Clara Devaux
Pittsburgh
Summary
Experienced with mechanical design and analysis, applying technical knowledge to enhance system performance. Utilizes CAD software and project management techniques to ensure timely project completion. Track record of effective problem-solving and innovation in developing cost-effective mechanical solutions.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Researcher - Mechanical & Communications Subsystems
Center for Software-Defined Nanosatellite Constellations (Carnegie Mellon University)
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2024 - Current
- Collaboration of students designing & building a 1U CubeSat, Argus, to address the ‘lost-in-space’ problem through vision-based orbit determination, for launch in June 2026.
- Designed and optimized CubeSat UHF (70 cm) communications hardware, performing link budget analysis, RF trade studies, and ridge testing to validate a ≥10 dB margin, while integrating comms with flight software and ground station.
- Led mechanical redesign, prototyping, and hands-on assembly of test and flight builds, identifying failure modes and validating designs via thermal and finite-element analysis for vibration and TVAC compliance.
- Led development of the image downlink strategy, defining packetization, prioritization, and end-to-end reconstruction workflows to enable reliable image delivery under constrained bandwidth.
- Developed and maintained subsystem-level documentation for communications (antenna tuning, ridge testing, image downlink procedures) and mechanical testing (vibration, TVAC), supporting assembly and test readiness.
- Refined mission Concept of Operations (ConOps), defining subsystem roles, operational protocols, and success criteria to align engineering decisions with mission objectives.
Robotics Engineer
Manchac Technologies
Alexandria, LA
11.2023 - 06.2024
- Engineered and tested prototype builds for printer unit and subsystem assembly fixtures, increasing serviceability for customers and manufacturing, and conducting durability tests revealing an extended operational lifespan by 30%.
- Directed end-to-end redesign of blister card sealer, identifying failure points and engineering solutions that increased system longevity by 50% and reduced maintenance downtime by 40%.
- Streamlined technical documentation and CAD-based reports to clearly present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders, including executives and manufacturing leads.
- Automating blister card production for pharmacies
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering - Research
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA06.2023
Skills
- Hardware Design & Analysis: CAD (SolidWorks & Fusion360), Ansys Thermal Desktop & Fluent, Structural FEA Analysis, GD&T
- Prototyping & Manufacturing: CNC Machining & Cutting processes, Milling, Additive Manufacturing
- Programming & Simulation: MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, Python
Accomplishments
Elected "Most Valuable Player" of my team for the Rethink The Rink 2026 event organized by Carnegie Mellon University, Covestro, the Pittsburgh Penguins where students in teams of 5, collaborate to make ice hockey safer. This year, we redesign the goalie chest protector with for objective to make it safer while improving mobility and breathability.
Languages
French
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Rock Climbing
- Hiking
- Photography
- Designing and Printing 3D Models
Timeline
Student Researcher - Mechanical & Communications Subsystems
Center for Software-Defined Nanosatellite Constellations (Carnegie Mellon University)
08.2024 - Current
Robotics Engineer
Manchac Technologies
11.2023 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering - Research
Carnegie Mellon University