Michael Edwards
Houston,TX
Summary
Engineering professional with proven ability to innovate and solve complex technical challenges. Known for delivering high-quality solutions and driving team success through effective collaboration and adaptability. Skills include in computational fluid dynamics, gas turbine engine manufacturing, propulsion modeling, and simulation tools (MATLAB, Python, ANSYS Fluent, Simulink). Keen interest in research and development of nuclear thermal propulsion systems and dedicated to advancing practical engineering for human space exploration.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Gas Turbine & Airfoil Engineer
Cyient/ Pratt & Whitney
02.2023 - Current
- Successful cross-functional engineer focusing on gas turbine engine drawings, fluid dynamics of airfoils, and compliance engineering with Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engines and airfoils.
- Achieved near-100% review accuracy of AutoCAD engine design drawings on multiple Pratt & Whitney engine programs (PW4000-94, PW4000-112, PW812, V2500, and GTF).
- Classify unique components across multi-stage turbine engines, including integral components such as compressor rotors, ducts, support assemblies, stator assemblies, etc.
- Utilize my fluid dynamics background to verify 3-D airfoil schematics in ANSYS Fluent. Improve data accuracy and prevent leading-edge, downstream manufacturing issues.
Aviation Systems Engineer I
Belcan Engineering
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Served as the lead specialist for Jurisdiction and Classification (J&C) under ITAR and EAR regulations across customer systems.
- Specialized in J&C for electronic warfare, radar, propulsion, naval, and space systems.
- Analyzed military components under USML Categories VI, VIII, XI, and XV, maintaining 98% classification accuracy.
- Streamlined EAR (CCL/ECCN) compliance for dual-use Categories 3, 5, and 9, improving regulatory efficiency.
- Ensured ITAR/EAR compliance for 10+ outsourcing contracts, including L3Harris and Raytheon Technologies, while reducing non-compliance risk.
Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer
Skilcraft Aerospace
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Led the manufacture and integration of over 100 gas turbine components, exceeding production goals by 20%.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify and resolve manufacturing issues.
- Interpreted complex schematics and assembled turbine engine components for GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, and Boeing.
- Achieved a 99.9% assembly completion rate through rigorous quality and safety standards.
- Applied GD&T principles to ensure precision and compliance in turbine component assembly.
Education
Master of Science - Aerospace, Astronautics Engineering
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS05.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Physics
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME05.2021
Skills
- Simulation & Analysis Tools: ANSYS Fluent (Proficient), MATLAB (Proficient), Simulink (Proficient), Jupyter Notebooks, Python (Advanced), Design Optimization
- CAD/CAM Software: SOLIDWORKS (Proficient), AutoCAD, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance), Precision Assembly
- Propulsion System: Gas Turbine, Jet Engine, Liquid Rocket Engines, Solid Rocket Motors, Hybrid Rocket Engines, Engine Component Design, Propulsion Modeling
- Soft Skills: Analytical thinking, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Leadership, Written and Verbal Communication, Practice Humility, Critical thinking, Project Planning, Technical Writing
Graduate Projects
Orbital Mechanics of LEO
satellite - MATLAB
• Modeled trajectories with
sensor data from a simulated
ground tracking station.
• Achieved 92% orbit
determination accuracy.
Automatic Control System-
Simulink
• Designed Linear Quadratic
Regulator (LQR) and Linear
Quadratic Gaussian (LQG)
controllers.
•Decreased system settling time
by 15% and overshoot by 8%.
CFD Flow Simulation-
ANSYS Fluent
• Developed and validated CFD
models of turbulent flow over a
NACA 2412 airfoil under varied
boundary conditions in ANSYS
Fluent.
• Generated 1,000+ data points
for velocity distribution and
aerodynamic performance
evaluation, supporting lift–drag
optimization.
Turbulent Flow Channel
Optimization- Python
(Spyder)
• Reduced drag coefficient by
0.05 for NACA 2412 airfoils
through velocity contour analysis
and flow optimization.
• Applied time-averaged velocity
methods to enhance
aerodynamic efficiency and
validate optimized flow
conditions.
Timeline
Gas Turbine & Airfoil Engineer
Cyient/ Pratt & Whitney
02.2023 - Current
Aviation Systems Engineer I
Belcan Engineering
01.2022 - 02.2023
Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer
Skilcraft Aerospace
08.2021 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Physics
Bowdoin College
Master of Science - Aerospace, Astronautics Engineering
Mississippi State University