Ruben Zarate
La Mirada,CA
Summary
Accomplished Mechanical Engineer with 13 years of experience and a proven track record at The Aerospace Corporation and SpaceX, enhancing engineering processes and reducing analytical timelines that saved the companies millions in design costs, showcasing innovative thinking and advanced problem-solving.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Engineering Specialist
The Aerospace Corporation
04.2023 - Current
- Improved engineering processes by implementing innovative solutions and streamlining structural dynamics workflows by using Matlab objects for the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Vulcan and New Glenn launch vehicles.
- Mentored junior/senior engineers and trained them to use the new object oriented tools. The new toolset reduced analytical timelines from 4 weeks to 1 day.
- Consistently met or exceeded expectations for National Security Launch Projects by implementing efficient Matlab and Python software.
Senior Launch Engineer
SpaceX
05.2016 - 11.2022
- Developed streamlined CFD software solutions to tackle launch vehicle and launch site design which involves ignition overpressures, two-phase flow, and rocket plume blast loads for Starship, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy.
- Implemented methodology for combining CFD and CLA (coupled loads analysis) for transported erector transient loads during launch for all SpaceX launch vehicles.
- Developed SpaceX guidelines for water-cooled flame diverters for all SpaceX launch vehicles using CFD and Matlab algorithms.
- The algorithms I created helped save the company several million in GSE design costs for all launch programs.
Loads & Dynamics Engineer
SpaceX
01.2013 - 05.2016
- Developed tools for Aerodynamic loads 3d mapping from CFD solutions ready for CLA (coupled loads analysis) models.
- Streamlined LS-Dyna tools for highly nonlinear launch vehicle analyses, and trained engineers on how to use the new tools.
- Performed numerous coupled loads analyses and spacecraft processing for critical SpaceX missions including the first Crew Dragon CLA.
Ground Systems Engineer
SpaceX
07.2011 - 01.2013
- Introduced the company for Rocket Plumes analyses using CFD techniques and Matlab for Falcon 9 launch site design and water-cooled flame diverter design.
- Led a team of technicians and welders to project completion of the Falcon 9 tripod test stand, where I used UGS NX for modeling and Nastran for finite element analyses.
Ground Systems Engineer Intern
SpaceX
06.2010 - 09.2010
- Introduced FEMAP/Nastran to the Texas SpaceX team and trained full-time engineers to use FEMAP/Nastran. Completed numerous structural simulations
- Designed load cell calibration structure which can withstand 150 [klb] of axial force for the Merlin Rocket Engine using UGS and Nastran.
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA06.2011
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA06.2010
Skills
- Innovative thinking
- Advanced problem solving
- Nastran
- Fluent CFD
- LS-Dyna
- Matlab
- Python
- UGS NX
- Thermal Desktop
Timeline
Engineering Specialist
The Aerospace Corporation
04.2023 - Current
Senior Launch Engineer
SpaceX
05.2016 - 11.2022
Loads & Dynamics Engineer
SpaceX
01.2013 - 05.2016
Ground Systems Engineer
SpaceX
07.2011 - 01.2013
Ground Systems Engineer Intern
SpaceX
06.2010 - 09.2010
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
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