James Drake
Mechanical / Mechatronics • R&D Portfolio

Prototypes, tests, and iteration — documented like R&D.

I build real hardware: CAD → wiring → embedded firmware → testing. This site is structured as scrollable “pages” so each project reads like a short case study.

What I want

Target: R&D / Product Dev

An R&D role where I can build prototypes, validate them with data, and improve them fast. I care about reliability, clean integration, and measurable results.

Mechatronics integration Instrumentation & calibration Prototype → test → iterate Documentation-first

How to read this

Newer → Earlier
  • Newer projects show current capability: integration, testing, polish.
  • Earlier projects show growth: modeling, basics, learning trajectory.
  • Each project uses an R&D-style format: Problem / Approach / Results / Tools.
Scroll: one project = one page Goal: make it easy for a hiring manager to say “yes”
Newer project

MIDI Controller + Audio Level Bars

Embedded • UI • Prototyping

A tactile controller built for real workflow: knobs/faders + visual audio feedback (level bars). Designed to feel like a finished product, not a breadboard demo.

Photo / demo (add later)

Drop a hero photo or a short demo GIF here later.
Recommended: one clean top-down shot.

At a glance

Inputs: faders / encoders Output: MIDI UI: audio bars Focus: usability
  • Problem: physical controls + clear visual feedback for audio mixing.
  • Approach: modular firmware + simple UI states.
  • Results: (add) latency, update rate, stability notes.

Engineering decisions

  • IO strategy for smooth fader/encoder reads (debounce + filtering).
  • UI behavior designed around fast “at-a-glance” understanding.
  • Mechanical layout optimized for hand feel and spacing.

What to add later

  • 1 wiring photo + 1 enclosure photo
  • Short spec list (power, update rate, number of controls)
  • 1-minute demo video
Newer project

Thermocouple Temperature Controller (PID Test Rig)

Controls • Test • Safety

Temperature control setup for repeatable heating tests. Built to measure performance, tune response, and document repeatability like a real lab rig.

Photo / plot (add later)

Add a setpoint vs measured plot here later.
This is hiring-manager gold.

R&D framing

  • Problem: stable, safe temperature control with measurable performance.
  • Approach: thermocouple sensing → PID → SSR/driver → heater.
  • Results: (add) overshoot, settling time, steady-state error.
Thermocouple PID tuning SSR / power stage Repeatable tests

What I learned

  • How noise & sampling affect control stability.
  • How to tune for “fast but not sloppy.”
  • How to document results so they’re credible.

Next milestone

  • Add logged data export (CSV) + plotting.
  • Define safety limits and fault behavior.
  • Write a 1-page test report (spec → results).
Newer project

Smart IV Bag / IV Pole System

Mechatronics • Medical-style device thinking

A mechatronics concept focused on practical usability: sensing + controls + a clear UI. Structured as a product-like system: requirements, constraints, and validation plan.

CAD / prototype photo (add later)

Add a CAD render or prototype photo here later.

System overview

  • Problem: improve monitoring + usability.
  • Approach: load sensing + actuator concept + UI.
  • Results: (add) accuracy, repeatability, user workflow.
Load sensing Motorized mechanism UI + alerts Design constraints

Design constraints

  • Stability and safe motion (limit switches / stops).
  • Battery life + charging considerations.
  • Calibration and drift over time.

Validation plan

  • Bench test load readings across multiple weights.
  • Repeatability tests (same weight, multiple trials).
  • Motion cycle test (wear / reliability).
Newer project

Autonomous Drone Build

Systems • Integration • Iteration

Drone platform work focused on real-world reliability: component integration, tuning, packaging, and a test-driven approach to improving flight behavior.

Flight / build photo (add later)

Add one clean build photo + one flight clip thumbnail later.

What matters for R&D

  • Problem: stable flight + repeatable performance changes.
  • Approach: tune parameters, log changes, validate with flights.
  • Results: (add) “before/after” behavior and settings summary.
Integration Tuning workflow Packaging Testing

Highlights

  • Repeatable tuning process (changes tracked + validated).
  • Wiring and mechanical packaging improvements.
  • Focus on “works every time,” not “works once.”

Add later

  • Short checklist: build, setup, tuning steps.
  • Table: change → expected effect → observed effect.
Earlier project

Automotive Trim Piece (Design + 3D Print)

CAD • Fitment • Iteration

Practical CAD-to-physical part workflow: measure, model, print, test fit, revise. This project shows early “real-world constraints” thinking.

Before/after (add later)

Add a “broken/stock” photo and your printed part installed.

Process

  • Problem: replacement / improvement part that fits and holds up.
  • Approach: measure → CAD → prototype prints → revise.
  • Results: (add) fitment notes + print settings/material.
Measurement CAD revision FDM printing Fit testing

Growth point

  • This is where I learned iteration discipline (small changes, retest).
  • Fitment taught tolerance and real-world variability.

Upgrade later

  • Add a dimensioned drawing snapshot.
  • Add a “rev history” note (Rev A, B, C improvements).
Earlier project

3D Modeled Water Pump

CAD • Mechanisms • Learning fundamentals

A modeling-heavy project that shows fundamentals: part breakdown, assemblies, and mechanical reasoning. Great for demonstrating growth from CAD skill → integrated mechatronics later.

Render (add later)

Add 1 clean render + exploded view if you have it.

What it demonstrates

  • Understanding of components and assembly relationships.
  • Better modeling practices over time (naming, constraints, structure).
  • Add: what you’d do differently today (DFM, tolerances, sealing).
Assemblies Mechanisms CAD discipline

Lessons learned

  • How to structure assemblies cleanly.
  • How to think about motion constraints and interfaces.

Make it stronger later

  • Add a simple section view or interface detail.
  • Add a short “requirements” paragraph retroactively.
Earlier work

Early CAD Models (Growth)

Show progression

A curated set of earlier models to show growth over time. Keep this section selective: 4–8 items max, each with one sentence.

Gallery placeholder

Later: add a simple grid of images.
Best format: 2×3 grid with short captions.

How to present growth (do this)

  • Label each: Year / Context (class, personal, client).
  • One line: what you learned (constraints, tolerances, assembly).
  • End with: “What I do differently now.”

Example entries (replace later)

  • Bracket model — learned constraints & clean sketches.
  • Assembly practice — learned mates and motion planning.
  • Fitment part — learned tolerances and iteration.

Why this helps hiring

  • Shows trajectory, not just isolated wins.
  • Signals coachability and learning speed.
Contact

Let’s talk

Fastest response: email

If you’re hiring for R&D / product development roles (mechanical, mechatronics, test), I’d love to connect.

Email

Replace this with your preferred email if needed.

Next improvements (later)

  • Add resume PDF + set the Resume button link.
  • Add 1 hero photo per project + 1 results plot when possible.
  • Make each project include a measurable result (even simple ones).
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