Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Gerard Castillo Zuniga

Castaic,CA

Summary

Detail-oriented individual with practical experience in automotive maintenance and repair, including engine overhauls and general mechanical knowledge. Combines technical ability in 3D modeling and mechanical fabrication with a solid understanding of materials and manufacturing methods. Eager to contribute to innovative projects in the automotive or aerospace fields.

Work History

Automotive Systems Maintenance & Repair

  • Performed a head gasket replacement on a Mercedes-Benz engine, gaining experience with engine disassembly, sealing surfaces, and reassembly procedures.
  • Assisted in overhauling two Volkswagen Beetle engines, contributing to teardown, inspection of internal components, and reinstallation.
  • Supported an engine replacement on a Ford F-150, including removal of major components and reinstallation.
  • Completed brake pad replacements, ensuring proper fitment, alignment, and braking performance.
  • Diagnosed and resolved general mechanical issues through hands-on troubleshooting and tool use.

3D Modeling & Digital Prototyping

  • Designed and modeled automotive components such as hoods, fenders, and headlights using Blender
  • Translated hand-drawn concepts into accurate 3D digital prototypes, improving spatial visualization and design workflow
  • Iterated on designs through modification and refinement of 3D models to achieve desired form and proportions.
  • Developed creative designs through independent design projects, strengthening prototyping and visualization skills

Auto Body Repair & Paint Correction

  • Repaired and refinished automotive body components, including sanding, surface prep, priming, and painting.
  • Restored damaged areas using body fillers and paint correction techniques to improve surface quality and appearance.
  • Repaired interior components, including fixing tears in seats (leather, vinyl, fabric) and restoring worn surfaces.
  • Selected and applied appropriate materials and tools based on damage type, ensuring effective and lasting repairs.

Hands-On Mechanical Fabrication

  • Helped design and build custom support structures to mount a camper onto a truck bed, considering load distribution and stability.
  • Utilized common shop tools and equipment to modify and construct parts.

Aerospace Structures & Materials Course at Delft

  • Analyzed stress–strain relationships and material behavior under mechanical and environmental loading conditions.
  • Studied aerospace materials (metals, composites) and their selection based on strength, stiffness, and operational requirements.
  • Explored manufacturing methods, including metal processing, composite fabrication, and additive manufacturing.
  • Applied concepts of fatigue, damage tolerance, and joint design (mechanical fastening, bonding, welding) for structural reliability.
  • Evaluated structural systems such as wing structures, stiffened shells, and space structures, including load paths and design considerations.

Orbital Mechanics Fundamentals

  • Applied orbital mechanics principles (Kepler’s laws, orbital motion) to understand spacecraft trajectory design
  • Studied interplanetary trajectory concepts and propulsion considerations for deep-space missions
  • Analyzed orbital maneuvers and transfer strategies used for mission planning.

Space Mission Design Fundamentals Course at EPFL

  • Learned fundamentals of spacecraft systems, including attitude control, power generation, and system reliability.
  • Examined human spaceflight operations, including ISS logistics, extravehicular activities (EVA), and astronaut training.
  • Analyzed the space environment (radiation, magnetic fields, debris) and its impact on mission performance.

Visual Story Telling & Media Production

  • Produced and edited 20+ news packages and creative video projects for my high school news show, managing projects from concept to final delivery.
  • Proficiency in DaVinci Resolve for video editing, color correction, and post-production.
  • Operated professional filming equipment, including cameras, tripods, and audio gear, to capture high-quality footage.
  • Applied principles of visual storytelling, composition, and timing to effectively communicate information.
  • Collaborated with peers to plan, film, and edit content, developing teamwork and project coordination skills.

Education

High School Diploma -

Castaic High School
Castaic, CA
05-2026

Skills

  • Automotive Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
  • Mechanical Systems Repair
  • 3D Modeling & Digital Prototyping
  • Manufacturing & Assembly Processes
  • Structural Fabrication & Load Considerations
  • Creative Problem Solving & Design Thinking
  • Collaborative Teamwork in Technical Projects

Timeline

Automotive Systems Maintenance & Repair

3D Modeling & Digital Prototyping

Auto Body Repair & Paint Correction

Hands-On Mechanical Fabrication

Aerospace Structures & Materials Course at Delft

Orbital Mechanics Fundamentals

Space Mission Design Fundamentals Course at EPFL

Visual Story Telling & Media Production

High School Diploma -

Castaic High School

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Gerard Castillo Zuniga