Ethan Cortes
West Springfield
Summary
Mechanical Engineering student with practical experience at NASA Langley Research Center and competitive engineering teams. Combines strong technical skills in CAD, structural analysis, and additive manufacturing with proven ability to coordinate projects and communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences. Recognized in design competitions for innovative, functional prototypes. Seeking to apply engineering and program support skills in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Assistant Intern
NASA Langley Research Center
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Mentored 11 students through aerospace design exercises on Mars mission planning.
- Evaluated designs and supported final technical presentations.
Student Scholar
VESSS Program, NASA Langley
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Collaborated on a conceptual cryosphere observation satellite mission.
- Delivered a technical presentation summarizing research findings and mission design.
Student Scholar
VASTS Program, NASA Langley
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Selected for a competitive residential academy to design a Mars exploration mission.
- Presented the final mission proposal to NASA employees.
Education
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
George Mason University
05.2027
A.S. - Engineering
Northern Virginia Community College
05.2025
Skills
- Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor
- MATLAB, Arduino IDE
- FDM 3D Printing, Multi-Extruder Systems, Rapid Prototyping
- Mechanical Assembly, Structural Frame Fabrication, Product Modification
- Mechanical Design, Structural Layout, Technical Documentation
Accomplishments
Collapsible Workshop Helmet – NOVA Fab Lab Challenge | Fall 2024 (Runner-Up)
- Designed and created a collapsible safety helmet with a quick retract mechanism.
Triple-Mode Brass Instrument – NOVA Fab Lab Challenge | Fall 2023 (Grand Champion)
- Designed and 3D-printed a modular instrument with multiple tonal configurations.
Plastic Bottle-to-Filament Upcycling System – NOVA Fab Lab Challenge | Spring 2023
- Designed a system converting old printers and plastic bottles into new printing filament.
Timeline
Program Assistant Intern
NASA Langley Research Center
06.2024 - 08.2024
Student Scholar
VESSS Program, NASA Langley
06.2023 - 08.2023
Student Scholar
VASTS Program, NASA Langley
06.2022 - 08.2022
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
George Mason University
A.S. - Engineering
Northern Virginia Community College