Connor Johnson
Central Michigan UniversityGraduation Date: May 2025
Bachelor of Science of Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Finance
President/Founder, Central Michigan Students for the Exploration and Development of Space
Email: Johns66c@cmich.edu, LinkedIn Profile
Phone: (906) 236-1981
Interests: Additive manufacturing, LPBF Printing, Design for Manufacturing, Rocketry, Space Exploration, Directed Energy Deposition, Parameter Development, Material Development, Tooling design, Design of Experiments, CNC Programming, Machining, Material Science, Process Development
A Few of My Engineering Projects
Advanced High Powered Rocket (Tyche-2)
Model Liquid Rocket Engine
Advanced High Powered Rocket (Tyche-1)
Rover Suspension/Drivetrain
Level 1 Certification Rocket
Experience
Tech Coordinator August 2023 - Present
Central Michigan University Isabella Bank Institute of Entrepreneurship Mt. Pleasant, MI
Supported and instructed on FDM 3D printing principles and design for additive manufacturing, enhancing team knowledge and capabilities
Performed maintenance on 3D printers and implemented 5S principles to organize and optimize the manufacturing area
Assisted in the production of prototypes, evaluating potential manufacturing methods and assessing design feasibility
Additive Manufacturing Engineer - Intern May 2023 - August 2023, May 2024-Present
Rocket Lab Los Angeles, CA
Developed parameters for MK500, Inco 718, and Ti64 for laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition
Performed metallurgical testing and sampling using Keyence VHX-600, automatic polisher, mounting press
Designed and built mechanisms to assist in processing LPBD and DED components
Performed Design for Additive Manufacturing assessments and gave feedback on how to improve manufacturability of the components
Completed build files for flight hardware using SLM NXG XII printer using 3DXpert
Performed design of experiments for testing the limitations of various build geometries and created build files on the EOS M400-4 using 3DXpert and EOS print
Utilized NX Cam for hybrid manufacturing tool paths for the DMG Mori 125 Hybrid
Developed solutions and work instructions for filling channels and voids during machining to minimize the chance of FOD and machining chips getting into high risk areas
Additive Manufacturing Researcher October 2022 - May 2023
Central Michigan University School of Engineering and Technology Mt. Pleasant, MI
Conducted experiments focused on corrosion and inhibitor research, contributing to advancements in material science
Performed comprehensive literature reviews and meticulously recorded data for inclusion in research publications
Investigated additive manufacturing techniques and their applications in launch vehicle development
Researched green inhibitors for enhancing corrosion resistance in oil and gas pipelines
Lead Contractor June 2018 - Aug 2022
JPS Property Management Gwinn, MI
Formed construction plans, and managed materials, cost, and labor for multiple residential construction projects
Acted as lead contractor on 3 construction sites, and ensured construction timelines were achieved
Negotiated with suppliers on over $75,000 worth of materials and found efficient ways to complete tasks and jobs
Education
Central Michigan University GPA: 3.91/4.0 August 2021 - Present
Bachelor of Science of Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Finance Mt. Pleasant, MI
Graduation Date: May 2025
Relevant Coursework: Engineering Design Graphics, Fluids 1, Engineering Materials, Prototypes, Statistics, Solid Mechanics Lab
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, Prototypes, Mechatronics, Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics
Volunteering & Leadership
Peer Mentor May 2022 - Present
Central Michigan University College of Science and Engineering Mt. Pleasant, MI
Coordinated social events throughout the semester, and implemented new ideas such as newsletters, and a group chats to promote communication within the Residential College
Provided support and information to my peers
Founder/President February 2022 - May 2024
Central Michigan SEDS SAE Aero Mt. Pleasant, MI
Founded CMICH SEDS to promote the aerospace and space industries at Central Michigan University
Designed over 50 parts for a 7-foot tall rocket, including landing mechanisms, a gimbal system for launch guidance, a fairing opening and closing mechanism, and a return guidance system
Enhanced team proficiency in CAD and fostered a design-for-manufacturing mindset
Oversaw multiple engineering projects, including rockets, drones, planes, and rovers
Utilized additive manufacturing techniques and testing to create parts that were 30% stronger while minimizing waste
Supervised the development of parts and conducted final checks before production to ensure efficient printing
Coordinated with sponsors to secure funding and materials for projects and conferences
Collaborated with administration to establish a designated makerspace area for students within the engineering building
Coordinator Aug 2021 - May 2022
Green Teams Coordinator Mt. Pleasant, MI
Coordinated a team of volunteers to collect recyclables and dispense these items properly, using excel to keep track of volunteer names and hours, having between 10-15 volunteers every week participating
Other Skills
Software: Siemens NX, Solidworks, MATLAB, Java, Magics Materialise, EOSPrint, AMScope, ImageJ, Celos, Cura, Prusaslicer, Python, C++, Fusion 360, Ansys, 3DXpert, Dyndrite
Laboratory/Shop: 6 years of FDM printing experience, EOS M400-4, SLM 280, SLM NXG XII, DMG LT125 Hybrid, DMG LT30, Keyence VHX-6000, EDM Wire Cutter, Haas VF-3, Haas VF-4, Manual Mill and Lathe
Awards
Central Michigan Dean’s List 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Central Michigan Maroon and Gold Scholarship 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Michigan Educators Association Scholarship 2021, 2022, 2023
Myron and Hazel Georgia Scholarship 2022, 2023