and ATV

Prototype Manufacturing, Testing, and Mechanical Integration

Contributed to a team-based ASME racing project focused on designing, manufacturing, and testing a high-speed model boat and small-scale ATV under competitive constraints.

Led hands-on manufacturing and prototyping efforts, including extensive 3D printing of structural components in PLA and ABS, mechanical assembly of multi-part housings, and fabrication of custom joints to ensure structural integrity and drivetrain alignment. Iteratively updated CAD models in Fusion 360 to resolve fitment, assembly, and mechatronic integration issues identified during testing.

This project emphasized rapid prototyping, manufacturability, and practical problem-solving in a time-constrained, performance-driven engineering environment.

Purdue Engineering Outreach (PEO)

Project Management, Team Leadership, and Hands-On STEM Instruction

Mousetrap-powered Car Video.mp4

Led a Purdue Engineering Outreach (PEO) project aimed at introducing STEM concepts to 50+ K–12 students through hands-on mechanical design challenges. Managed a team of 8 volunteers to develop instructional materials, build guides, and classroom presentations covering basic engineering, physics, and design principles.

Primary responsibilities included task planning, meeting coordination, and ensuring on-time execution by balancing short-term deliverables with longer-term project goals. This experience emphasized leadership, communication, and translating engineering concepts into accessible, engaging learning experiences.

As Project Manager the following year, oversaw multiple outreach teams and supported projects including a rubber-band powered zipline, bridge design challenges, and introductory electromechanical builds. Focused on mentoring team leads, coordinating resources, and ensuring projects remained technically sound while accessible to younger students under real classroom constraints.

Go back to the Main Page by clicking "here"

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse