Rachel Howard: in Aliso Viejo, CA

At Smiths Power, I have been given the opportunity to work mechanically with the busway systems team. Specifically, my role is to manage the mechanical designs of custom tap off box configurations. This requires designing the sheet metal enclosures, circuit breaker & receptacle selection, and putting together a complete assembly into SolidWorks to check for form, fit, and functionality to meet customer expectations. Also, I create drawings for each unique configuration, work with vendors on sheet metal fabrication, and put all of the CAD/drawings into the ePDM system while also entering the information into the ERP system. For each custom configuration, I handle creating new part numbers, standard BOMs, routings, etc. Lead time for tap off box designs is generally 2-5 days before the design goes into production. The tap off boxes are manufactured in Richmond, Virginia where I have traveled to review the manufacturing process and work with production. I’ve been able to develop good work relationships with my coworkers in Virginia to support production/purchasing/etc. while designing the product remotely from California.

As a mechanical engineer, my role was to develop and implement internal measurement equipment, work independently and on teams to develop prototypes utilizing shape memory alloy actuators, and working with customers to develop/improve prototypes to use shape memory alloy wire more effectively. I have worked on many small projects but three in particular are worth noting. I mastered laser welding shape memory alloy wire during the development of a heat engine, improved and built length test fixtures specific to shape memory alloy wire needs, and independently designed and built a working prototype tailored to a customer’s design requirements.