DAVID DE ANDA
Dayton,OH
Summary
Engineering professional with a strong foundation in chemistry and advanced studies in chemical engineering. Proven ability to evaluate engineering systems and support technical investigations, driving informed decision-making in high-stakes environments. Recognized for analytical skills and collaboration in mission-critical settings, supported by an active DoD TS/SCI clearance.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
DoD SkillBridge Engineering Intern
NASA Glenn Research Center
Cleveland - Sandusky, OH
08.2026 - Current
- Evaluate and solve thermal contributions from helium compressors, variable-frequency drives, servers, motors, and associated electrical/process equipment using nameplate data, equipment documentation, and engineering assumptions.
- Perform cooling calculations for a hydronic air-cooling concept using an available 44F chilled-water system; water-side temperature change, and refrigeration capacity.
- Supported investigation of excessive heat conditions in multiple facility equipment spaces by identifying heat-generating equipment, compiling operating information, and developing cooling-load estimates for each room.
- Review and understand facility drawings, piping information, equipment specifications, field conditions and coordinate with outside technical company personnel to refine inputs, identify constraints, and support an evidence-based recommendation.
- Infrared spectroscopy on potential contaminates present in a pressurizing of a vacuum chamber for Hall-Effect Xenon Thruster.
- Assist engineers with testing propulsion systems, satellite components and analyzing performance data.
- Facilitated engineering initiatives at Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility and Glenn Research Center, contributing to project advancements and operational improvements.
- Support setup and troubleshooting of Linux-based workstations used in the facility technical environment.
Signals Analyst
United States Space Force
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
01.2023 - Current
- Analyzed electromagnetic-spectrum and bit-level signal data to identify patterns and anomalies, directly supporting mission-critical intelligence assessments.
- Translated complex technical data into concise analytical reports that characterized emerging satellite capabilities, informing system-level decision-making.
- Trained and mentored five analysts in electromagnetic-spectrum analysis and technical reporting, enhancing team consistency and technical proficiency.
- Earned Honor Graduate recognition with a 96% average in advanced signal-analysis training requiring technical precision, systems thinking, and disciplined analytical judgment.
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Organic / Medicinal Chemistry
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Designed and executed sealed photochemical reactions using nitrogen degassing and sunlight irradiation; varied molecular inputs and evaluated reaction outcomes to understand substrate effects and improve experimental performance.
- Applied organic synthesis, chromatography/purification, experimental documentation, and literature review while contributing to research on quinoline-based compounds with potential antifungal, anticancer, and pharmaceutical applications.
- Investigated solar-driven photo-Friedel-Crafts acylation of quinoline-5,8-dione to develop biologically relevant quinoline derivatives.
- Synthesized three quinoline derivatives and shared experimental observations and results with research team, enhancing collaborative knowledge within university research environment.
Education
Master of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH05-2028
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX12-2021
Skills
- Engineering & Physical Science: Heat and mass transfer; thermodynamics; mass/energy balances; thermal-load estimation; hydronic/chilled-water analysis; materials structure; separation processes
- Data & Technical Analysis: Data interpretation; modeling/calculations; technical documentation; signal characterization; electromagnetic spectrum analysis; anomaly/pattern identification; leadership; problem understanding and solving; communication; team involvement
- Tools: Linux; Microsoft Office; technical reporting; data visualization; python; data analysis; supporting and installing operating systems; willingness to learn; system troubleshooting
- Research & Experimentation: Experimental design; photochemical reactions; quality control; organic synthesis; chromatography/purification; literature review; experimental/theoretical comparison; infrared spectroscopy; Hall-effect Thrusters
- Interdisciplinary Background: Spanning physical science; chemical engineering; experimental research,; technical intelligence; and applied NASA facility test engineering
- Active US Department of Defense TS//SCI Security Clearance
SELECTED GRADUATE ENGINEERING PROJECTS
Solid-Liquid Extraction Analysis | 01/2026: Modeled a three-stage countercurrent extraction process and performed mass-balance calculations comparing theoretical predictions with experimental data to evaluate separation efficiency and model performance., Materials Structure & Crystallinity Analysis | 02/2026: Estimated crystallinity in high-density polyethylene and evaluated relationships between molecular structure and material properties., Drying Kinetics Analysis | 03/2026: Analyzed moisture and temperature profiles to evaluate heat- and mass-transfer behavior and factors affecting moisture-removal efficiency., Limonene Recovery from Orange Peels | 05/2026: Investigated sodium chloride concentration and peel particle size as experimental variables affecting phase separation, emulsion behavior, and oil-rich phase recovery in a bench-scale citrus-oil process.
Timeline
DoD SkillBridge Engineering Intern
NASA Glenn Research Center
08.2026 - Current
Signals Analyst
United States Space Force
01.2023 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Organic / Medicinal Chemistry
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
05.2021 - 12.2021
Master of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Dayton
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley