Ian Jones

Focused on learning from senior mechanical engineering professionals and making positive contributions to the design, development and construction/production processes. Eager to build a long-term career in the field.

Mechanical engineering graduate with strong hands-on experience in propulsion systems, avionics integration, and embedded programming, seeking a role in launch vehicle development or payload systems engineering. Passionate about spaceflight technology, rapid iteration, and mission-ready hardware.

Professional mechanical engineering student, well-prepared for industry challenges with hands-on experience in design, analysis, and manufacturing processes. Strong team collaborator, adaptable to evolving project needs, and consistently reliable in delivering results. Skilled in CAD software, problem-solving, and project management while maintaining high standards and results-driven approach.

• Successfully led the payload team through NASA’s USLI full design lifecycle: PDR, CDR, FRR, and Post-Launch Assessment Review.
• Designed and fabricated a high-durability avionics sled rated to withstand multi-axis vibration during subscale and full-scale rocket flights.
• Developed and tested an autonomous data-logging and RF telemetry system using an ESP32, barometric sensor, and Baofeng APRS transmitter.
• Co-developed structural elements of a NASA USLI rocket, contributing to aerodynamic optimization and modular payload integration.
• Achieved consistent in-flight data transmission success rates in full-scale test flights with onboard power constraints and EMI environment.
• Integrated I2C sensor suite and APRS communication stack using custom code for autonomous STEMnaut survivability tracking.
• Logged, transmitted, and validated altitude, velocity, orientation, and survivability data in NASA-reviewed mission format.