01 · MARS Research Lab · Purdue · ASME IDETC/CIE 2026
Portfolio · 2026
Craig Hillyer
I'm Craig Hillyer — a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University with hands-on skills in CAD, CNC, PCB design and firmware.
3.80
Purdue GPA · Dean's List
Spring 2029
Expected graduation
/ 01 — Projects
Projects
Mechanical, electrical and firmware projects from research, internships and personal builds.
02 · R&D Intern · Colex Finishing Solutions
SharpCut Tool Head
03 · R&D Intern · Colex Finishing Solutions
SharpCut Vacuum Box
04 · Personal Project · PCB + Firmware
CAD Macro Pad
05 · Purdue Space Program
Active Controls Rocketry
06 · Mechanical Lead · High School FTC
Cosmic Goose — FTC Competition Robot
07 · Purdue · Manufacturing Training
Bechtel Center Training
Education
Purdue University
Mechanical Engineering · West Lafayette, IN
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Dean's List · 3.80 GPA
Glen Rock High School
Glen Rock, NJ · 2021 – 2025
High Honor Roll · 4.428 GPA
/ 02 — About
About me
Hello, my name is Craig. I use CAD, CAM and a range of technologies to build prototypes and products from concept to finished part.
CAD & CAM
SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, Inventor, Onshape, Teamcenter
Fabrication
CNC machining, FDM & LFS 3D printing, laser & vinyl cutting, soldering
Electronics
KiCad PCB design, microcontrollers, Python firmware
/ 03 — Experience
Experience
Oct 2025 – Present
Undergraduate Researcher
MARS Research Lab — Purdue University
- Redesigned submersible internal frame and modules for strength and modularity
- Machined custom frame components for integrated water flow and wire management
- Developed testing protocols and comprehensive documentation for a research paper
- Exploring imitation learning to enhance autonomous control
Jun 2025 – Aug 2025
Research & Development Intern
Colex Finishing Solutions — Oakland, NJ
- Designed and prototyped tool and tool-interface components for the next-gen SharpCut tool head
- Conducted product development research to evaluate concepts and prove manufacturing feasibility
- Collaborated with senior engineers to model complex parts and full machine assemblies
- Used 3D printing and low-cost machining to test and validate prototypes
- Designed a custom LED circuit board integrated into the new machine
- Ran CNC machines to assist in production
Aug 2025 – Present
Active Controls — Purdue Space Program
Purdue University
- Designed and executed 3-axis and 5-axis CNC toolpaths for high-tolerance rocketry components
Summer 2022 – 2024
Gate Guard
Glen Rock Municipal Pool — Glen Rock, NJ
- Assisted with equipment maintenance and repair, including pool filtration system support
- Scanned memberships and provided customer service to keep daily operations running smoothly
2021 – 2025
Robotics Team Captain
Glen Rock High School
- Led mechanical design and manufacturing of competition robots
- Created CNC toolpaths, oversaw fabrication, and guided members in CAD and prototyping
- Managed a $10,000+ yearly operating budget for the team
- Ran a summer CAD camp to teach younger members the basics of CAD
2021 – 2025
Technical Theater Manager
Glen Rock High School
- Designed, rigged and programmed lighting and sound systems for multiple productions
- Managed production crews and technical equipment for high school and middle school shows
/ 04 — Videos
Videos
Project build videos and demos.
Multimodal underwater robot buildHD · 1080p