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Hi, I'm Tyler Chau

I lead the analysis and testing that takes spacecraft structures from concept to launch. From FEA to vehicle-level testing, I ensure the spacecraft is qualified for flight.

Featured Projects

JWST

James Webb Space Telescope

Space telescope designed to advance our understanding of the universe

On-Orbit Analysis

James Webb Space Telescope

  • Analyzed on-orbit shimmy and twirl solar array contingency cases
  • Environmental vibration testing of Deployable Radiator Shield Assembly (DRSA)
  • Craig-Bampton model reduction
View Project
Victus Haze

Victus Haze

Responsive satellite mission with 24 hours' notice utilizing Electron

PDR System Level Analysis

Victus Haze

  • Lead structural analyst from inital concept to PDR
  • Developed detailed PDR vehicle-level FEM
  • Performed PDR analysis including static, random vibe, environmental derivation, and more
View Project
LOXSAT

LOXSAT

Small-scale cyrogenic oxygen fluid management demonstration satellite

CDR System Level Analysis

LOXSAT

  • Lead structural analyst for CDR and development stages
  • Developed detailed CDR vehicle-level FEM
  • Performed CDR analysis including static, random vibe, sine vibe, thermal elastic distortion, and more
View Project
ESCAPADE

ESCAPADE

Twin-spacecraft mission to explore the unique conditions of Mars

Solar Array Deployment Analysis

ESCAPADE

  • Led efforts to resolve critical solar array deployment issues
  • Solar array deployment analysis utilizing Simcenter 3D Motion
  • Correlated analysis to qual unit to show a near identical deployment
View Project
Globalstar Constellation

Globalstar Constellation

Seventeen LEO satellite constellation for optical crosslink and communications

Thermal Elastic Distortion Analysis

Globalstar Constellation

  • System-level thermal elastic distortion analysis
  • Supported urgent challenges such as MLI shielding design, bolted joints, and transportation loads
  • Served as supporting structural analyst
View Project
BREEZE

BREEZE

Bio-inspired Ray for Extreme Environments and Zonal Exploration on Venus

Phase I/II NASA Funded Study

BREEZE

  • Led preliminary structural analyses to validate integrity of morphing flier
  • Developed and studied mesh refinements to create a more ideal FEM
  • Designed and 3D printed wing ribs to simulate inflation actuation
View Project
Robotic Stingray

Stingray Inspired Robot

Bio-inspired mechanical stingray for deep-sea exploration

Design, Build & Test

Stingray Inspired Robot

  • Designed and prototyped stingray inspired robot
  • 3D printed components to optimize neutral buoyancy and servo motion
  • Implemented IMU data translation onto a digital 3D coordinate interface
View Project
3DPWG

3D Printing Working Group

University at Buffalo 3D printing work group collaboration

3D Printing

3D Printing Working Group

  • Conducted university workshops to teach students 3D printing
  • Calibration and troubleshooting of 3D printers
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including UAV and e-NABLE projects
View Project

Portfolio Website

You're looking at it! A portfolio website to showcase my work and skills

HTML, CSS & Javascript

Portfolio Website

  • Designed a multi-page portfolio website
  • Implemented interactive and responsive elements
  • Optimized designs for both desktop and mobile devices
  • Utilized HTML, CSS, Tailwind CSS, Javascript, Linux, and Github
View Project

Skills

FEA & CAD

  • NX/MSC Nastran
  • Maya SATK
  • VA One
  • Simcenter 3D & Teamcenter
  • Femap

Test

  • System-level and Unit-level Testing
  • Static Testing
  • Vibration Testing
  • Shock Testing
  • Structural Loads Derivation

Programming

  • HTML & CSS
  • Javascript
  • Matlab
  • Linux
  • GitHub

Hands-on

  • Solar Array Deployment Testing
  • 3D Printer
  • Lathe
  • Mill
  • Arduino
Profile

About Me

Hi! I'm Tyler from Queens, NY. I moved out to LA in 2020 to jump start my career in space. I spend most of my time solving cool problems through analysis and testing. But I also enjoy being out on the floor designing, helping out the team, and learning more about anything that piques my curiosity.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, taking photos, and checking out conventions & festivals. This year, I've made it my goal to finally hit my bucket list! So far, I've gone to Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, and Alaska. If you were to ask what my top 5 would be then it's: sitting under the Northern Lights, hiking in the alps, watching the cherry blossoms bloom in Japan, summiting Mt. Whitney, and finally getting to see my favorite artist in person!

Analysis & Test
Coding
Photography
Travel

My Journey

Spacecraft Structural Analyst

Rocket Lab | 2023 - 2024

Lead structural analyst for LOXSAT, Victus Haze, and T2TL Beta. Developed system-level FEMs and performed FEA to support customer design reviews and win key contracts.

Structural Dynamics Engineer

Northrop Grumman | 2020 - 2023

Supported NASA's JWST and proprietary spacecrafts by conducting on-orbit dynamic analyses, automating simulations, and leading unit-level testing to ensure flight readiness and hardware reliability.

Research Assistant

University at Buffalo | 2019 - 2020

Conducted research on a bio-inspired Venus flier, BREEZE, which was presented at the 2019 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium. Applied FEA, MATLAB, and 3D printed prototyping to evaluate structural performance and validate core design concepts.

B.S. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

University at Buffalo | 2016 - 2020

Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.

My Photography

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