Anton Mertens, EIT

Structures RE & Subteam Lead @ Texas Rocket Engineering Lab

About

I’m an aerospace engineering graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin with a mechanical engineering foundation and hands-on experience taking designs from analysis to hardware. I’m motivated by solving hard problems in mission-critical systems and contributing to teams that build, test, and fly real vehicles. I’m currently pursuing an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering and serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Mission and Spacecraft Design, where I guide teams through space-industry-relevant design challenges, technical reviews, and NASA-sponsored competitions. I focus on clear requirements, sound assumptions, and defensible engineering decisions.Previously, I worked as an AeroMechanical Engineering Intern at Anduril Industries, where I designed and fabricated prototypes for unmanned aircraft systems. That role emphasized first-principles thinking, rapid iteration, failure analysis, and close collaboration between design, manufacturing, and test. I’ve also supported product and quality engineering efforts in an automotive environment at BMW, building a strong appreciation for disciplined processes, data-driven decisions, and execution under tight constraints. My technical interests include spacecraft dynamics, defense systems, mission design, and hardware development/testing. I’m comfortable working across the full engineering lifecycle, with experience in MATLAB, SolidWorks, GD&T, manufacturing processes, and hands-on prototyping, including manual machining and fabrication. I’m an Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and I’m actively pursuing opportunities in the space and defense industry where rigor, ownership, and velocity matter - and where engineers are expected to design, build, test, and learn quickly. I’m always open to connecting with engineers and teams building the next generation of space and defense systems.

Country

United States

City

Austin

Industry

Aviation & Aerospace

Skill

Lean Process Improvement, Teaching, Team Mentoring, Root Cause Analysis, Mechanical Assembly, Corrective Actions, Quality Control, Microsoft Excel, Hardware Configuration, Manufacturing Processes, Test Procedures, Transformational Leadership, Interpersonal Communication, Collaborative Learning, Communication, Problem Solving, Dimensioning, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, Design Drawings, Project Management

Experience

Structures RE & Subteam Lead

Texas Rocket Engineering Lab

2026-4 - Present · 6 mos

Austin, TX

• Responsible Engineer for the layout of the TREL's new permanent test pad

Test and Launch Operations Engineer

Texas Rocket Engineering Lab

2026-2 - 2026-4 · 3 mos

Austin, TX

• Support rocket vehicle test and launch campaign preparation, including procedure execution and system readiness verification • Assist with integrated vehicle testing and cross-team coordination across propulsion, avionics, and structures subsystems • Contribute to development and refinement of test procedures, checklists, and operational documentation • Operate in safety-critical environments requiring strict procedural discipline and real-time communication

Graduate Teaching Assistant - Spacecraft/Mission Design

Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin

2025-8 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

Austin, Texas, United States

• Guiding students through the design process in space industry-related projects and contests • Providing feedback on mission proposals, technical reports, and design reviews to improve clarity and rigor • Asking relevant and well-formulated questions to stimulate critical thinking and technical problem-solving

UAV Engineering Capstone Project

University of Georgia College of Engineering

2023-8 - 2024-5 · 10 mos

Athens, Georgia, United States

• Worked with a team of 3 other UGA engineers to create an InForest UAV to survey trees for UGA Precision Forestry.

Aero Mechanical Engineer Intern

Anduril Industries

2023-6 - 2023-8 · 3 mos

Atlanta, GA

• Designed and fabricated prototypes for unmanned aircraft systems, including aircraft drone launchers • Conducted failure analysis and implemented solutions to improve prototype performance, applying first principles physics to optimize design efficiency • Designed testing apparatus from scratch to aid in prototyping

Formula SAE Powertrain Engineer

UGA Motorsports

2021-9 - 2023-6 · 1 yr 10 mos

Athens, GA

Resident Assistant

The University of Georgia

2021-9 - 2023-5 · 1 yr 9 mos

Athens, Georgia, United States

Product and Quality Engineering Intern

Bertrandt Group

2022-5 - 2022-7 · 3 mos

Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, South Carolina Area

• Supported the product and quality engineering team in various tasks • Performed analysis support for automotive OEM pre-series, series and field issues • Developed solutions with ingenuity and innovation • Collected and analyzed of statistical data • Ensured a simultaneous, effective and efficient development and problem-solving process • Collaborated with the engineering team as well as process partners

Bartender

Hospitality South, LLC

2021-4 - 2021-8 · 5 mos

Athens, Georgia, United States

Utilized interpersonal skills while interacting with customers, and successfully handled complaint resolution. This position helped improve multitasking and time management skills.