Building
the
Future,
One
Design
at a Time
About Me
Hello! I’m George Peterson, a Mechanical Engineer and recently graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. I’m driven by a passion for creating tangible solutions that solve real-world problems through smart, efficient design.
Throughout my academic and project experience, I’ve applied my skills in 3D modeling, mechanical design, and rapid prototyping to build functional systems—from an adaptive balance-assist e-bike for children with autism to leading a team in the design and testing of a sustainable wind energy device. I thrive in hands-on environments where innovation, precision, and collaboration are essential.
In addition to strong technical proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, FEA, and fabrication techniques, I bring a mindset focused on integrity, accountability, and continuous learning. Whether it’s working independently on tight deadlines or contributing within a team, I bring a balance of creativity, structure, and reliability to every project I take on.
My goal is to join an organization where I can grow as an engineer while contributing to meaningful, mission-driven projects. If you’re looking for a sharp, dedicated Mechanical Engineer who’s ready to hit the ground running—I’d love to connect.
Core Courses
Capstone Project I/II
Immerses in real-world applied research and engineering design, starting with team-based project proposals, feasibility studies, and intellectual property protection, culminating in project implementation and presentation with mentor guidance and multiple feedback cycles in, enhancing technical writing and business presentation skills.
Mechanical Instrumentation and Devices
Introduces standard mechanical tests and computer-based data acquisition techniques like thermocouples, strain gauges, positioning static probes, ASME, and ASTM test codes, examines OSHA standards, and explores the setup, execution, and analysis of physical property and system performance tests.
Dynamic Systems
Introduces modeling and analyzing dynamic systems in mechanical, thermal, and fluid contexts through topics like time and frequency domain solutions, analog simulation, linearization, block diagrams, numerical methods, and hands-on lab activities, enhancing their ability to mathematically analyze components and system performance.
Circuits
Provides a strong foundation in electrical engineering by covering the main ideas of circuits and their role in components, devices, and systems, offering in-depth exploration of AC & DC circuits, circuit analysis, filters, impedance, power transfer, Laplace transforms, and op-amps while performing hands-on circuiting to focus problem solving using scientific computation tools, simulations, and various programming languages.
Mechanical Design Principles I/II
a course that focuses on integrating and designing machine elements into systems, verifying their performance in operational environments through technical planning, requirements management, integration, validation, and production, while also emphasizes selecting and designing components based on statics, dynamics, and material strength, using CAE methods for analysis.
Transport Phenomena
Introduce students to core mechanical engineering concepts such as fluid statics, laminar and turbulent flow, pipe flow, lift, drag, measurement techniques, heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation, steady and unsteady conduction, laminar and turbulent convection, radiation, heat exchanger design and analysis, mass transfer, and simulation methods using SolidWorks software.
Engineering Economics/Project Management
A writing-intensive course that covers the basics of managing an engineering project—including planning, initiation, implementation, and completion—teaches students to pitch ideas and prepare formal funding proposals in written and oral forms and introduces engineering economics.
Statics & Dynamics
A course that explores the analysis of two- and three-dimensional forces on a system in equilibrium (static state), including real-world applications via simple trusses, frames, machines, and beams, with additional topics like properties of areas, second moments, internal forces, and static simulation in SolidWorks, while also introducing kinematics and kinetics principles, covering Newton's second law, work-energy, power, impulse, momentum methods, vibrations, and an introduction to transient response simulation with SolidWorks and MATLAB.
My Goals
Short-term Goals
Secure a full-time mechanical engineering position near Carlsbad, CA to grow professionally while staying rooted in my local community.
Continue improving my design, prototyping, and manufacturing skills through real-world engineering projects.
Gain hands-on experience with systems integration, DFM principles, and interdisciplinary collaboration in an engineering team environment.
Maintain an active and balanced lifestyle while continuing to refine my personal discipline and character.
Build my professional portfolio and personal brand, including expanding my website to showcase ongoing projects and accomplishments.
Support myself financially through interim work while remaining focused on long-term engineering career goals.
Long-term Goals
Advance into a lead mechanical engineering or systems engineering role, contributing to high-impact, mission-driven technologies.
Design products that improve lives—whether in aerospace, defense, health tech, or mobility innovation.
Use my income and talents to one day support my family, rooted in love and strong values.
Purchase a home and build a stable life close to family and community.
Stay active in learning and mentoring, both professionally and spiritually, to lead by example and give back.
What I do in my Free Time
Spending time with family — Being close with my family is important to me, and I value any time I get to spend with them, especially while living at home to focus on saving and building my future.
Working on my car — I enjoy modifying and maintaining my 2017 Camaro, from custom design upgrades to custom 3D-printed accessories I design myself. It keeps me sharp and hands-on outside of work. My car has even participated in a car show once.
Designing and building personal projects — Whether it's tuning a mechanical part or experimenting with 3D printing or creating small gifts for my friends, I like taking on small projects that blend creativity and engineering.
Strength training — Hitting the gym and pushing new personal records, especially in deadlifts, bench press, and pull-ups, is part of my weekly rhythm. I believe in the discipline and consistency that physical fitness builds.
Journaling and self-improvement — I often reflect on my goals, track personal growth, and stay focused on who I want to become in the long term.
Exploring simple joys — Whether it's taking a walk, enjoying a good movie, or grabbing coffee with someone I care about, I try to stay present and appreciate the small things.
SafeRydez (a proposed start-up company)
SafeRydez was a start-up company, run by GCU, focused on creating innovative solutions for children with autism and other sensory or balance-related challenges. Our flagship product was a balance-assist electric bike designed to help kids build confidence, coordination, and independence in a safe and controlled way. As the Mechanical Design Engineer on the team, I played a central role in transforming early-stage concepts into a functional prototype.
I was responsible for designing the physical layout of the bike, including custom mounts, housings, and structural reinforcements to support sensitive components such as the battery pack, linear actuators, and speed sensors. My approach focused on durability, adjustability, and ease of use—critical elements for a product intended for children with special needs. I used SolidWorks extensively to model and simulate the design, ensuring that each part would integrate seamlessly with the electrical and software components being developed in parallel.
Throughout the development process, I led the fabrication and assembly of key components, applying knowledge in 3D manufacturing, tolerancing, and system integration to bring the bike to life. I worked closely with cross-functional team members to balance the design priorities across safety, cost, and functionality. My contributions included hands-on prototyping, material selection, and mechanical testing.
Unfortunately, while the product showed great potential and generated interest during early feedback sessions, SafeRydez was unable to secure the level of funding necessary to move beyond the prototype stage. Despite the setback, the experience was incredibly valuable—it sharpened my design and problem-solving skills in a real-world, mission-driven environment and gave me the opportunity to create something that could have made a lasting difference.
SafeRydez may not have reached full-scale production, but the engineering lessons and impact-oriented mindset I gained remain a core part of my professional journey.
Portfolio Link: https://cranberry-carillon-sfkc.squarespace.com/s/Childrens-Balance-E-Bike-Portfolio-by-SafeRydez.pdf
