Hey, I’m Chris, a Mechanical Engineering and Computing Technology student at the University of Ottawa who loves to learn, solve, and build. I’m happiest when I’m exploring something new, figuring out how it works, why it matters, and how to make it better. I enjoy projects that push me to think deeper and build smarter, and I tend to turn any part of my life into a chance to learn something new. Outside of school, I train Muay Thai and volleyball, travel, and stay curious about anything that helps me grow. As a co-op student, I’m always open to connecting and exploring future internship opportunities.
Christopher Al-Rahi
Experience
Sept 2025 – Dec 2025
Assembled and validated ruggedized electronic chassis for defense systems, performed thermal testing, and used Flotherm simulations to optimize liquid-cooled hardware designs.
Curtiss-Wright Defense
Mechanical Engineering Intern
CanmetENERGY – Renewable Heat & Power
Research Assistant
May 2025 – Aug 2025
Redesigned a solar actuator system to restore full sun tracking motion range, built a sensor system that increased temperature accuracy by 30%, and developed a compact ventilation prototype for solar testing.
Jan 2025 – Apr 2025
Designed mechanical layouts for heat pump systems, automated performance analysis with VBA for 90% faster results, and improved system efficiency through pressure-loss and thermal efficiency refinements.
CanmetENERGY – Alternative Energies Lab
Research Assistant
Christopher Al-Rahi
Work Experience
Projects
Beer Goggles
Developed a sensor-based measurement system integrating ultrasonic and load-cell sensors for precise liquid density analysis, completing three full calibration and testing iterations using Arduino and Python.
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Turbine Mold Polisher
Designed a pneumatic gantry-driven polishing system with articulated plates that conform to turbine mold geometry, automating surface finishing for faster and more consistent results.
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Mobilitray
Engineered a lightweight, load-bearing tray attachment for posterior walkers, enabling independent carrying while maintaining walker stability through an adjustable, clip-on design.
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Greenhouse System
Created an automated greenhouse controller using Arduino and environmental sensors to monitor and regulate humidity, temperature, and light for optimized plant growth.
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Pool Heater Recovery
Diagnosed and repaired a malfunctioning pool heater by identifying ignitor and PCB faults, replacing components, and verifying circuit continuity to restore full operation.
Hot-Tub Heater Recovery
Troubleshot and repaired a failed hot-tub system by tracing electrical faults to a damaged heater element and replacing the unit.
Truss Analysis
Constructed and analyzed a hybrid Warren-Pratt balsa bridge, applying static equilibrium and deformation theory to maximize load efficiency within material limits.
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Car Fender Repair
Restored a damaged car fender by sourcing, sanding, painting, and clear-coating a replacement panel to match factory color and finish before reinstallation.
Foldable Ping Pong Table
Designed and built a foldable, regulation-sized ping pong table that mounts onto a pool table, using 3D-printed locking joints and custom finishing.