Nick Rathfelder

Electrical Engineering Student

Chip Design | Digital Hardware | PCB Development

Nick Rathfelder

Academics

Education

University: University of Waterloo
Degree: B.S. in Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation: June 2027
GPA: 3.82 / 4.00

Academic Honors

Spring 2025 (3A) - Term Distinction
Fall 2024 (2B) - Term Distinction
Winter 2024 (2A) - Term Distinction

Design Team

UW Baja SAE

Designed and built the wire harness powering the brake lights, kill switches, and front differential

Exchange Program

Universidad Carlos lll of Madrid - Madrid, Spain

Winter 2025 (3B)

Relevant Coursework

ECE 318 - Communication Systems
ECE 222 - Digital Computers
ECE 358 - Computer Networks (UC3M)
ECE 340 - Electronic Circuits 2
ECE 373 - Radio Frequency and Microwave Circuits (UC3M)
ECE 375 - Electromagnetic Fields and Waves

Work Experience

FPGA Engineering Intern

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions

Sep 2025 - Dec 2025

Designed, simulated and tested FPGA-based systems supporting aerospace and defense technologies

  • Developed RTL and integrated 3rd party IP to support the design, simulation and testing of mission-critical aerospace and defense systems
  • Implemented a UART-based debug interface to provide visibility into internal hardware states during restricted-access environmental testing
Verilog FPGA

Controls and Electrical Engineering Intern

Musashi AI

Jan 2025 - Apr 2025

Developed and tested PLC-based control systems for automotive AI inspection systems

  • Updated electrical drawings and developed PLC/robot programs for AI automotive inspection machines
  • Upgraded the Automate 2025 tradeshow inspection cell to allow for onboard chatter inspection of automotive camshafts
PLC Solidworks

Electrical Engineering Intern

Martinrea International

Sep 2023 - Dec 2023

Contributed to continuous improvement of automotive assembly lines through AI inspection systems

  • Provided support for the engineering team in the maintainence and improvement of the line
  • Integrated GPIO-triggered serial messaging into the in-house weld inspection system to improve system response time
Python Raspberry Pi

Process Engineering Intern

Stelco - Lake Erie Works

Jan 2023 - Apr 2023

Supported the analysis and optimization of steel manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and workplace safety

  • Provided the operating team at the Hot Strip Mill insight into daily operations through the creation of Microsoft Power BI reports
  • Started the development of a MATLAB and PLC based image analysis program to monitor slag build up on the walls of the BOF
MATLAB Microsoft Power Bi

Technical Skills

A comprehensive overview of my technical capabilities across hardware, software, and engineering tools.

Programming Languages

Verilog/VHDL
Advanced
C/C++
Advanced
Python
Intermediate
TCL
Intermediate
MATLAB
Intermediate

Software & Design Tools

Xilinx Vivado
Advanced
Quartus Prime
Advanced
Altium Designer
Advanced
ModelSim
Intermediate
LTSpice
Intermediate

Hardware Skills

Circuit Design
Advanced
Soldering (SMD/Through-hole)
Advanced
Scope Capture
Advanced
Circuit Simulation
Intermediate
Timing Analysis
Intermediate

Test & Measurement

Oscilloscope
Logic Analyzer
Multimeter
Function Generator
Spectrum Analyzer

Microcontrollers & Boards

Xilinx Spartan FPGA
Altera Max 10 FPGA
STM32
ARM Cortex
Raspberry Pi

Protocols & Interfaces

UART
USB
I2C
JTAG
SPI

Projects

[Project Image - PCB Layout/3D Model - 1200x800px recommended]
STM32 + PCB Design

[STM32 PCB Project Name]

[Description of your STM32-based project with custom PCB design and 3D printed enclosure]

Key Features

  • Custom PCB design with [X]-layer board
  • STM32 microcontroller programming in [language]
  • SolidWorks 3D modeling for enclosure and mechanical parts
  • [Additional feature specific to your project]
STM32 KiCad/Altium SolidWorks C/C++ [Other Tech]
View Code Design Files
[Project Image - Breadboard Prototype/PCB - 1200x800px recommended]
STM32 + PCB Design

[STM32 Prototyping Project Name]

[Description of your STM32 project with breadboard prototyping and final PCB design]

Development Process

  • Initial breadboard prototyping and testing
  • Circuit validation and component selection
  • Custom PCB design and layout
  • [Additional feature specific to your project]
STM32 KiCad/Altium C/C++ [Peripheral/Protocol] [Other Tech]
View Code Schematics
[Project Image - FPGA/Timing Diagram - 1200x800px recommended]
FPGA Design

[FPGA Project Name]

[Description of your FPGA design project including simulation and hardware testing]

Design & Verification

  • HDL design and implementation in [Verilog/VHDL]
  • Simulation and verification using [testbench/tools]
  • Synthesis and deployment to [FPGA board model]
  • Hardware testing and validation on prototype board
Xilinx Vivado Verilog/VHDL [FPGA Board] ModelSim/Simulation [Other Tech]
View HDL Code Documentation

Additional Projects

[PCB/FPGA/STM32]

[Small Project 1]

[Brief description of what this project does and key technologies used]

[Tech 1] [Tech 2]
[PCB/FPGA/STM32]

[Small Project 2]

[Brief description of what this project does and key technologies used]

[Tech 1] [Tech 2]
[PCB/FPGA/STM32]

[Small Project 3]

[Brief description of what this project does and key technologies used]

[Tech 1] [Tech 2]

Portfolio & Resume

Complete Portfolio

Download my full portfolio PDF with detailed project documentation and technical work.

Download Portfolio

Resume

Download my one-page resume with a concise summary of my education, experience, and skills.

Download Resume

Get In Touch

Interested in collaborating or have a question? Feel free to reach out!