Jad Aboud
Van Horn,Texas
Summary
Engineering professional with 8 years of experience in mechanical engineering, specializing in thermal analysis, smart materials, and energy systems. Expertise in CAD/CAM tools, Mechatronics, and data analysis, with a proven track record in energy and combustion research. Demonstrated ability to lead teams in design optimization and process improvement, enhancing productivity and reducing costs. Strong analytical skills facilitate effective problem-solving and implementation of efficient solutions.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical /Fluid Engineer
Blue Origin
Van Horn, Texas
01.2025 - Current
- Designed fluid systems for rocket propulsion applications, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to effectively integrate fluid systems into overall designs.
- Managed technical documentation for fluid engineering processes, maintaining compliance with industry standards.
- Ensured adherence to safety regulations governing fluid handling and storage practices.
- Provided technical guidance on selecting appropriate materials for fluid handling projects.
- Troubleshot existing piping systems to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
- Coordinated activities with suppliers, contractors, and various departments to enhance project flow.
- Generated comprehensive engineering documentation while overseeing multiple design projects.
Test Engineer II
Blue Origin
Van Horn, Texas
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Executed propulsion component and thruster tests using Steam Vacuum system to fulfill program requirements for diverse spaceflight systems.
- Conducted risk identification and mitigation as test conductor during testing procedures.
- Performed comprehensive component reviews, hazard analyses, and oxygen compatibility assessments for facility changes.
- Conducted pre- and post-test inspections for test articles to ensure compliance.
- Interpreted engineering standards and technical drawings to facilitate integration of new test articles.
- Designed fluid systems incorporating orifices, relief valves, and sensors for new spaceflight systems.
- Applied operational knowledge of engines and sub-components, including combustion devices and fluid components.
Senior Mechanical Engineer (Thermal Analysis)
Raytheon Missile and Defense
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Conducted detailed thermal analysis to address diverse program challenges.
- Performed peer reviews to validate analytical processes and results.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support assigned analysis tasks.
- Led thermal testing initiatives, including planning, execution, data reduction, and correlation.
- Documented analytical assumptions and methodologies in formal reports for stakeholder presentations.
- Gained experience in complex systems requiring cross-disciplinary engineering collaboration.
- Executed Electronics Cooling Analysis to enhance system performance.
- Traveled to government facilities to support program activities as needed.
Ph.D. Research Assistant
University of Texas, El Paso
10.2018 - 08.2020
- Supervised and coached four graduate and eight undergraduate students on research projects.
- Coordinated qualitative research on piezoelectric materials to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Designed primary experiments through review cycles, developing test matrices and setups for experimentation.
- Created velocity measurements using piezoelectric sensors to enhance data accuracy.
- Utilized DIAdem for data analysis and modified VBS code to improve project efficiency.
- Conducted statistical data analysis using Visual Basic Script, Excel, and Sigma Plot.
- Collaborated with National Energy Technology Laboratory and University of Texas, El Paso on research initiatives.
Research Intern
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF)
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Developed MATLAB code to import data and detect load change, decreasing data analysis time by 90%.
- Supervised/mentored four student interns on research projects.
- Studied Integration of Energy Storage into Hybrid Power Cycles at the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
- Evaluated potential for energy storage in hybrid power cycles to enable more effective load-following.
- Built upon analyses that included variable renewable power and solid oxide fuel cell/gas turbine hybrids.
- Simulated energy storage concepts and integrated them into hybrid cycles.
- Analyzed data to estimate the time required for the turbine to adjust to load change.
- National Energy Technology Laboratory - Department of Energy (NETL)
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Texas At El Paso
01.2017 - 10.2018
- Managed and supervised 7 Ph.D. students in designing a control system interfaced with vendors.
- Studied the effect of burning coal with pure oxygen to reduce harmful emissions.
- Evaluated carbon capture capabilities up to 100%, allowing the reuse of emissions to dilute the oxygen and coolant.
- Evaluated system configuration to determine maximum thermal efficiency of a 550 MW oxy-coal power cycle.
- Scaled-down cycle and design prototype of a 1 MW fringing input.
- Produced multi-capability delivery system and modular data acquisition system (DAQ).
- Performed project design reviews using NASA and US government review processes of SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR.
- Developed CAD models, technical drawings, and 3D models of an Oxy-Coal combustion body.
- Provided instructions to the manufacturer via 3D models, simulations, and blueprints to build the prototype.
Research Intern
Consortium for Integrating Energy Systems in Engineering and Science Education
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Completed study on radiometry/image analysis of High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel Free Jet for Magnetohydrodynamic applications.
- Programmed MATLAB code to estimate free jet bloom area from infrared-camera images.
- Collaborated to develop LabVIEW code to acquire measurement data and control assistance devices (stage motors).
- Analyzed collected data via DIAdem software to calculate radiation heat losses required by heat study.
- Supervised and conducted test and safety procedures to obtain successful operation of a designed experiment.
- National Energy Technology Laboratory - Department of Energy (NETL)
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Texas At El Paso
05.2015 - 12.2016
- Supervised four students on project design and generated progress reports for Principal Investigators and funding agency.
- Prepared Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models and technical drawings of the Co-Axial Swirl injector for the DPE system.
- Developed a 2D model of Fuel Injector using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to observe the performance.
- Created the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model of the test article to study thermal and mechanical stresses.
- Designed a 60KW firing input, supersonic, liquid-cooled combustor to be used in a direct power extraction system.
- Developed CFD model for heat transfer characteristics of the cooling channels for 60kW MHD combustor.
- Built propellant and coolant delivery system for test article and made electrical wiring for sensors and instrumentation.
- Aided in the production of low-emission power generators.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX12.2020
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX12.2016
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX05.2015
Skills
- LabVIEW and MATLAB
- Systems design
- Test engineering
- Pressure vessel design
- Valve selection and sizing
- Decision making
- Unigraphics NX and SolidWorks
- AutoCAD and Creo
- DIAdem and Simulink
- ANSYS and MSC Patran
- Mathematica and SigmaPlot
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
- Minitab
Websites
Awards
- Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (2019)
- UTEP Grant for Graduates (2019)
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Grant (2018)
- Center for Space Exploration Grant (2017, 2018)
- Best Paper Award, AIAA (2016)
- Dept. of Engineering Superior Achievement Award (2015)
- College of Engineering Grant (2015)
- UTEP Summer Grant (2014, 2015)
- UTEP Promise Grant (2012-2015)
- Dean's List (2012-2015)
Timeline
Mechanical /Fluid Engineer
Blue Origin
01.2025 - Current
Test Engineer II
Blue Origin
01.2023 - 12.2024
Senior Mechanical Engineer (Thermal Analysis)
Raytheon Missile and Defense
09.2021 - 01.2023
Research Intern
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF)
06.2019 - 08.2019
Ph.D. Research Assistant
University of Texas, El Paso
10.2018 - 08.2020
Research Intern
Consortium for Integrating Energy Systems in Engineering and Science Education
06.2017 - 08.2017
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Texas At El Paso
01.2017 - 10.2018
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Texas At El Paso
05.2015 - 12.2016
Doctor of Philosophy - Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso