Simonne Ponce
Mechanical Engineer | Aerospace & Design Enthusiast
Hi, I'm Simonne!
I am a Mechanical Engineering Senior raised in Montclair, NJ, pursuing my BS in Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University! As a teaching assistant for a Design Cornerstone course, I am driven by a passion for innovative product design, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing. I love transforming creative concepts into practical, manufacturable solutions through iterative design. I thrive in cross-functional teams where collaboration drives innovation and results.
My background spans the full product development lifecycle - from concept generation and SolidWorks CAD modeling to prototyping and product optimization. I have professional experience in both the automotive and manufacturing industries!
I have hands-on experience in automation engineering, having developed robotic systems to improve manufacturing process efficiency and reduce operator risk. Beyond automation, I have experience in data-driven decision-making and manufacturing process improvement, using tools like SQL, Tableau, Statistical Process Control(SPC) data and Quality Control(QC) data to drive efficiency and quality on the production floor.
I am actively seeking out full-time opportunities starting May 2026, where I can contribute my technical skills, enthusiasm, and passion to impactful projects!
Experience
Professional Internships
Austin, TX
January 2024 - August 2024
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Optimized production for the 4680 Battery Cell for the Cybertruck, focusing on the cell's jelly roll welding manufacturing processes
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Designed and 3D-printed a quick-disconnect jig in SolidWorks for cell quality testing, decreasing false failures by 89%
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Drafted 2D CAD technical drawings for outsourced and in-house prototype fabrication
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Coded and deployed 30+ interactive Tableau dashboards with tool performance, yield, and material input to diagnose root causes of major yield losses
Waller , TX
June 2023 - August 2023
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Developed synergetic robotic system to aid in manufacturing processes, minimize operator risk exposure, and increase efficiency on assembly lines
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Designed, created, and proposed robot automation project set to reduce sub-assembly line takt time by 57.6%
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Created a SolidWorks assembly of over 1,100 parts for assembly line re-design of proposed automation project
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Programmed a visual robot simulation of redesigned PTAC assembly line using Roboguide Software for two lifting & grommet-placing robots
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Conducted cost analysis, labor savings, and injury savings to predict a 2-year payback period
January 2025 - May 2025
Design Lead
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Designed a shell and tube heat exchanger and collaborating with 2 other teammates
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Built, soldered, and assembled all components
September 2024 - May 2025
Product Design Lead
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Led the design and product development of "TailTagger" from concept to deployment in habitats; a device for tracking animal interaction with enrichment equipment at the Maryland Zoo
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Designed water-resistant, durable, and non-toxic electronics housing in SolidWorks, producing iterative prototypes via FDM 3D printing suitable for animal habitats
September 2023 - December 2023
Machinist for Individual Manufacturing Engineering Project
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Built a sterling engine, fabricating engine components to design specifications using the lathe and mill
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Manufactured aluminum flywheel by sand-casting, band-sawing bulk material, turning, and chamfering on lathe to achieve polished surface finish and precise dimensions
January 2023 - May 2023
CAD Designer & Machinist
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Designed a crane to lift a 10-lb weight in 1 minute
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Drafted 2D/3D technical drawings
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Machined nylon bushings and aluminum angle brackets using a lathe and mill
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Laser-cut acrylic gears, support brackets, and support wall structures for the crane
January 2022 - May 2022
Mechatronics Design Lead
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Led the design and construction of dual rack and pinion system powered by stepper motors to enable forward animal movement
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Coded Arduino Program to control servo motors, activate break-beam sensor for eye illumination, and synchronize stepper motors
Projects
Click to learn more about them!
