MECHANICAL DESIGN · EMBEDDED SYSTEMS · WEB DEVELOPMENT

Manuel Enrique Rodríguez Nicolás

I design mechanisms in Onshape, program C++/Java control architectures for competitive robotics, and build web platforms with SvelteKit—combining technical rigor and logistics from prototype to execution.

Explore trajectory & projects Download CV (PDF · EN)

CORE STACK: ONSHAPE CAD · C++ / JAVA · KICAD · SVELTEKIT

High School Senior · Class of 2027 Spanish (Native) · English (Professional) Robotics · CAD · Web Dev · Leadership

01 / Metodología

How I Think and Build

Beyond specific tools or programming languages, my work follows a consistent decision-making framework across engineering and collaborative leadership.

Learning in order to share

My primary drive is understanding how systems work and experimenting with available resources. Yet learning feels incomplete until it is shared clearly to help others grow—whether mentoring incoming robotics teammates or creating free visual study sessions for peers.

Problem-solving workflow

Deep problem analysis
Before fabricating parts or writing code, I break down the real constraints of the challenge, rulebook, and operating environment.
Mapping viable alternatives
I identify multiple technical or operational paths instead of committing prematurely to the first available idea.
Selecting by feasibility and resonance
I evaluate which solution is achievable within real deadlines and resources, and aligns best with the team’s strengths.
Digital validation and iterative execution
I validate assemblies digitally before manufacturing and refine every iteration using empirical test evidence.

FEV Engineering Methodology

In mechanical design and competitive robotics, every subsystem is evaluated against three core criteria:

Reliability (Fiabilidad): Consistent mechanical and software response under real match conditions.
Efficiency (Eficiencia): Maximizing output from every component, weight budget, and cycle second.
Feasibility (Viabilidad): Manufacturable, maintainable, and realistic within our timeline and tools.

02 / Trayectoria

Anchor Milestones & Projects

Four experiences that define my three-year high school trajectory: from building my first prototype in middle school to international robotics design leadership, co-founding an independent team, and co-organizing a Model UN conference.

2024 – 2026 · 10th & 11th Grade (High School Years 1–2)

Public high school robotics team in Mexico

FTC RoboticsCAD-FirstDrive Coach

Aztecbot — FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Competitive Robotics

Builder, Design Captain, and Drive Coach · Into the Deep (2024–2025) and Decode (2025–2026) seasons

I joined Aztecbot in my first year of high school with zero prior FTC experience and grew into Design Captain and Drive Coach. By leading a shift toward 100% CAD-first engineering under our FEV methodology, our public-school team reached the Mexican National Championship twice and won the Design Award 1st Place at the international Mexico Premier Event.

Inspire Award 1st Place & National Top 10 (Into the Deep) · Regional Winning Alliance Captain & Mexico Premier Event Design Award 1st Place (Decode).

Present · Final Year of High School

Independent community team outside a school structure

Team FounderJava ArchitectureWeb Dev

Velocity Bucks — Co-Founding an Independent FTC Team

Co-Founder, Lead Programmer, and Technical Mentor · Building technical and organizational capacity from scratch

I co-founded an independent FIRST Tech Challenge team operating outside any single school institution. I serve as lead programmer for both the competition robot and the team website while mentoring teammates in CAD design and mechanical assembly.

Launching an autonomous robotics team with modular robot software and peer-to-peer engineering mentorship.

2026 · Model United Nations Organization

Horizontal team of equals alongside specialized consultancies

Model UNHorizontal Leadership60+ Delegations

Valladolid Commission — ValladolidMUN / SMMUN 2027 "Our Spark"

Valladolid Commission Representative (Secretary-General operational scope) · 60+ participating delegations across 6 committees

As Representative of the Valladolid Commission within SMMUN 2027 "Our Spark", I carried out operational responsibilities equivalent to Secretary-General for the creation, logistics, outreach, and execution of ValladolidMUN. Working in a horizontal team of equals alongside the Logistics, Finance, and Outreach consultancies, we convened over 60 delegations across 6 committees.

Successful delivery of a 60+ delegation, 6-committee conference through horizontal peer leadership.

9th Grade (Middle School) · Vocational Origin

Student duo

Robotics OriginMechanical Intake3rd Place

Yucatán i6 Competition — First Collector Robot

Two-person design, assembly, and programming · 3rd Place in Robotics category

My first competitive robotics build: working alongside a friend, I designed, assembled, and programmed a collector robot to gather paper balls and bottle caps and deposit them into a target container. Earning 3rd place proved I could turn an idea into a working machine.

3rd Place in Robotics and the spark that launched my engineering and programming path.

03 / Dimensiones

Complementary Dimensions

Engineering gains depth when connected to teaching, community service, and creative expression. These commitments reflect who I am beyond competition.