Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Leadership And Volunteer Experience
Languages
Timeline
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Milka Ininahazwe

Summary

Experienced product designer skilled in blending creativity and analytical thinking to deliver exceptional user experiences. Proficient in user research, interaction design, and embedded systems, with a strong focus on designing intuitive and scalable digital experiences for IoT and connected vehicle platforms. Collaborative by nature, adept at working cross-functionally with product managers, developers, and data scientists to develop user-centered design solutions that optimize onboarding, engagement, and product usability.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Product Design Engineer

PennEngineering and Manufacturing
06.2024 - Current
  • Led the end-to-end design and development of high-performance fastening and assembly solutions, reducing product defects by 35% through rigorous testing and material optimization
  • Developed and implemented an intelligent QR code-based tracking system, improving asset traceability and reducing machine downtime by 60% in production lines
  • Designed and optimized automated assembly solutions, enhancing production line efficiency by 50% and reducing manual labor costs

Mechanical Design Engineer

Falcon-X UAV Project | Lafayette College
08.2023 - 05.2024
  • Designed and developed Falcon-X, an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) optimized for efficiency, aerodynamics, and endurance
  • Led aerodynamic optimization efforts, utilizing CFD simulations (ANSYS Fluent) to refine airfoil performance and reduce drag
  • Engineered a lightweight fuselage and wing structure using carbon fiber composites and aluminum alloys for optimal strength-to-weight ratio
  • Integrated autonomous flight control systems and avionics for real-time navigation and mission execution
  • Conducted flight testing and telemetry analysis, improving system stability and performance through iterative design enhancements

Mechanical Design Engineering Intern

Harry's, Inc.
06.2023 - 08.2023
  • Designed a high-precision laser engraving fixture, improving user accessibility and production efficiency
  • Developed CAD models and prototypes with a strong focus on usability and manufacturing feasibility
  • Conducted user research and testing to refine product ergonomics and interface interactions

Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of Toronto - Safety, Equity and Design (SED) Lab
05.2022 - 08.2022
  • Investigated the psychological safety of underrepresented groups in engineering design teams, applying UX research methodologies to evaluate user behaviors and interactions
  • Developed UI/UX recommendations to foster more inclusive and collaborative digital workspaces

Customer Support Representative

MSi Corp
06.2020 - 08.2021
  • Provided bilingual (English-French) customer service, addressing client inquiries and resolving issues efficiently
  • Handled a high volume of customer interactions via phone and email, ensuring timely and effective support
  • Assisted customers with technical troubleshooting and product-related questions
  • Accurately recorded and maintained customer contact information and details

Education

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering With Honors, Computer Science

Lafayette College
Easton, PA

Skills

  • Fastening System Design
  • Advanced Machining Techniques
  • PLM Strategy Development
  • FEA Modeling Expertise
  • CFD Analysis Expertise
  • Advanced Composite Materials Knowledge
  • CNC Operation
  • Injection Molding Expertise
  • Automated Process Implementation
  • Quality Control Processes
  • Sensor System Integration
  • Data-Driven Maintenance Strategies
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • User Interface Development
  • User-Centered Design
  • Interface Usability Evaluation
  • Wireframe Development
  • IoT System Integration
  • Vehicle Connectivity Interfaces
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Analytical Decision-Making
  • Figma Design Expertise
  • Sketch
  • InVision
  • Principle
  • Expertise in AutoCAD
  • Experienced in SolidWorks Design
  • Experienced in Creo
  • Experienced in AutoDesk Inventor
  • HTML Proficiency
  • CSS Implementation
  • JavaScript Proficiency
  • Python Scripting for BigQuery Integration
  • Proficient in SQL
  • Iterative Prototyping
  • Team-Oriented Collaboration
  • Agile Design Methodologies
  • AODA Expertise
  • Web Accessibility Standards Compliance
  • 3D modeling expertise
  • Project management
  • Market research analysis
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Organizational skills
  • Adaptability and flexibility

Affiliations

  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

Leadership And Volunteer Experience

  • Society Of Women Engineers (SWE), President of Lafayette College Chapter, Championed initiatives to enhance diversity and increase representation of women in engineering disciplines.
  • Lafayette College, Resident Advisor, Coordinated events and built strong community connections while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for all students.
  • Abarundikazi Period Movement, Co-Founder and Deputy President, Managed logistics and outreach for a social impact initiative aimed at improving health and equity in underserved communities.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Product Design Engineer

PennEngineering and Manufacturing
06.2024 - Current

Mechanical Design Engineer

Falcon-X UAV Project | Lafayette College
08.2023 - 05.2024

Mechanical Design Engineering Intern

Harry's, Inc.
06.2023 - 08.2023

Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of Toronto - Safety, Equity and Design (SED) Lab
05.2022 - 08.2022

Customer Support Representative

MSi Corp
06.2020 - 08.2021

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering With Honors, Computer Science

Lafayette College

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Milka Ininahazwe