Nicholas Whitney
West Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Mechanical Engineer with hands-on experience at Rivian Automotive, specializing in power train testing and design. Proven ability to enhance testing efficiency and diagnose complex issues. Proficient in CAD and FEA tools, alongside strong leadership and team skills. With a strong desire to learn and grow in innovative engineering solutions.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Manufacturing Engineer Co-Op
Rivian Automotive Inc.
05.2024 - 12.2024
- Specialized in power train testing, operating day-to-day on motor characterization and end-of-line test stations for Rivian's dual and single motor drive units.
- Modified PCS SW on testers to accommodate new test points, test profiles, and metrics.
- Cooperatively developed and validated new test profiles for cycle time reduction and failure capture. Presenting proposals across multiple teams.
- Diagnosed issues amongst tester(s) through reverse engineering, troubleshooting, and modified tester assemblies.
- Diagnosed test failures on Product (Drive Unit) Side
- Attended Integration meetings, working on the development and design of Pilot and Production lines for Rivian's latest Drive Unit Model.
- Independently developed improved control schemes for test stations.
Formula Electric Team Lead and Captain
SAE
09.2023 - Current
- Served as a system lead sided with a team of engineering students, design and built UIC's first electric car, the E-baja, competing at unsanctioned competition.
- Serving currently as captain of the team and leader in the chapter, facilitating the design and build of UIC's first formula electric race, the FE25, car for future competition.
Undergraduate Student Intern
UIC Industrial Assessment Center
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Participated in site assessment at various manufacturing facilities, diagnosing engineering systems to pinpoint failures and address any underlying problems.
- Researched solutions and compiled cost-saving recommendation for the company, including variable speed drives for motors, LED light fixtures, and heat pumps to repurpose heat waste effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering And Physics
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2025
Skills
- CAD & FEA (Solidworks, Catia, Ansys)
- SW (Python, Matlab, Arduino)
- Test SW (Bauer Control Systems, Simulink, Labview)
- Machining
- Workshop Tooling
- Welding & Soldering
- Microsoft Office
Timeline
Manufacturing Engineer Co-Op
Rivian Automotive Inc.
05.2024 - 12.2024
Formula Electric Team Lead and Captain
SAE
09.2023 - Current
Undergraduate Student Intern
UIC Industrial Assessment Center
07.2022 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering And Physics
University of Illinois At Chicago
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