Owen Swanson Email & Phone Number

I am currently a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign studying mechanical engineering. I transferred here from Elgin Community College in the fall of 2023 after earning my Associates of Engineering Sciences. I was a mechanical engineering intern at SigmaTron International during the summer of 2024 and helped them in the ideation stages of designing a pool automation control system. Specifically, I did research and design for the electronics enclosure and all its components (such as component layout, ventilation, user interface, and mechanical components like hinges and latches). I learned a lot through my research as well as constructing many preliminary models in SolidWorks. I also was able to learn and gain experience doing PCBA layout and routing. I was able to present my ideas and early designs to not only the engineering team at SigmaTron but also to the customer we were designing for. This was a valuable experience for me as I learned more about interacting with other professionals and being able to take and implement feedback from others into my designs. I enjoyed working with everyone at SigmaTron and appreciate the opportunity they gave me to take initiative and have responsibility for my own project. In the summer of 2023, I interned with Hansen Plastics Corporation in their manufacturing engineering department. During my time with them I learned how to use a lot of new tools from mills and lathes to PLCs and 3D-printers. I also gained experience in working with CAD, specifically SolidWorks. I enjoyed going in every day to learn, help solve problems, and build projects. Before my internship with Hansen Plastics, I had three years of work experience as a lifeguard and one as a head lifeguard at the City of Elgin. While working for the city, I learned how important developing a good team environment is for the workplace. I also gained experience working with and leading others. I have always loved learning and creating and am excited for what the next few years bring as I grow in knowledge and experience.