Samuel
Cedeno
Mechatronics Engineering Student|Texas A&M University
I love turning engineering ideas into systems that can actually survive real use. My interests sit at the intersection of automotive performance, mechanical design, and practical validation.
4+
Engineering
Projects
Know Me More
I am a Mechatronics Engineering student at Texas A&M University who loves turning engineering ideas into systems that can actually survive real use. My interests sit at the intersection of automotive performance, mechanical design, and practical validation.
At Texas A&M Baja SAE, I work on suspension engineering where I use SolidWorks, Python-based load tools, and FEA to connect vehicle dynamics theory with build-ready hardware. I enjoy the full cycle of engineering work: researching, designing, testing, and iterating until the solution is both high-performing and maintainable.
During my internship at Capitol Aggregates, I worked on urgent reverse-engineering and redesign projects that directly supported plant uptime. That experience taught me how to make good engineering decisions under pressure and deliver solutions that are technically sound and practical for maintenance teams.
I am joining Firefly Aerospace as an Incoming Quality Engineering Intern for Summer 2026, where I will continue growing in high-performance environments. Long term, I want to contribute to teams building advanced transportation and aerospace systems through disciplined design, analysis, and execution.
Projects Completed
Certifications
Languages
Featured Projects
Front Suspension Design
Suspension Engineer — Texas A&M Baja SAE
What?
- Directed the end-to-end design, manufacturing, and assembly of the front suspension system for the 2025-2026 competition vehicle.
- Optimized geometry for high-fidelity kinematics, targeting maximum durability and predictable handling in extreme off-road conditions.
- Managed the full lifecycle of safety-critical components, ensuring seamless mechanical integration with the primary chassis.
How?
- Developed two custom Python programs to calculate load distributions across the suspension subsystem for multiple dynamic load cases.
- Personally fabricated upper and lower control arms using MDF alignment jigs to maintain strict geometric tolerances during welding.
- Utilized Lotus Suspension Analysis for kinematics optimization, SolidWorks for master assembly modeling, and ANSYS FEA for stress validation.
Results
- Verified structural integrity by matching Python load models with FEA stress results to identify and reinforce high-stress mounting points.
- Achieved sub-degree variance from CAD specifications, verified through post-fabrication measurement.
- Confirmed ideal handling characteristics through testing and SolidWorks assembly validation.
Robotic Systems Design
Project Lead — MXET — Texas A&M
What?
- Directed a 4-person team through the full lifecycle of a multi-sensor robotic system, from CAD modeling to physical mission execution.
- Managed end-to-end assembly of a mobile chassis with an integrated 4-DOF robotic arm.
- Oversaw project milestones ensuring all mechanical and software subsystems were integrated within strict academic deadlines.
How?
- Utilized SolidWorks to model the full assembly, ensuring critical clearances for internal electronics and arm range of motion.
- Integrated a SparkFun I2C Mux to resolve address conflicts, enabling a single microcontroller to communicate with a high-density sensor array.
- Executed the physical build using Tetrix parts and 3D-printed components.
Results
- Implemented a PID control system with a 3-sensor array for autonomous navigation within a 5-inch maze clearance.
- Developed navigation algorithms that processed real-time distance data to handle dynamic turns without hard-coded pathing.
Mechanical Engineering Internship
Mechanical Design Intern — Capitol Aggregates
What?
- Redesigned failing mechanical components for cement plant machinery to improve equipment uptime and reliability.
- Developed comprehensive assembly layouts for technician use during repairs.
- Established a centralized digital library for CAD data for long-term maintenance sustainability.
How?
- Utilized Autodesk Inventor for redesigns and high-precision 2D technical drawings for on-site fabrication.
- Modeled complex machinery in CAD for cost estimations and material requirements.
- Worked alongside maintenance crews to analyze failures and implement shop-ready design fixes.
Results
- Reduced equipment lead-time by 30% through optimized maintenance schedules and part redesigns.
- Streamlined component identification for field technicians, measurably increasing repair speed and accuracy.
Piezoelectric Research
Research Lead — STEM Club — Northeast Lakeview
What?
- Developed and executed protocols for dynamic vibration, incremental static load, and destructive load-to-failure testing.
- Interviewed over 30 candidates to fill team roles, set deadlines, and defined testing procedures.
- Led the comparative design of two structural testbeds: anisotropic Cedar wood and isotropic 3D-printed PLA.
How?
- Utilized InventorCAD for the FDM design of the 3D-printed PLA bridge.
- Created replicas from different wood types using angle cutters and power tools.
- Maintained strict data integrity by logging time-stamped voltage readings directly to CSV format.
Results
- Detected a 15-second pre-failure cascade of high-frequency acoustic emissions, validating the system as an early-warning tool.
- Quantified material property influence: PLA bridge output 116% higher peak voltage during vibration due to lower damping.
Experience & Education
Work History
Quality Engineering Intern
Firefly Aerospace
Suspension Engineer
Texas A&M Baja SAE
Mechanical Design Intern
Capitol Aggregates
Online Sales Associate
GeekendZone
Education
B.E. Mechatronics Engineering
Texas A&M University
SAE Baja
Engineering
Northeast Lakeview College
STEM Club
Professional Skills
Certifications & Languages
Certifications
Autodesk Inventor Certified User
Certiport2023
Autodesk Fusion Certified User
Certiport2024
Programming with Python — Professional Certificate
OpenEDG2024
Creating a Portfolio Using Weebly
Coursera2023
Languages
English
Native proficiency
Spanish
Native proficiency
Let's Talk
Have a project or opportunity? I'd love to hear from you. Whether it's about engineering, collaboration, or just saying hello.