# Anna Zolnikov > Mechanical Engineer Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/annazolnikov Prototyping new technologies is my passion. As a mechanical engineer with a focus in robotics, I am comfortable working on both mechanical and electrical systems. I am proficient in Solidworks, PTC Creo, Fusion360 (CAD and CAM) and Python. With 10 years of machining experience, both manual and CNC, I design parts with fabrication in mind. I like to work in a fast paced environment where I get to watch my designs come to life. ## Work Experience ### Staff Mechanical Engineer @ Boston Dynamics Jan 2024 – Present ### Mechanical Engineer III @ Fortify Jan 2021 – Jan 2024 | Boston, Massachusetts, United States Prototyped a novel cleaning device that forced solvents through 3D printed lattices and removed excess resin with suction • Reduced cleaning time by 75% and improved repeatability against tedious manual process Set up a manufacturing line for the Flux-series 3D printer • Created extensive documentation for technicians to build the machine from the sub-assembly to the top level • Devised alignment and test fixtures, developed wiring plans, and wrote integration test procedures • Oversaw hiring and training of in-house technicians and contract manufacturers Designed structural braces, sensor mounts and electronics enclosures for production on the Flux-series printers • Calculated tolerance stack-up on door linkage and lead screw systems, qualified mitigating solutions • Ran FEA simulations in Ansys to validate geometries of load-bearing components • Drafted technical drawings, communicated with manufacturers, led inspections of incoming parts Improved product uptime and customer experience by extending vertical actuator and circulation pump life • Performed accelerated lifetime testing, identified weaknesses, presented design revisions ### Robotics Engineer @ Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation Jan 2018 – Jan 2021 | Greater Boston Area Designed and built avionics systems, mechanical actuators, and chassis for Class 2 drones • Sourced power regulators, worked out system layouts and wire paths, created harness drawings • Devised and manufactured servo-actuated rotor tilt system Produced manufacturing plans for low-volume production of high-speed UAVs • Coordinated with suppliers, configuration management and test engineers to ensure quality • Established process to machine and assemble carbon fiber frames Automated performance testing for motors and motor drivers Lab manager of the machine shop and small aircraft assembly lab ### Mechanical Engineering Intern @ Piaggio Fast Forward Jan 2017 – Jan 2017 | Greater Boston Area • Designed and prototyped a parking system for the personal cargo-carrying Gita robot • Prepared carbon fiber layups of body panels and processed the parts • Created brackets that captured the robot’s body panels and supported its weight when lifted • Conducted experiments to find the best epoxy and surface preparation to bond nylon to carbon fiber ### Manufacturing Engineer @ RightHand Robotics, Inc Jan 2017 – Jan 2017 | Somerville, MA • Assembled, troubleshot, and refurbished robotic hands for order fulfilment piece-picking machines • Build platforms and support system for robotic arms ### Mechanical Engineering Intern @ Dynamo Micropower Jan 2016 – Jan 2017 | Somerville, MA • Designed layout and frame of an industrial gas turbine engine • Redesigned manual controls and set up control panels for the engine • Preformed operational and power tests, analyzed data and wrote technical reports ### Machine Shop Employee @ Tufts University Scene Shop Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 | Medford, MA • Built wooden and steel sets, frames and rigging mounts for the Tufts Theater Department to be used in major productions ## Education ### Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Tufts University ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anna-zolnikov-a6b356150 --- Source: https://flows.cv/annazolnikov JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/annazolnikov/resume.json Last updated: 2026-03-31