Christian Klenz - Engineering Portfolio

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Christian Klenz

University of California, Irvine - Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering

UC Irvine's Electric Racing, Aerodynamics - Bodywork Subsection Lead

A selection of hands-on engineering projects demonstrating experience in CAD design, additive manufacturing, composite layups, systems integration, and positions in leadership roles.

UC Irvine Electric Racing - Aerodynamics - Bodywork Lead - Design for Manufacturability

During the 2025-2026 FSAE season, I am acting as the bodywork subsection lead for the aerodynamics team, where, as of 11/30/25, we are finishing up our new and improved body panel design to be manufactured using pre-impregnated carbon-fiber layup methods. The new design prioritizes the transfer of air from the front of the car to the underbody for downforce generation, and also increases the ease of manufacturing by decreasing excess contours over previous iterations, as well as minimizing turbulent air in the rear of the car by implementing a rear enclosure.

I am currently (11/30/25) working with the aerodynamics team to design, fabricate, and test a bio-composite-based aerobody, out of hemp material. I am also, outlining a research paper to detail the differences between carbon fiber composites and hemp bio-composites.

Skills: SolidWorks, SolidWorks Flow Simulations, Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab P1S, CNC Router, Carbon Fiber Layups (Infusion, Wet-Layup, Pre-Impregnated Carbon Fiber), Soldering

Rocket Project - Lightweight and Modular Design

(Above) On Board Rocket Circuit

(Left) Launch Control Circuit

I designed and will soon manufacture a pneumatic-powered 3D-printed rocket capable of flight and recovery. I designed the rocket fuselage with threaded joints to fit within a 250 mm 3D-printer build volume and verified structural reliability through multiple tolerance value iterations, and test 3D prints. I also integrated an off-the-shelf air reservoir and decreased frontal cross-sectional area, allowing for a decrease in drag and a reduction in weight by 54%.

I am also currently (11/30/25) working on integrating a parachute that will be deployed using a servo-actuated pin release mechanism and an Arduino altimeter-based system.

Skills: SolidWorks, Bambu Studio, Arduino IDE, Fritzing, Pneumatic Pressure Systems, Soldering, Bambu Lab P1S

UC Irvine Rover Projects (Introduction to Engineering I and II) - Designed for Motion and Testing

Autonomous Rover:
Our team was given a challenge to design an autonomous rover capable of following a path drawn using black tape for IR sensor tracking. I personally designed the rover structure and made design judgments based on component usage and placement, with custom-designed and 3D-printed mounts for sensors and actuation methods. Over several iterations, the 3D-printed actuator increased in stability by 50%. I also assisted with electronic integration and programming. The team completed our goal and finished in the top 5 of 40 teams.

User Controlled Rover:

Our team of 6 students was tasked with a project where we would design and manufacture a rover that would be driven through an obstacle course. As team captain, I was responsible for minimizing expenses through material and hardware selection and tracking the team’s progress. I also served as the team's CAD lead due to my previous experience with SolidWorks, and through several iterations, made the final design 20% easier to manufacture, and increased overall structural reliability by 30%.

Skills: SolidWorks, Ultimaker Cura Slicer, Bambu Studio, Arduino IDE, Soldering, Belt Sander, Band Saw, Laser Cutter, Bambu Lab X1C