Résumé

chanceashepherd@gmail.com · (309) 386-5333 · linkedin.com/in/chance-shepherd

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Education

  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering Iowa State University · Ames, IA · 3.2 GPA Expected spring 2028

Work experience

Starlink Engineering Intern, Production

SpaceX · Bastrop, TX · May 2026 to August 2026
  • Created a custom inspection tote using a Raspberry Pi 5 and a 3D printed universal chassis, enabling first ever visibility into production data like gravity drop actuator performance, belt wear, and end effector defects.
  • Developed a repair and return material authorization (RMA) process, giving engineering technicians and operators full traceability over internal and external repairs.
  • Identified a capability gap and built a 3D printing station (Formlabs Form 4 SLA, Bambu Lab H2D Pro FDM), saving production thousands of dollars on niche jigs and tote inserts.
  • Redesigned a pneumatic suction end effector in Siemens NX to pick and place aluminum sheets within production.

Cell Engineering Intern, Electrode Reliability and Equipment

Tesla · Austin, TX · January 2026 to May 2026
  • Designed custom parts using SolidWorks for an equipment retrofit project on an edge trimming actuator system, to optimize engineering access to data and improve actuating precision.
  • Developed a comprehensive Python based dashboard using AI coding tools (Claude Code) to aggregate and analyze reliability data, enabling identification of key performance indicators to improve data driven decision making across cell manufacturing for managers and engineers.
  • Troubleshot and assisted in fixing an active unplanned downtime scenario with an automated guided vehicle which experienced a hydraulic poppet valve failure, using root cause analysis.

Lead MELTs Mechanical Engineering Peer Mentor

Iowa State University · Ames, IA · May 2026 to present
  • Advise all other peer mentors on how to be successful leaders.
  • Lead the annual freshman mechanical engineering design competition, including all planning and execution of the event.

MELTs Mechanical Engineering Peer Mentor

Iowa State University · Ames, IA · August 2024 to August 2026
  • Independently lead a biweekly class of 20 to 25 first year mechanical engineering students (ME 1900).
  • Instructed students on excelling in exams, building professional resumes, engaging with employers, effective time management, study strategies, and available university resources.
  • Conducted individual meetings with every student to address academic concerns and foster student development.

Industrial Engineering Co-op

Collins Aerospace · Cedar Rapids, IA · January 2025 to August 2025
  • Supported design and manufacturing efforts by creating and integrating components using advanced 3D printing technologies and SolidWorks on a daily basis.
  • Created and implemented specialized tools such as a nozzle remover and antenna mounting fixtures to reduce operator strain and simplify complex tasks.
  • Rapidly prototyped engineering solutions under high pressure work stoppage timelines, including the design and fabrication of alignment pins to ensure precise chassis assembly.

Engineering Intern

McLean County Highway Department · Bloomington, IL · May 2024 to August 2024
  • Assisted in collecting and organizing field data for road maintenance and infrastructure improvement projects.

Leadership and activities

SAE EV Formula Team, Powertrain Team Lead (elected)

April 2025 to December 2025
  • Led the design, manufacturing, integration, and testing of the electric powertrain system for Iowa State University's first Formula SAE EV race car.
  • Held a weekly meeting and managed a team of engineers to develop high voltage systems, motor integration, tractive battery assembly, BMS system, and drivetrain components.
  • Oversaw testing and validation processes to optimize performance, efficiency, DCIR cell characterization, and reliability of the EV powertrain.

The full account →

Skills

  • CAD (Siemens NX)
  • SolidWorks
  • Python
  • AI Coding Tools
  • 3D Printing
  • Data Analysis
  • High Voltage Systems
  • Battery Cell Technology
  • GD&T
  • Enhanced PPE (PAPR)
  • MATLAB
  • Microsoft 365 (Excel, Power BI, Word)

Personal projects

Custom Designed 3D Printed Reflector Telescope 8-inch Dobsonian → 2004 Mazda Miata Restoration →