School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering

Hear from our Alumni

Jasmeet Gill - Class of 2011

Graduating as part of the inaugural class of this program in 2011 laid the foundation for my diverse engineering career. I began as an engineer in mechanical, electrical, and controls roles across the Oil & Gas, chemical, and manufacturing sectors. Over the past decade, I have focused primarily on shipbuilding, working in planning and program management. My role involves developing and executing intricate production plans across all trades. The co-op experiences and broad exposure to engineering value streams during my Mechatronics studies have been instrumental in equipping me to navigate the complexities of shipbuilding projects. This background has enabled me to seamlessly plan, sequence, and execute structural, mechanical, and electrical work in large-scale programs.

Armaghan Mogouei - Class of 2013

I am Armaghan Mogouei, a proud first-generation immigrant and one of four women who graduated from Simon Fraser University (SFU) in 2013 with a degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE).

My career began at General Motors in September 2013, while I was still in school. I secured my first professional role as a Design Release Engineer (DRE), focusing on shifting system components for nine-speed transmissions that replaced six-speed production. This role allowed me to collaborate with suppliers, visit facilities nationally and internationally, and ensure the components met rigorous quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and design specifications. It provided invaluable hands-on experience in mechanical systems, supplier management, project management, and product integrity.

As the automotive industry shifted toward electric vehicles, I transitioned into GM's battery team as a Battery System Safety Engineer. This move was a natural extension of the diverse skill set I developed through my MSE education. In this role, I delved into electrical and control system engineering, ensuring battery systems met ISO 26262 safety standards through extensive failure analysis, risk mitigation, and testing. One of my proudest accomplishments during this time was contributing to the Chevy Corvette E-Ray, GM’s first hybrid muscle car.

In 2020, I joined Rivian Automotive, initially focusing on Battery Management Systems Safety. Over time, I expanded my responsibilities to system engineering and ultimately led the team as a manager. I supported the development and integration of several of Rivian's groundbreaking battery programs, including the Amazon delivery vans, the R1T truck, and the R1S SUV. Managing high-voltage battery systems—one of the most advanced and complex systems in modern vehicles—allowed me to refine my leadership and engineering expertise.

Motivated by my passion for autonomous technology, I transitioned to my current role as Functional Safety Manager at Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Trucks. Here, I collaborate with system and safety engineers to analyze, develop, and implement requirements for Level 4 (L4) autonomous vehicles. This role marks another pivotal transition in my career, further strengthening my focus on innovation in the automotive industry.

Reflecting on my 11+ years of professional experience, I am deeply grateful for the foundation my Mechatronic Systems Engineering background provided. The multidisciplinary approach of the program equipped me with the knowledge and adaptability essential for success in diverse engineering roles. I am particularly thankful to my professors, Dr. Farid Golnaraghi, Dr. Gary Wang, Dr. Amr Marzouk, Dr. Siamak Arzanpour, and Dr. Kevin Oldknow, whose mentorship and guidance were instrumental in shaping my journey. Their support has been pivotal in helping me grow into a subject matter expert in the automotive industry.

Alumni Achievements

MOMENT ENERGY

Moment Energy, a once-small startup, has swiftly evolved into a prominent player in the green tech industry. Founded in 2020 by four alumni of SFU's Mechatronic Systems Engineering program, the company has grown to a team of 40, headquartered in Coquitlam. Their success is underscored by recent achievements, including a spot on the global Cleantech 100 list and an $800,000 contract with Vancouver International Airport to build an energy storage system for their electric vehicle fleet.

Dropsy Kikabou

Improving processes in developing countries is one of the things on Dropsy Kikabou’s idea-packed mind. The fourth-year student from the Republic of Congo came to Vancouver in 2009 to take a short course in English (ESL program) and discovered SFU’s mechatronic systems engineering program. Six years later, Kikabou is nearing graduation and ready to put his skills into action.

Jessica Peare

Jessica Peare wants to take her passion for aerospace engineering to new heights, whether she's sitting in the cockpit or controlling an unmanned vehicle from below. The mechatronic systems engineering student, who earned her pilot’s license at age 18, is a member of SFU’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team: Team GUARDIAN.

Rame Putris

Fourth-year mechatronic systems engineering student Rame Putris is a member of the Technology Entrepreneurship@SFU (Tech e@SFU) initiative. The program, launched in 2012 in partnership with BCIC, Ken Spencer, the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Beedie School of Business, brings together the best and brightest students to develop entrepreneurially promising and scientifically sound ideas.

Leonie & Kyle Tharratt

It started with a goldfish. Husband and wife graduands Kyle and Leonie Tharratt, who met at SFU and married in 2013, received the unwanted pet from a family friend. Four years later, they are keen aquarists with 13 fish (and a colony of shrimp)—a passion that inspired their mechatronic systems engineering final-year capstone project.

Learn more about our alumni achievements

Faculty of Applied Sciences