Forever Dreaming Big

Hi, my name is Andrew Magner. Growing up just north of Boston, I was always known as the tinkerer of my family. From rewiring my RC car when the battery stopped working to replacing every single door handle in the house for April Fools one year, I was always curious to find out how everyday things worked and learn the hidden mechanisms behind them. My parents certainly appreciated those skills I taught myself too, as I was always the one to be called upon when the printer wasn’t working or the engine on our 15-year-old Honda Odyssey started making strange sounds (the alternator fuse was blown).

That same curiosity for understanding how things work has driven much of who I am today. It led me to pursue a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science at UMass Amherst, where I’ve continued exploring the intersection of hardware and software in solving complex problems. My passion for aerospace and rocketry has become the natural extension of that curiosity: a field where physics, engineering, and innovation come together in some of the most exciting ways imaginable. Whether it’s debugging code, designing a flight system, or testing a new mechanism, I approach each challenge with diligence, creativity, and a drive to understand how every piece fits into the bigger picture.

Skills

Mechanical

CAD Software (SolidWorks/Onshape)

Aerodynamic Design

3D Printing and Prototyping

CNC Machining

Load Path and Vibration Testing

Simulink

FEA Software and Testing

CFD Software and Testing

Computer/Electrical

Avionics Design and Testing

Embedded Systems

Feedback Control Systems

PCB Design

Soldiering

Git/GitHub

Advanced Programming

Algorithm Design

Programming Languages

C / C# / C++

Java

TypeScript / JavaScript

Python

MATLAB

HTML / CSS

SQL

Professional

Presentation Skills

Communication

Team Management

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Leadership

Decision Making

Fast Learner & Adaptable

Certifications

L1 High-Power Rocketry

Future Goals

Hike Part of the Appalachians

I did Scouts BSA up through middle and high school, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. I loved camping and hiking, even spending two weeks once traversing the backcountry of New Mexico, carrying all my supplies in a backpack. Since the start of college I haven't been able to camp and hike as much as I did in scouts, but after I graduate I plan on finding some time to be able to do a small portion of the trail.

L3 HPR Certification

After graduating I plan to stick with the joy of high-powered rocketry and pushing the limits of what the ordinary person can create. The next big milestone on my view is getting a Level 3 Certification with NAR and Tripoli. This will allow me to launch rockets with motors up to 40,960 Ns of impulse. This will hopefully allow me to continue to look for further goals, like the development of a multistage rocket that can reach the Karman line.

Aerospace Graduate Program

If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to pursue a post-graduate program in aerospace engineering, as I have truly found a passion for the field all that it encompasses. I haven't decided if I would pursue a masters or a PhD yet, but I have been doing independent research into aerodynamic control in the super and hypersonic ranges and would love to be able to dive deeper into those topic at universities like MIT, USC, or Georgia Tech.

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