Rodrigo Noriega
Test Engineer - Thermal Vacuum Chamber Team @Uci Spacecraft Thermal Management Systems
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WORK HISTORY
Test Engineer - Thermal Vacuum Chamber Team @Uci Spacecraft Thermal Management Systems
Irvine, CA, US
Operate and manage high-vacuum chamber systems for spacecraft thermal-control experiments, ensuring safe pump sequencing, leak monitoring, and stable test conditions during extended 15+ minute evacuation cycles- Collect, analyze, and interpret structured pressure data to characterize pump-down performance, identify system inefficiencies, and diagnose potential leaks or transient instability across repeated test runs- Lead development of a pump automation architecture, researching electrical protection strategies and embedded microcontroller integration to transition from manual sequencing to programmable control.
EDUCATION
UC Irvine
Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
ABOUT RODRIGO NORIEGA
Hello, I am an undergraduate student at UC Irvine majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I am a rising third year with a passion for solving real-world problems through design, innovation, and collaboration.In high school, I began applying my engineering interests through hands-on projects such as assembling a combat robot and developing a portable interior windshield wiper for vehicles. These early experiences introduced me to CAD modeling, prototyping, and problem-solving in ways that sparked my interest in engineering solutions that merge creativity with functionality.At UCI, I have built on this foundation through a rigid coursework and team-based design projects. Beyond academics, I served as Social Chair of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, where I learned valuable leadership, communication, and organizational skills while fostering community. I am also proud to be both a PLTW Scholar and ACE Mentor Program scholarship recipient.Currently, I am a Main Wings Engineer for the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum (FLAM) restoration project. In this role, I collaborate on restoring a 1918 Curtiss JN-4D \"Jenny\" biplane to museum-quality standards, applying aerospace engineering skills in a high-stakes, multi-quarter project. My responsibilities include contributing to technical documentation, part tracking, and drawing validation to ensure historical and dimensional accuracy. Working alongside museum professionals and volunteers, I’ve gained valuable experience in aerospace restoration practices, project logistics, and interdisciplinary teamwork, while helping to create a display-quality aircraft that will educate and inspire future museum visitors.As I am expanding my technical skills and pursuing opportunities through internships and research. Being a first-generation college student is what drives me the most everyday, because it means that every step I take in engineering is not only for myself but also for my family, whose sacrifices inspire me to keep moving forward. I believe engineering is one of the most powerful ways to make the world a better place, by creating innovations that help people, solve real problems, and open possibilities for future generations. My long-term goal is to contribute to the future of engineering by designing inventions that leave a positive mark on the world, while mentoring others and carrying forward the resilience and determination that have shaped my journey.
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