Kudzai Chiwara
Elsah,IL
Summary
Senior Mechanical Engineering student with hands-on experience in mechanical design, energy systems, and process improvement. Internship experience at Helmerich & Payne supporting cost reduction, safety improvements, and reliability analysis for field operations. Strong background in CAD/FEA, data analysis, and team-based engineering projects.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
North American Solutions Support Engineering Intern
Helmerich and Payne Inc.
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Utilized AutoCAD to change and update Field Support documents, such as racking board capacity layouts, rig layouts, and update existing drawings to present templates to support project execution.
- Performed structural stress analysis on standpipe manifold supports to resolve transport-induced failures; implemented guest Designed and implemented solutions to mitigate dropped object hazards caused by boom pole hoist line interference with substructure lighting on the Driller’s and Off-Driller’s sides; Used Autodesk Inventor, design validation, and documentation—improving field safety compliance and saving $77K annually.
- Integrated Flex3 accumulator onto a Flex5 skid, focusing on spatial constraints, structural compatibility, and system functionality to ensure safe and efficient field installation, achieving $44K per rig savings and improving operational efficiency.
- Reinforcement, reducing stress by ~45.6%, enhancing fatigue life, reliability, and safety factors, and delivering engineering recommendations to project stakeholders.
- Compiled data for 10,000 PSI high-pressure piping project by extracting drawings via part numbers using Autodesk Vault; Organized cost and part information in Excel to produce a structured budgetary index, which improved understanding of the mud system and its associated components.
- Performed reliability and cost analysis of pump assets by evaluating rebuild costs, upgrade potential, and lifecycle maintenance trends; Used Power BI and Excel to generate cost-efficiency insights, supporting engineering decision-making and asset performance improvements.
Mechanical Engineer
Principia College Solar Car
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Revamped electrical systems, reducing downtime and enhancing efficiency.
- Led mechanical installations and devised an energy-saving hinging system, increasing productivity and substantial cost savings.
- Innovatively designed and developed an advanced monocoque frame for the new vehicle, strategically utilizing advanced materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. Achieving an anticipated 12 percent gain in efficiency, a reduction in manufacturing costs, and a considerable weight reduction will position the team for better success.
Engineering Intern
Falcon 7 Group
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Produced and evaluated design solutions for construction projects, improving cost, quality, and performance
- Created and implemented CAD design for structural floor plans, roads, water reticulation, and sewer plans to ensure quality standards were met
- Managed various engineering projects, including the construction of educational buildings and residential buildings, ensuring hard deadlines are met
- Communicated effectively with engineers and customers to complete onsite inspections and quality control
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND, USA05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Science
Principia College
Elsah, IL, USA05.2026
Skills
- Proficient Software: SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Creo, ANSYS, Siemens NX, Excel, Power BI
- Fabrication: 3D modeling, welding, CNC machine, Turning, Milling
- Programming Languages: MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, G-Code
- Engineering Skills: Troubleshooting, Field Installation, Maintenance, Design Optimization, Product Development, Safety Compliance, Project Management, Scheduling, Cost Estimation, Budgeting, Risk Assessment, Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- Strong work ethic
- AutoCAD
- Team leadership
- Interpersonal communication
- Engineering software
- Creative thinking
- Product design
- Materials science
- Engineering change orders
Affiliations
- Member, National Society of Black Engineers August 2023 – Present
- Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, August 2023 – Present
- Alton Town Litter Pick, Principia College May 2024
- Volunteer Parking Marshall, Principia College May 2022
- Principia College Rugby Team, Principia College Aug 2021- Aug 2023
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Student Representative, Scholastic Committee, Principia College August 2021 – May 2023 Serve as one of two student members (and sole international representative) on the Scholastic Committee, working alongside faculty, Student Life, and Registrar’s Office. Advocate for student perspectives in academic policy discussions and enforcement. Contributed to deciding academic misconduct cases, evaluating petitions, and reviewing exceptions to academic rules. Collaborated on revisions to academic catalog policies, ensuring clarity, fairness, and alignment with institutional standards. Maintained confidentiality while supporting academic integrity and inclusivity across the college. House Manager, Ferguson House, Principia College August 2021 – May 2022 Conducted comprehensive room inspections to assess damages, providing detailed reports. Networked with university faculty and industry members to secure speakers and events for the organization. Coordinated with the Resident Councilor to ensure the house meets the mission and values of the organization.
Timeline
North American Solutions Support Engineering Intern
Helmerich and Payne Inc.
05.2025 - 08.2025
Mechanical Engineer
Principia College Solar Car
08.2021 - 05.2023
Engineering Intern
Falcon 7 Group
05.2021 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Science
Principia College
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Dakota
Awards
FSGP (Formula Sun Grand Prix)- 1st place, most lap wins, 299 laps | Principia College | 2022, ASC (American Solar Challenge) - 2nd place for interstate racing | Principia College | 2022