Sandra Chance-Kirby
Mechanical Design & Automation Engineering Specialist
Professional engineering specialist with a strong background in mechanical design, ready to contribute to innovative projects. Expertise in Computer-Aided Design software, finite element analysis, and prototyping, combined with a focus on collaborative team environments and achieving results. Reliable and adaptable, with a proven ability to meet evolving project needs while consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. Known for problem-solving skills and technical knowledge that drive efficient and effective solutions.
Core Competencies
Mechanical Design & Engineering
Mechanical Design, CAD Modeling, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design Optimization, Tolerance Analysis, GD&T, Mechanical System Integration, Product Development.
Automation & Robotics Systems
Robotic Work Cell Design, Automation System Layouts, Material Flow Design, Equipment Integration, Manufacturing System Design, Process Efficiency Improvement.
Engineering Documentation
Engineering Drawings, Revision Control, BOM Management, Work Orders, ISO Compliance, ANSI & ASME Standards, Documentation Standardization.
CAD Software & Tools
Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Siemens NX, Creo, Autodesk Vault, PDM Systems, Microsoft Excel.
Education & Certifications
- NASA Proposal Writing / Evaluation ExperienceCertification of CompletionSep 2021
- NASA Proposal Writing / Evaluation AcademyCertificate of Participation2020
- NASA L'SPACE Mission Concept AcademyCertification of CompletionAug 2020
- NASA Community College Aerospace ScholarsCertificate of AchievementAug 2019
- Santa Rosa Junior CollegeMechanical Engineering Coursework2017 – 2019
Professional Experience
Mechanical Design Engineer / CAD Designer
Jan 2024 – Feb 2026- /Reduced Production Rework by ~25–35%: Improved drawing clarity by adding complete dimensions, annotations, and consistent documentation practices, minimizing fabrication errors and shop floor confusion.
- /Improved Design Release Efficiency by ~20–30%: Streamlined file organization and managed revision control within PDM/Vault systems, preventing use of outdated drawings and accelerating release timelines.
- /Accelerated Project Turnaround by ~15–25%: Partnered closely with manufacturing, quality, and sales teams during design reviews to enable faster iterations and alignment with project requirements.
- /Increased First-Pass Manufacturing Success Rate: Delivered fully validated CAD models and drawings that reduced rework, redesign, and late-stage corrections.
- /Enabled Successful Delivery of Custom Automation Systems: Supported multiple automation and robotic cell projects from concept through production, ensuring alignment with customer specifications.
R&D Technical Specialist
Apr 2019 – Jan 2024- /Strengthened Engineering Documentation Consistency: Developed standardized documentation packages that improved clarity, usability, and alignment between design and manufacturing functions.
- /Enhanced Production Reliability: Identified and resolved documentation and assembly discrepancies, contributing to reduced errors and more consistent builds.
- /Supported New Product Introduction (NPI): Contributed to CAD modeling and engineering documentation efforts to support product development and release processes.
- /Maintained Accurate Revision-Controlled Data: Coordinated cross-functional inputs to ensure documentation integrity and version accuracy within controlled systems.
CAD / Project Engineer Intern
Mar 2018 – Dec 2020- /Contributed to Mars Rover Mobility System Design: Supported development of structural and mobility components, including rocker-bogie suspension concepts.
- /Supported Multidisciplinary Engineering Collaboration: Participated in cross-functional teams simulating real-world aerospace system development and design workflows.
- /Delivered Engineering Proposals: Assisted in feasibility studies and concept validation through structured documentation and presentations.
Key Projects
Robotic Aluminum Extrusion Packaging Cell
- /Improved packaging throughput by ~25% via integrated robotic cell design.
- /Reduced manual handling by ~30% with optimized layout and material flow.
Process Reliability & Failure Analysis
- /Conducted root cause analysis of recurring manufacturing defects.
- /Reduced recurring issues by ~10–15%, enhancing production consistency.
Mechanical Drawing & CAD Packages
- /Reduced fabrication errors by ~20% through GD&T-compliant drawings.
- /Improved fit accuracy through rigorous tolerance analysis.
Mars Rover Mobility Concept
- /Supported development of rocker-bogie suspension for NASA L'SPACE.
- /Participated in system-level design reviews and concept validation.
Explore the Portfolio
See the work behind the resume. Browse through detailed case studies or view technical CAD drawings in the gallery.