Likhitha specialised in Mechatronics at the University of Auckland and graduated in 2020. She has worked at Fisher & Paykel Technologies and is now a Structural Analyst at Rocket Lab where she gets to see her work launched into space!
What is your role and what do you do?
I’m a structural analyst. I evaluate the loads on the vehicle, create requirements for testing and analyse the structural design of the rocket to withstand structural and dynamic loads (vibrations). This includes modelling and simulating launch environments to analyse the stiffness, stresses and strains on the vehicle. My role also includes overseeing tests to ensure the structural strength is validated. Side quests is talking about what I worked on in the launch livestream or in the community.
Why did you choose mechatronics?
Honestly speaking, I didn’t want to confine myself to one specialisation and mechatronics opened many doors. I quite liked that I got exposure to mechanical, electronics, control and software systems, which painted a full picture about systems. My interests were in robotics or aerospace and a mechatronics degree is good for both. I was leaning towards robotics, until I realised I don’t enjoy coding very much. I then pivoted towards taking mechanical electives in my 4th year such as vibrations and aerospace structures, which are directly applicable to my current role!
How does your mechatronics degree translate into your role?
My current role is very mechanical. Knowledge I gained from many courses in mechatronics such as mechanics of materials, vibrations, statics and dynamics, aerospace structures, etc, directly relates to the work I do. While, the degree taught me the fundamental understanding of concepts that I apply in my day-to-day work, the level of detail I learned during university is not something I use everyday, it is more about solving problems using the first principles.
Also, the results I produce support the work of other cross-disciplinary teams such as avionics/electronics. Having the understanding of electronics helps me in this matter.
What’s most fulfilling about the work you do?
Working on something so cool! It’s a fast paced industry with many engineering challenges that keeps me motivated and excited to come into work everyday. And to see something that I worked on go to space is an amazing feeling. Nerve-wracking when watching the launch, but really fulfilling after a successful one.
Any advice for students trying to figure out their specialisation?
When choosing a specialisation, think about what subject interests you the most, what do you see yourself doing for many years to come.
I know currently it seems like the most important decision, it did to me back then too. But, choosing a specialisation won’t put you in a specific box or a niche area. My friend studied chemistry and is now a product development engineer. I know many mechatronics students that went into the electrical field or software, and even vice versa. So, you will always have opportunity to switch careers or specialisations, either mid-way through your degree or once you are in the industry. So, don’t stress too much and do what you enjoy!