Went through two video interview processes, which resulted in me being offered the job.

I resigned from my previous place of work.

Signed the offer letter, confidentiality agreement, and performed a background check questionaire.

Packed up half of my belongings then applied for an apartment in Rock Hill.

2 weeks before my start date, I was informed that MKS had discussed budget cuts within their company and decided to remove my position. Bummer. So here I am. Jobless.

Tested engineered soils by means of nuclear moisture-density gauge to provide clients with reports on structural integrity of foundations for building footings, road subgrades, and retaining walls.

Tested asphalt and concrete materials for Pennsylvania State projects in accordance with Publication 408 Section 413, PTM 402, ASTM C172, C143, C231, C173, and C1046.

Held certification review classes and training sessions for new employees.

Transferable skills include communication with client leadership, quality control of engineered materials, problem identification and remediation, report writing, detailed documentation of test results, and documentation of non-conformance issues.

Analyzed moisture content of virgin PLA, ABS, and PETG polymer resins to implement standard drying procedure targeting 200 ppm moisture for each material. Compiled data to track changes in supplier quality and set standards for product acceptance.

Developed processing techniques for a new company product: PETG with 10%, 15%, and 20% chopped carbon fiber added. Found the ideal melt flow rate for 10% carbon fiber resin using 5 mm die, 450°F hot zone average, and extrusion back pressure of 65 MPa to keep material from sagging while maintaining diameter tolerance of ± 0.05 mm. Higher carbon fiber content required increased melt temperature while maintaining initial stage cooling bath at 55°F.

Trialed process for in-house recycling of PETG. Waste material was shredded with a Prosino PS-CM Grinder then manually sieved to exclude large particles. Performed batch trials ranging from 10%-100% recycled material mixed with virgin resin. Analyzed product in each trial and found that any ratio of recycled material can be produced within diameter tolerance, but increasing above 50% results in increased brittleness and surface defects. Hypothesized solution of adding a wash process after shredding or implementing a pelletizer machine.

Started the initial stage for a materials testing program within the company. The objective was to test tensile strength and flexural strength in line with ASTM D638 and D790 standards to compare modulus, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and stiffness between parts printed in horizontal vs. vertical orientation. Worked with 3D Printing Service team to prototype specimens to be sent out for third-party testing. Performed in-house experiments for shrinkage comparing 3D model dimension with the fresh print and cooled print dimension of a 300 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm rectangle to determine (roughly) the percent shrinkage for company PLA, ABS, and PETG filaments.

Operated single-screw extrusion machine daily and performed routine maintenance: clean and inspect screws for wear, flushing feed throat, changing gearbox oil, and changing puller belts.

Managed a crew of 14 to complete parking garage repairs for a $1.4 million restoration project in Bethesda, MD.

Prepared plans to communicate future construction activities to a team of civil engineers and building owners/management. Coordinated shipments of building materials and equipment in advance to ensure consistent progress was being made.

Documented damage to MEP systems caused by jackhammering through concrete decks to provide management team with immediate information of issues. Hired and managed electricians for resulting repairs to damaged systems.

Performed and documented surveys including Existing Conditions, As-Built Report, Allowance Tracking, Projection Reports, CO Monitoring, and Incident Reports.

Prepared presentations covering the SOP, purpose, procedure, and safety precautions for each lab. Answered students’ questions and provided feedback on their reports.

Gained proficiency with OM, SEM, XRD, and AFM techniques through giving demonstrations and examining steel, brass, and PEO samples during practice sessions.

3D printed high viscosity silicone by attaching relay controlled band heater to pneumatic fluid dispenser mounted on printer head. Carefully tuned temperature and pressure settings when extruding heat-cured silicone.

Designed silicone laminar composite samples with PETG reinforcement in square, triangle, and 0-20-340 line geometries for tensile and adhesion strength testing with the Instron 5566 Universal Testing Machine.

Modified 3D printer to dual extrude standard filament alongside silicone for inclusion of overhang support to allow for printing silicone tubes.