Josh Day Email & Phone Number

Pasadena, California, United States

As a member of 355 (Payload & Small Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering) Technology Infusion group, designed, analyzed, and validated performance of robotic mechanisms for the Mars Sample Return and Europa Clipper exploration missions.Developed custom MATLAB and Python-based tools to model system dynamics, assess contact stresses and joint friction, and ensure positive force, torque, and stress margins with respect to NASA safety specifications.Planned and executed functional test… Show more As a member of 355 (Payload & Small Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering) Technology Infusion group, designed, analyzed, and validated performance of robotic mechanisms for the Mars Sample Return and Europa Clipper exploration missions.Developed custom MATLAB and Python-based tools to model system dynamics, assess contact stresses and joint friction, and ensure positive force, torque, and stress margins with respect to NASA safety specifications.Planned and executed functional test campaigns to characterize material properties for spacecraft coatings and energy absorbers, and to validate prototype mechanism capabilities.Analyzed test data to inform hardware design trade studies and communicate test results to team leads.Supported the fabrication of Europa Clipper Heat Redistribution System (HRS) pump assemblies by tracking components in the assembly lifecycle, writing MATLAB-based tools to assess magnetic run-out on pump rotors, and coordinating with and visiting outside vendors to supply parts/processes.Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of engineers, subject-matter experts, and stakeholders to ensure hardware designs met the minimum requirements as specified by JPL Design Standards.Maintained detailed documentation of all design processes, test results, and analyses, and presented weekly reports and presentations to technical team leaders. Show less

Davis, Ca

Conducted comprehensive literature reviews and data analysis on orbital mechanics, thermofluids, and control systems to develop models and simulations which informed the design of an innovative small satellite propulsion system.Designed and constructed Arduino-based wireless control system and full-stack human-machine interface with Raspberry Pi back-end, enabling data acquisition at 10 Hz, real-time command capabilities via web-based user interface, and debugging capabilities to… Show more Conducted comprehensive literature reviews and data analysis on orbital mechanics, thermofluids, and control systems to develop models and simulations which informed the design of an innovative small satellite propulsion system.Designed and constructed Arduino-based wireless control system and full-stack human-machine interface with Raspberry Pi back-end, enabling data acquisition at 10 Hz, real-time command capabilities via web-based user interface, and debugging capabilities to quickly diagnose and correct firmware errors.Developed Python + OpenCV-based computer vision tracking system to measure relative pose of free-floating propulsion system test bed and programmed linear quadratic estimation (Kalman filtering) post-processor to estimate acceleration from camera data, enabling high-confidence remote quantification of propulsive thrust.Designed Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and soldered components to form the electronics package of the propulsion system controller.Directed and mentored a team of four undergraduate research assistants to ensure project milestones were met on schedule, and collaborated with laboratory and department safety managers to develop, document, and enforce safety protocols related to high-pressure systems and operations during COVID.Maintained meticulous documentation of research processes, experimental results, and analyses in compliance with university requirements for graduation via submission of a 168-page thesis report. Show less

Davis, Ca

Led engineering labs and workshops, instructing students on hardware fabrication through the use of heavy industrial manufacturing equipment, sensor and data collection systems, embedded systems and microcontrollers, and programming in C++ and Python.Lead TA for large-enrollment engineering communication and design course, guiding student teams through full product development cycle including problem identification, prototyping, testing, and presenting results.Assisted students… Show more Led engineering labs and workshops, instructing students on hardware fabrication through the use of heavy industrial manufacturing equipment, sensor and data collection systems, embedded systems and microcontrollers, and programming in C++ and Python.Lead TA for large-enrollment engineering communication and design course, guiding student teams through full product development cycle including problem identification, prototyping, testing, and presenting results.Assisted students with design for manufacturing decisions, best practices for fabrication and use of hand-tools, implementation and debugging of sensory hardware and control logic, and provided individual and group feedback on projects and presentations. Show less

Pasadena, Ca

Supported the Sample Caching Subsystem for the Mars 2020 exploration rover by assembling and calibrating bench-top dynamometer test hardware.Identified and recommended sensors and equipment for mechanical vibration testing, and designing electrical wiring harnesses for data and power transmission for ground support equipment.Designed hardware mass models to accurately emulate system dynamics, enabling valid functional testing of the actuator used to drive the transfer… Show more Supported the Sample Caching Subsystem for the Mars 2020 exploration rover by assembling and calibrating bench-top dynamometer test hardware.Identified and recommended sensors and equipment for mechanical vibration testing, and designing electrical wiring harnesses for data and power transmission for ground support equipment.Designed hardware mass models to accurately emulate system dynamics, enabling valid functional testing of the actuator used to drive the transfer system.Coordinated assembly of epoxy-bonded aluminum honeycomb crushables to act as dampers for spring-loaded components. Show less

Pasadena, Ca

Participated in the verification and validation of spaceflight electric motors and actuators for the Mars 2020 exploration rover by operating hardware test bed to collect data on electric current, voltage, and motor speeds.Collaborated with team leads to develop comprehensive data analysis and comparison tool in Python and MATLAB to automatically parse, format, and overlay test data from three different vendors with JPL test data, enabling rapid visualization and before-and-after… Show more Participated in the verification and validation of spaceflight electric motors and actuators for the Mars 2020 exploration rover by operating hardware test bed to collect data on electric current, voltage, and motor speeds.Collaborated with team leads to develop comprehensive data analysis and comparison tool in Python and MATLAB to automatically parse, format, and overlay test data from three different vendors with JPL test data, enabling rapid visualization and before-and-after comparison of actuator performance.Created detailed test bed procedure for characterizing the lifetime performance of a flight actuator by subjecting it to extreme thermal gradients while cycling the motor, followed by complete disassembly, visual inspection, and documentation of any observed physical degradation of motor gearbox. Documented findings and authored a 30-page report on results of actuator lifetime testing.Worked directly with the Motion Control Subsystem Mechanical Lead Engineer, Contract Technical Manager, and Cognizant Engineer to design and write test summary reports later referenced during actuator integration into the rover.Supported the proposed future Mars Sample Return mission by providing conceptual processes and designs for robust latching systems and secondary containment vessel alignment and release mechanisms.Prepared and presented summary of work to section leads and fellow co-op interns, specifically emphasizing lessons learned to demonstrate knowledge gained and disseminate information on best practices for future efforts. Show less

Vacaville, Ca

Conducted product research, design, and fabrication of custom FDA-compliant storage solutions to improve efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.Leveraged CAD/CAM tools and hands-on machining skills to produce prototype parts and products using CNC machinery, laser cutters, and hand tools.Applied image processing techniques to convert photographic toolbox layout directly into CAM path for CNC operations, reducing product turnaround time by 50%.Met directly… Show more Conducted product research, design, and fabrication of custom FDA-compliant storage solutions to improve efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.Leveraged CAD/CAM tools and hands-on machining skills to produce prototype parts and products using CNC machinery, laser cutters, and hand tools.Applied image processing techniques to convert photographic toolbox layout directly into CAM path for CNC operations, reducing product turnaround time by 50%.Met directly with clients to understand needs and devise product offerings to suit their specific applications. Show less

Worked in a group to design a training aircraft which would meet or beat an established set of performance criteria. Performed in-depth analysis to determine performance specifications including top speed, fuel economy, turn rate, roll rate, and stability characteristics. Presented the results to professors, fellow students, and professional engineers for critical evaluation.

Davis, Ca

Helped design a system that would measure electrical current distribution in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. Collaborated with students and professionals in the field and extensively studied published research papers to develop a better understanding of fuel cells, current sensing devices, and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. This information was in turn applied to the current sensor design.Redesigned the currently-used bipolar plate to accommodate measuring localized… Show more Helped design a system that would measure electrical current distribution in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. Collaborated with students and professionals in the field and extensively studied published research papers to develop a better understanding of fuel cells, current sensing devices, and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. This information was in turn applied to the current sensor design.Redesigned the currently-used bipolar plate to accommodate measuring localized electrical current, but not before spending extensive time studying the advantages and limitations of Printed Circuit Board technology. Learned the basics of PCB design and collaborated with an electrical engineering student to design the circuitry that would be embedded in the current-sensing device. Show less

Davis, Ca

Collaborated with engineers to design, develop, and test chemically-based Hydrogen storage solutions for use in small scale portable fuel cells. Independently designed and conducted experiments to test product effectiveness and reported directly to lead engineers and VP of Technology. Applied creativity and hands-on skills to construct testing apparatus' for research and development. Sought opportunities to learn and grow by taking on challenging tasks and applying ingenuity and creativity to… Show more Collaborated with engineers to design, develop, and test chemically-based Hydrogen storage solutions for use in small scale portable fuel cells. Independently designed and conducted experiments to test product effectiveness and reported directly to lead engineers and VP of Technology. Applied creativity and hands-on skills to construct testing apparatus' for research and development. Sought opportunities to learn and grow by taking on challenging tasks and applying ingenuity and creativity to develop solutions to manufacturing, research, and development problems Show less

Davis, Ca

Provided machining and fabrication assistance and guidance to students. Worked with fellow employees to provide a student-operated rapid prototyping service utilizing a Z650 Rapid Prototyping Machine. Collaborated with other employees to design, construct, and refurbish equipment used for storage, organization, and lab cleanliness. Performed hands-on maintenance on shop equipment ranging from simple cleaning to complete disassembly, repair, and reassembly

Master Of Science (M.S.), Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Activities and Societies: Volunteer for STEM Outreach for Academic Reinforcement (SOAR), part of a larger community outreach program.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Mechanical Engineering; Aerospace Science & Engineering

Activities and Societies: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Research Assistant in Green Transportation Lab, University Jazz Band