# Manuel Ahumada

> Software Engineer at Toyota Research Institute

Location: San Jose, California, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/manuelahumada

I am a mechanical engineer and I have broad interests in mechatronics, robotics, design, embedded systems, and controls. I've developed a breadth of expertise in these areas through my coursework and research at San Jose State University and Stanford University, as well as my internship experiences.  I have vast CAD package experience and am able to take a mechanical, electrical, or software problem and create a fast and efficient solution.

My specialties are in interfacing Mechanical, Electrical, and Software components into a complete system.

## Work Experience
### Software Engineer @ Toyota Research Institute
Jan 2018 – Present
As a software engineer, my work at TRI involves the development and support of:
- Motion planning, and control strategies for autonomous on-road vehicles.
- Control software for Toyota's L4 Chauffeur AV and ADAS / Guardian system
- Autonomous vehicle / robotics systems software development in C++ and Python
- Data analysis using Python libraries to better understand the characteristics of the vehicle platform

### Mechanical Engineer, Robotics @ Toyota Research Institute
Jan 2017 – Jan 2018
- Led the mechanical design and electrical integration for mobile robotics. 
- Used simulation based design to properly developed actuator specs. that met the projects dynamics needs.
- Prototyping a troubleshooting of various robotic components using various manufacturing methods such as outsourcing parts to machine shops and rapid manufacturing with 3D printers and high-power laser cutters.

### Research Assistant, Salisbury Robotics Lab @ Stanford University
Jan 2015 – Jan 2017
- Design and modeled a wearable robotic arm using Solidworks CAD package
- Built various prototypes of a 2-DOF and 4-DOF arm in order to manipulate objects
- Analyzed mechanical properties of robotic arm such as stiffness and stress characteristics

### Mechanical Engineering Intern @ Intuitive Surgical
Jan 2015 – Jan 2015 | Sunnyvale, CA
Mechanical design of new technologies and products including:
- Conceptual and detailed design
- CAD modeling and drafting
- Prototyping and troubleshooting of components
- Material testing and selection

### Research Assistant, MEMS Lab @ San Jose State University
Jan 2011 – Jan 2013 | MEMS Lab
- Lead author in a published conference proceeding (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.909252)
- Developed and manufactured porous thin ceramic films for use in e-paper displays
- Tested ceramic films by using image analysis techniques in MATLAB

### Research Assistant, Synthetic Biology Group @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Jan 2012 – Jan 2012
- Expressed recombinant proteins via E.coli cells
- Conducted academic research in a BioEngineering lab, working on a bio-inspired fibrous adhesive
- Purified recombinant proteins via a Cobalt metal affinity column, as well as a Ni-NTA column.

### Quality Control Engineering Intern @ Bloom Energy
Jan 2008 – Jan 2011
- Mechanical design of new technologies and products
- Conceptual and detailed design of components using CAD modeling and drafting in Solidworks
- Prototyping using a combination of rapid prototyping techniques and company standards
- Troubleshooting and testing of components using standard company products and data analysis tools (i.e. Matlab)


## Education
### Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Stanford University

### Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering
San José State University


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/manuel-ahumada-b1218393

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Source: https://flows.cv/manuelahumada
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/manuelahumada/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-11