Brian Cooper Email & Phone Number

Purdue University

As the Chief Engineer for ASME Racing at Purdue University, I am responsible for leading an ASME design team in the development, manufacturing, and optimization of high-performance go-karts for the Purdue Grand Prix. My primary focus is on ensuring that all aspects of the vehicle, from chassis design to powertrain, meet performance and safety standards. Team projects include a fully custom designed and manufactured racing go kart chassis, implementation of a CVT on a 2 stoke racing engine, initial development of an EV racing kart, and performance analysis of the go-karts' fuel systems.Key responsibilities include:- Leadership & Team Coordination: I lead 4 design sub-teams, managing engineers from many different disciplines. I organize weekly meetings and design reviews, ensuring clear communication and smooth integration across the team. My role requires balancing various project timelines and delegating tasks effectively to meet deadlines.- Design & Technical Oversight: I oversee the entire design process, from conceptual development to detailed CAD models and simulations.- Collaboration with Leadership: I work closely with ASME's executive leadership to align team goals with organizational objectives. I help set team milestones, project timelines, and allocate resources efficiently to ensure timely project completion. This includes managing the budget and securing sponsorships.This role has sharpened my skills in leadership, engineering design, and project management while deepening my technical knowledge in automotive systems, teamwork, and communication.

Purdue University

As the Chassis Lead for ASME Racing at Purdue University, I was responsible for overseeing the design, development, and fabrication of a high-performance go-kart chassis for the Purdue Grand Prix. This role required technical expertise, project management skills, and the ability to lead a team of engineers in delivering a precision-engineered product on time and within specifications. Beyond the design phase, I worked closely with the manufacturing team to ensure the successful fabrication of the chassis. This involved selecting appropriate materials, optimizing the manufacturing process, and ensuring all designs were feasible for production. I also supervised the assembly of the chassis, providing hands-on assistance in welding, machining, and final adjustments. Throughout the project, I encountered and solved several design and manufacturing challenges. From unexpected material constraints to issues arising during testing, I led the team in troubleshooting and implementing effective design iterations to resolve these problems efficiently.My role not only developed my technical expertise in automotive design but also enhanced my leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, competitive environment

Purdue University

Design Engineer for Chassis Sub-team on ASME Racing

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire, I focused on optimizing production processes and ensuring high product quality. My key responsibilities included:- Designing and optimizing manufacturing processes and equipment using SolidWorks to improve product quality.- Developing and updating as-built drawings using CAD software to reflect final field conditions and modifications made during construction.- Conducting site visits and inspections to gather data for as-built documentation and performing hands-on field verification to ensure accurate representation of equipment and installations, as well as compliance with design and safety standards.- Creating and modifying Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) using AutoCAD and DraftSight, ensuring precise documentation of process equipment.- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process improvements, troubleshooting manufacturing issues as they arose.- Drafting detailed technical documentation to support production teams and equipment manufacturers.- Assisting in the testing and validation of manufacturing equipment, ensuring compliance with industry standards and company specifications.- Participating in continuous improvement initiatives, attending workshops and training sessions focused on manufacturing processes and quality control.- Supporting commissioning and startup activities, ensuring systems were installed correctly, tested thoroughly, and operational before project handover.This role provided me with extensive hands-on exposure to manufacturing engineering, process optimization, equipment validation, and technical documentation. It also enhanced my problem-solving skills in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment.

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

At Barton-Coe-Vilamaa Architects and Engineers, I worked as an Engineering Intern where I collaborated with a professional team to assist in various analytical tasks. I gained experience interpreting blueprints and CAD drawings, identifying inconsistencies, and ensuring accuracy in designs. I also supported project documentation by organizing files, reports, and spreadsheets, while developing valuable skills in business, communication, and technical analysis within a professional engineering environment.

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States