About Me.
My name is Edgar Ardon, and I’m a 4th-year Mechanical Engineering student with a minor in Physics at California State University, Los Angeles. Engineering wasn’t always the path I envisioned for myself, but even amidst an uncertain journey, I always knew that my interests lay with cars and space. Growing up, focusing on a career path was challenging as I navigated financial and personal hurdles. I wasn’t the top student, and overachievement didn’t come naturally. In my younger years, the idea of a future in engineering seemed almost unreachable.
I’m deeply grateful that Cal State LA saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. This institution, along with its dedicated faculty, gave me a chance to prove myself and grow. Through my college experience, I’ve committed to breaking the cycle that has held my family back and am determined to pave a new path toward progress and possibility.
Pursuing engineering has been more than a career choice; it’s a passion that fuels my drive to innovate and learn, no matter the challenges. During my time at Cal State LA, I’ve seized every opportunity to hone my technical skills and broaden my knowledge. My academic and practical experiences have prepared me to meet the demands of the field, and I look forward to building a career and, one day, a business that reflects my dedication and drive.
My ultimate goal is to develop impactful solutions that benefit people on a global scale and push humanity toward exploring the unknown.
Technical / Work Experience
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Intern - Lockheed Martin
(RF Packaging Team)
May 2024 - Present
• Developed an electronics adapter mounting plate and an antenna array radome from conceptualization to manufacturing using CREO PTC.
• Through my electronics adapter plate I was able to fulfill reductions for a small assembly space, vibration reductions, accommodation for electronic components, and corresponding wiring, most importantly created a reusability factor for the plate with universality across different programs.
• With the Radome design I was able to increase the margin for RF Decay values, improve noise isolation, and improve the design with a full redesign creating ease for assembly, reducing signal interference risk, and proving functionality through various, tolerance, stress, cost, and manufacturability analysis.
Charging Eagles, Mechanical Team - Battery Workforce Challenge
(Battery Pack Lead)
August 2023 - Present
• Took the initiative to learn and gain ability using CAD (SolidWorks, NX) to prepare for 1st-year designs.
• Learned to machine and manufacture through various courses and workshops in preparation for 2nd year manufacturing timeline.
• Leading research and development of battery pack hardware and enclosure as per competition regulations
Cal State LA Formula SAE - Suspension Team Lead
December 2022 - August 2023
• Collaborated with fellow engineers to fine-tune suspension for optimal performance.
• Organized vehicle data input into various readable charts and graphs for easier understanding using Microsoft Suite.
• Completed thorough research on pedal box requirements and 3D modeled a concept design.
• Self-trained in Solid Works 3D design software and developed skills further by applying the program to team needs.
ME-2030 Gearbox Project
January 2023 - May 2023
• Created prototype gearbox based on pre-given requirements.
• Took leadership of the team to result in the successful completion of the prototype.
• Guided team through engineering analysis to design gearbox and decide on a gear ratio.
• Used various machinery to manufacture parts and assemble components.
Self/personal Project– 212cc Performance Kart
May 2022 - Present
• Started A self-funded performance race kart to learn automotive technology principles and apply learned skills and develop them further during after-hours
• Applied various coursework knowledge into a physical application like running a cost analysis, ethical decision-making when choosing a design based on cost but also safety, and manufacturing analysis before manufacturing a part.
• Took apart and modified a 212cc (6.5HP) Ghost engine with aluminum performance parts, stage two of the build will be to modify it into running hydrogen rather than gasoline to develop an environmentally efficient performance kart.