Nathaniel ParaisoMechanical Engineering

About

Engineering student, car person

I’m studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Mechanical at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, and expect to graduate in 2028. Here’s the background, the coursework and the work that sits behind the projects.

Cars are a big part of why I got into engineering. A lot of different mechanical systems have to fit into one package, and the whole thing still has to perform, last and be practical to service.

I enjoy taking an idea from early sketches through to a 3D model, technical drawings and, where the brief calls for it, the analysis behind it. At uni that’s meant steel structures checked to Australian Standards, thermodynamics labs reported down to their uncertainty, and product design from concept screening to CAD. Outside of it, I model things in Fusion just to see how they go together.

I’ve also spent time on the practical side. At a Geelong dealership I ran pre-delivery inspections on new cars to the manufacturers’ checklists, and before that I spent a year at Supercheap Auto matching parts to customers’ cars and fitting batteries. Now I’m part of the mechanical team on the Deakin University Solar Team. I’m especially interested in vehicle systems, packaging, and where hydrogen and renewable energy take mechanical engineering next.

Studying
B.Eng (Hons) Mechanical, Deakin University
Graduating
2028 (expected)
Team
Deakin University Solar Team (mechanical)
Based in
Geelong, Victoria
LinkedIn
in/nathanielparaiso
Résumé
Download PDF

01Coursework

Where I’m up to

The mechanical major of Deakin’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): what’s done, what’s in progress and what’s still to come.

13 completed or credited6 in progress6 to go

Completed

7 credited (RPL) · 3 completed

  • SEB101Engineering Physics
  • SET111Sustainable Design
  • SEJ103Materials Engineering Project
  • SEJ104Engineering in Society
  • SEP105Intro to Programming for Engineers
  • SIT190Functions, Relations & Graphs
  • SIT194Intro to Mathematical Modelling
  • SEM200Machine Design
  • SEP291Engineering Modelling
  • SIT199Applied Algebra & Statistics

2026

Trimester 2 · completed

  • SEJ201Structural Design
  • SEM202Thermodynamics
  • SEM216Stress & Failure Analysis

2027

Trimesters 1–2 · in progress

  • SED344Product Modelling & Design(in progress)
  • SEM302Advanced Stress Analysis(in progress)
  • SEM218Fluid Mechanics(in progress)
  • SEJ302Control Systems Engineering(in progress)
  • SEM310Thermo-Fluid Systems(in progress)
  • SEM327Dynamics of Machines(in progress)

2028

Trimesters 1–2

  • SEJ441Engineering Project A
  • SEM400Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • SEM313Manufacturing
  • SEJ446Engineering Project B
  • SEL703Professional Practice
  • —Elective

02Experience

Work & teams

  1. 2026 – now

    Mechanical team member

    Deakin University Solar Team · Waurn Ponds, VIC

    I attend the mechanical design reviews for the team’s solar car, covering packaging, component integration and engineering trade-offs.

  2. Mar – Aug 2026

    Pre-delivery technician & detailer

    Blood Motor Group · Smiths of Geelong · Geelong, VIC

    I ran pre-delivery inspections on new GWM, GMSV and Suzuki vehicles to the manufacturers’ checklists: suspension, fluid leaks, vehicle functions and supplied equipment like the jack and tool kit. I reported defects and damage to the workshop and worked with dealership staff so vehicles were ready for their scheduled customer handover.

  3. Dec 2025 – Feb 2026

    Vehicle detailer

    Blood Motor Group · Smiths of Geelong · Geelong, VIC

    I detailed new passenger cars, SUVs and utes to the dealership’s presentation standard.

  4. Mar 2025 – now

    Merchandiser

    Tip Top · Geelong, VIC

    I manage stock rotation, replenishment and merchandising on my own across a run of stores from Newtown to Torquay, and keep availability and stock records accurate.

  5. Jul 2023 – Jul 2024

    Team member

    Supercheap Auto · Queanbeyan East, NSW

    I advised customers on parts, accessories and maintenance products and matched them to their vehicles, fitted batteries and wiper blades, and looked after stock and displays.

Earlier Kitchen crew & delivery driver, Kingsley’s Chicken (2022) · Crew member, McDonald’s (2021)

03Education

Study

  1. 2025 – 2028 (expected)

    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Mechanical

    Deakin University · Waurn Ponds, VIC

    Relevant coursework: thermodynamics, stress and failure analysis, structural design, materials, engineering mechanics, CAD and engineering mathematics.

  2. Completed

    Secondary education

    Canberra College · Canberra, ACT

Licences & languages

Driver’s licence
Full Victorian licence
White Card
Construction Induction, MBA Group Training (2022)
Languages
English and Filipino/Tagalog, both fluent

04Toolkit

Software & skills

01

CAD & design

  • Autodesk FusionProficient
  • Rhinoceros 3DProficient
  • CATIAWorking knowledge
  • Autodesk RevitWorking knowledge
  • SketchUp & Blender
  • Hand sketching & orthographic drawing

02

Analysis & programming

  • SPACE GASS
  • AS 4100 steel design
  • Design loads: AS/NZS 1170.2 wind, AS 5100.2 collision
  • ANSYSCoursework
  • C & C++Coursework
  • Microsoft Excel

03

Hands-on

  • Vehicle inspection & fault reporting
  • Hand tools & mechanical assembly
  • Battery & wiper fitment
  • Modifying my own car
  • PC building (mine and friends’)

04

Lab & documentation

  • Technical reports
  • Uncertainty analysis (GUM)
  • Energy balances & cycle analysis
  • Word & PowerPoint
  • Adobe InDesign

05Outside engineering

When I’m not studying

Mostly cars and motorsport, sim racing and getting outdoors. I also like building things, and I’ve put together PCs for myself and my mates.

  • Automotive engineering & motorsport
  • Hydrogen & renewable energy
  • Sim racing
  • 3D modelling
  • Building PCs
  • Bushwalking
  • Running
  • Gym