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• Actively participated in many different reliability projects related to EPCOT attractions

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• Created an interface control drawing to facilitate the communication of design parameters with a vendor• Obtained SolidWorks Expert, Professional, Surfacing, Weldments, Sheet Metal, and Drawing Tools certifications to meet rigorous design challenges

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• Designed and implemented progress tracking spreadsheets for multiple large-scale projects• Assisted in the assembly of roller coaster vehicles and prototype mechanisms

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