Chris "Rocky" Hernandez
About Chris "Rocky" Hernandez
Chris 'Rocky' Hernandez is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at TuSimple, specializing in precision mechanisms and environmental testing. He has over 20 years of experience in mechanical engineering, including roles at Raytheon and Sargent Controls, and holds multiple degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology.
Work at TuSimple
Chris Hernandez has been employed at TuSimple as a Senior Mechanical Engineer since 2022. He works in Tucson, Arizona, where he applies his extensive knowledge in mechanical engineering to support the company's initiatives in autonomous vehicle technology. His role involves leading and collaborating with multi-disciplined teams of engineers and technicians to develop innovative solutions.
Education and Expertise
Chris Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona, which he completed from 2000 to 2004. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on Structural Mechanics and Dynamics, from the same institution between 2010 and 2013. Additionally, he earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Automotive Technology from Pima Community College from 1998 to 2000.
Background
Prior to his current position at TuSimple, Chris Hernandez worked at Raytheon as a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer for 16 years, from 2006 to 2022. He also served as a Project Engineer at Sargent Controls from 2004 to 2006. His early career included an internship at the University of Arizona, where he gained practical engineering experience from 2002 to 2004.
Technical Skills and Specializations
Chris Hernandez is skilled in various areas of mechanical engineering, including adhesive and bolted joint design, environmental testing, and precision mechanisms. He is proficient in kinematic and dynamic analysis using software such as Creo Mechanism and Matlab. His expertise extends to additive manufacturing, metal fabrication techniques, and computer-aided design using Creo Parametric and finite element analysis tools like Creo Simulate and Ansys.
Achievements in Engineering
Throughout his career, Chris Hernandez has developed a strong foundation in metal working, including welding and manual machining. He is capable of generating comprehensive technical data packages that encompass drawings for manufacture, test plans, and qualification reports. His lifelong passion for automotive customization and tinkering has further enriched his practical engineering skills.