Derrick Smith
Villanova,USA
Summary
Electrical Engineering student at Villanova University with two Automation Engineering internships at Moderna, gaining experience in troubleshooting, automated systems, PLCs, and industrial automation. Seeking opportunities in power electronics, PCB design, embedded systems, and hardware development to expand my hands-on electrical engineering experience.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Automation Engineer Intern
Moderna
Cambridge, MA
06.2026 - 08.2026
- Restored 6 non-operational BBR-1000 automation systems by troubleshooting PLC communication, sensors, electrical components, robot gripper/vacuum faults, and system I/O to ensure operational readiness.
- Developed Ignition Perspective SCADA/HMI dashboard with live PLC monitoring, alarm history, and historical data trending to enhance troubleshooting visibility and minimize equipment downtime.
- Developed automated scripts for quality control processes in vaccine production.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance automation protocols and workflows.
- Assisted in troubleshooting automation equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
Automation Engineer Intern
Moderna
Cambridge, MA
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Maintained, calibrated, and troubleshot two BiOS XL18 automated liquid handling systems, directly supporting experimental workflows for 30+ scientists.
- Diagnosed mechanical, electrical, and software faults to minimize system downtime in GMP-adjacent lab environment.
- Performed routine preventive maintenance on automated laboratory equipment to maintain consistent operational performance.
- Standardized and documented over five technical operating procedures, enhancing system reliability and reducing troubleshooting time.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
Villanova University
Villanova, PA05-2027
Skills
- Ignition SCADA
- PLC programming
- Python
- C Programming
- MATLAB
- Microsoft Excel
- Prototyping/Measurement Techniques
Projects
Wearable Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Device — Senior Capstone
- Designing a portable EMS system to support athlete rehabilitation and muscle recovery through controlled electrical stimulation.
- Developing and testing hardware concepts involving circuit design, embedded control, electrode interfacing, and adjustable stimulation parameters.
- Applying prototyping, troubleshooting, and iterative testing to improve device safety, usability, and performance.
Leadership Experience
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Secretary, 08/26, Present, Coordinate meeting agendas, schedules, and internal communications for a 50+ member organization, Maintain records of executive board decisions, action items, and deadlines to improve accountability and follow-through, Support planning and execution of chapter events and initiatives
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Membership Chairperson, 08/25, 05/26, Led operations for a 50+ member engineering organization, ensuring consistent engagement and participation
Timeline
Automation Engineer Intern
Moderna
06.2026 - 08.2026
Automation Engineer Intern
Moderna
06.2025 - 08.2025
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
Villanova University