Michael Hepfer

Michael Hepfer has worked in a variety of roles in the engineering industry since 2013. From 2013-2015, they were a Summer Robotics Intern at Grandville RoboDawgs, where they built and tested OPEN ROV underwater ROV systems, developed Raspberry Pi-based data logging systems, and built and tested 3D Robotics Quadcopter prototypes. From 2015-2019, they were Co-Founder of Purdue Orbital, where they restructured the organization to achieve growth and diversity goals, and worked with other college organizations to develop a more inclusive organization. In 2016, they were a Mechanical Design Intern at UGo Smoothies. From 2017-2020, they worked at Leo Aerospace and JR Automation. At Leo Aerospace, they conducted industry research and customer interviews to validate market potential and key product design considerations, and organized a supply chain with dozens of suppliers. At JR Automation, they developed and designed equipment, layouts, and subassemblies using Pro-E/Creo CAD, reviewed/red-lined finished designs, participated in quality assurance and manufacturability reviews, and worked with multiple lead engineers on different projects. Michael is currently Lead Integration & Test Engineer and Test Programs Engineer at Second Order Effects, Inc.

Michael Hepfer graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University in 2019. Michael also attended the National Science Foundation - Innovation Corporation in 2017, where they completed a Graduate program in Commercializing a Product and Market Research.