JOSH ISLAS
San Marcos,CA
Summary
Mechanical Engineer with over 5 years of multidisciplinary experience in aerospace systems, robotics, manufacturing innovation, and STEM education. Proven ability to lead end-to-end engineering projects involving mechanical design, systems integration, and technical team coordination. Adept in CAD, prototyping, data analysis, and project documentation. Known for a proactive approach, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. Seeking to contribute to mission-critical projects in defense and aerospace as a Project Engineer.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Systems Integration
Dusty Robotics
08.2021 - 02.2022
- Led design and prototyping of modular robotic components for autonomous construction platforms
- Integrated mechanical subsystems with sensors and software controllers to ensure operational synergy
- Oversaw iterative design improvements based on field test feedback and increased overall system uptime
- Developed comprehensive documentation including BOMs, assembly instructions, and test protocols
- Liaised with contractors and suppliers to ensure design manufacturability and part availability
Program Operations & Data Analyst - Educational Impact
City Year AmeriCorps
06.2018 - 05.2019
- Managed academic performance tracking and behavior intervention strategies for 250+ high-need students
- Built data dashboards to visualize progress, informing weekly instructional and behavioral plans
- Coordinated large-scale academic events and workshops, improving student engagement by 60%
- Led a six-member team through project planning, execution, and post-program review cycles
STEM Curriculum Developer & Academic Program Lead
Reach Pro Tutoring
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Designed physics and engineering-focused tutoring curriculum tailored to college-readiness standards
- Created assessment tools and academic plans for high-performing students pursuing technical degrees
- Piloted and scaled a data-driven SAT Math program, improving student scores by 100+ points
- Co-managed a team of tutors and developed a digital content hub to improve instructional delivery
Mechanical Systems Engineer - Manufacturing Innovation
Tesla
05.2019 - 11.2020
- Directed mechanical integration for robotic automation lines on Model 3 production floor
- Spearheaded process optimizations that cut assembly cycle times and reduced rework incidents
- Diagnosed system failures through root cause analysis and implemented corrective design measures
- Conducted training workshops for operations teams on interpreting mechanical schematics and troubleshooting procedures
- Collaborated with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure cross-domain alignment
Mechanical Engineering Research Intern - Planetary Robotics
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
06.2019 - 11.2020
- Designed thermal and mechanical structures for Mars Rover-based prototypes using FEA tools
- Contributed to development of energy-harvesting mobility systems for off-world rovers
- Created simulation models for terrain adaptability and load distribution in extraterrestrial environments
- Presented findings to NASA research panels and incorporated feedback into design revisions
Research Engineer - Aerospace Systems & Education Outreach
NASA Ames Research Center
08.2016 - 02.2019
- Led design of thermal-regulated mechanical incubator prototype for Mars-based agriculture experiments
- Built rover models for competitive missions simulating Antarctic planetary conditions
- Applied Python scripting for decoding satellite microfilm data during Viking Files project
- Supported mentor Christopher McKay on early-stage development of life-detection experiments for future exoplanetary missions
- Coordinated educational outreach by facilitating hands-on mechanical engineering workshops
Education
Bachelor of Science - Astronomical & Planetary Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12.2022
Skills
- Mechanical Design & AutoCAD
- Systems Engineering & Integration
- Robotics Prototyping & Testing
- Python
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Project Management & Scheduling
- Technical Documentation
- Leadership & Mentorship
LANGUAGES
- Spanish: Native / Bilingual
- French: Professional Proficiency
Awards
- NASA L'Space Academy Intern
- NASA NCCAS Community College Scholar
- Albert Einstein Mathematics Award
- Inland Empire Future Leaders
- Leadership & Peer Mentor Award
Timeline
Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Systems Integration
Dusty Robotics
08.2021 - 02.2022
Mechanical Engineering Research Intern - Planetary Robotics
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
06.2019 - 11.2020
Mechanical Systems Engineer - Manufacturing Innovation
Tesla
05.2019 - 11.2020
STEM Curriculum Developer & Academic Program Lead
Reach Pro Tutoring
09.2018 - 05.2020
Program Operations & Data Analyst - Educational Impact
City Year AmeriCorps
06.2018 - 05.2019
Research Engineer - Aerospace Systems & Education Outreach
NASA Ames Research Center
08.2016 - 02.2019
Bachelor of Science - Astronomical & Planetary Sciences
Arizona State University
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