Michael Wade Penn
Hello! I’m Wade Penn
Welcome to My Website!
About Me
My Background
From a young age, my desire to tinker and fascination with technology has driven me forward. I strive to never stop learning, and press on with determination to solve the next problem. Whether it’s robotics, aerospace, piloting, or my current career as an Mechanical Design Engineer, I bring these values to every new and exciting challenge in my life on a personal and professional level. To learn more about me, keep exploring my site or reach out directly.
Professional Experience
Background & Expertise
July 2022 - Present
Design Engineer for
Industrial Products, Twin Disc
Seeing an opportunity to better take advantage of my education and skills to help my company, I took on the responsibilities of a design engineer at Twin Disc. As a design engineer, I prepared detailed part drawings, assembly drawings, installation drawings, and technical diagrams. I also developed new designs that not only fulfilled customer needs, but adhered to industry and company standards. Through various projects I have conducted Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks and ANSYS to validate the fit, form, and function of new and existing projects. Through my role as a design engineer, I have supported numerous departments from Sales, Sourcing, Applications, Controls, Service, Manufacturing, and R&D to ensure our customers received quality product in a timely manner. Being the boots-on-the-ground engineer at our Lufkin Facility, I have had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to provide continuous improvement for our operation.
June 2021 - July 2022
Sales Application Engineer, Twin Disc
My role as an Application Engineer for Twin Disc provided many opportunities for me to broaden my horizons as a professional. As an Application Engineer, I helped solve customers' problems, whether it be finding the best product for their needs, or helping with product service and support. As the first engineer hired for the newly-operational facility in Lufkin, I had many opportunities to manage and assist projects outside my job description. I managed product relocation projects, along with shop floor support in the form of tooling design and shop layout design.
May 2019 - August 2019
Survey Technician Intern, GLS
During my college career, I decided to take on a summer internship with an engineering firm called Goodwin Lasiter Strong. As a member on their survey team, I was responsible for data collection in the field along with direct collaboration with licensed land surveyors. I learned the practice of taking precise and accurate field measurements, and how to ensure their integrity in challenging environments. Determination served its role in this position, as the stubborn East Texas undergrowth and the relentless summer Sun proved to be challenges that were satisfying to overcome.
Educational Background
What I’ve Learned
September 2017 - May 2021
Texas A&M University
I received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University. Through my education at Texas A&M, I had many opportunities to build my skills as an engineer like never before. From developing my abilities with software such as SolidWorks and MATLAB, to my skills as a designer and machinist, it showed me my true potential for all the great things I may do in the future. Along with classical engineering education came the practiced art of critical thinking and fast learning, and I was also involved in many student organizations along with the church congregation there that advanced my skills in interpersonal relationships and public speaking.
August 2014 - May 2017
Hudson High School
High School was the point in my life where my passions for tinkering and solving problems coalesced into my goal to pursue a career in engineering. Through my evolvement as president of our school's robotics team, I not only discovered my passion for engineering, I found a platform to help grow that passion in others. It was also at this time that I began to branch out on my own to find new educational experiences. I found NASA high school aerospace scholars and was selected to travel on-site at Johnson Space Center to collaborate on projects with fellow scholars and present them to NASA engineers. I am thankful for my High School education, and for the way it spring-boarded me towards success in my future.
3D Modeling
Raising the Bar
Lean Manufacturing
Fast and Efficient
Project Management
A Valuable Skill
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”