Michael Cesta, Ei Email & Phone Number

Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States

Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States

Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States

• Mechanical and structural analysis of a variety of entertainment projects within concert touring, theater, theme parks, and other related industries

• Automated the documentation and analysis of fault data during the test and adjust phase of a new attraction using VBA in Excel
• Designed a method for analyzing the probability of occurrence and severity of specific hazards, and presented on three identified hazards in a future ride vehicle design
• Created and maintained a database detailing the condition of all ride columns, baseplates, and foundations during the construction of a major attraction
• Performed a preliminary heat transfer analysis on components featured in an interactive exhibit
• Evaluated the feasibility of using a new type of harness on an existing attraction
• Designed a fabric cover to be used for out-of-service seats on a ride vehicle

• Analyzed several non-welded and welded components for static and fatigue failure using Ansys and the FKM guideline, while maintaining compliance with applicable design standards
• Analyzed the dynamics of a ride vehicle door to improve the performance of existing gas springs
• Designed, modeled, and presented several options for an improvement to a ride vehicle accessibility ramp
• Analyzed and compared the effectiveness of different hydraulic actuators in use in a ride system in order to identify specific causes of repeated attraction downtimes
• Created a test plan for determining specific quantities required for the dynamic analysis of a ride vehicle door
• Created a surveying procedure for gathering information to assist in a troubleshooting project

Orlando, Florida

• Designed a hydraulic locking lap bar for use in a ride vehicle mockup
• Designed a magnetic locking mechanism for ride vehicle doors
• Redesigned ride vehicle door bracing to minimize deflection and eliminate the need for welding
• Sized several mechanical components to meet both static and fatigue failure criteria using hand calculations, Mathcad, and finite element analysis with SolidWorks Simulation
• Planned and supervised the construction of a full-scale ride vehicle mockup, ensuring compliance with strict dimensional requirements
• Created and maintained 3D models and drawings for all operator control consoles in a major theme park attraction through multiple design changes

Orlando, Florida

• Led a team in wiring the electrical system on two roller coaster trains consisting of proximity sensors, linear actuators, and hydraulic cylinders
• Coordinated with a subcontractor to troubleshoot electrical components and document design changes
• Developed a process for creating consistent structural drawings to be used in current and future projects
• Modeled steel support structures for multiple roller coaster design projects
• Analyzed steel support structures to solve interference issues and verify proper connection types and member cross sections
• Designed a tool to aid in the modeling of typical bolt patterns

Orlando, Florida

• Supported safety investigations in areas of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide
• Assisted in research, strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and report generation for attractions, facilities, recreation, lodging, and documentation audits

Orlando, Florida

• Inspected and performed routine preventative maintenance on Bolliger and Mabillard’s Flying Coaster, Manta, and Oceaneering’s trackless dark ride, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin
• Assembled and disassembled mechanical devices, preparing ride critical components for nondestructive testing
• Responded to attraction downtimes by troubleshooting system faults and executing the proper repair in an efficient manner