Hey there - you made it!
I'm Song, Yunan (sòng yǚ nán 宋雨男), an engineer by day, tech tinkerer by night, full-time car and motorcycle nerd, and part-time (very part-time) YouTuber.
This is my little corner of the internet — welcome to the ride!
Yunan Song
Earth-based engineer (until Mars calls)
PROFESSIONAL / SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
May 2024-Present
Hayward, California
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Full-time
- Working on batteries.
Related links:
Caterpillar news on electrek.co
Caterpillar is putting MASSIVE 240-ton electric haul truck to work in Vale mine
Public Domain Media:
Mar 2022-Dec 2023
Cupertino, California
Senior System Product Design Engineer
Full-time
In my role as front sensor DRI (Design Responsible Individual), I spearheaded the design and integration of four critical sensors within the “Dynamic Island” of the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max, including the front camera, Face ID, proximity, and ambient light sensors. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless performance, integration, and reliability.
Additionally, responsible for antenna design on the 2024 iPhone 16 & 16 Plus, focusing on optimizing signal strength and device performance.
Public Domain Media:
May 2019-Mar 2022
Mountain View, California
Mechanical Engineer II
Full-time
Led the development of critical opto-mechanical components for a Mixed Reality (MR) product, including lenses, heat sinks, and mounting mechanisms. Spearheaded the optimization of the lens stack design for the Heads-Up Display (HUD), focusing on balancing optical performance, manufacturing constraints, and long-term durability. Close collaboration with cross-functional teams ensured seamless integration, addressing challenges in sealing, assembly, and performance.
Played a key role in supporting the establishment of a new production line in Milpitas, California, working closely with the manufacturing team to streamline processes and maintain high-quality production standards.
Related links:
New IVAS technology capabilities with hand-on exercises
Public Domain Media:
Sep 2017-Mar 2019
Santa Clara, California
Mechanical Engineer
Full-time
SERES / Sokon Fisker Motors Inc.
Orchestrated the development of discrete IGBT EV drivetrain inverters, covering a power range from 150 to 400 kW. Responsibilities included the design of key components such as copper bus bars, thermal systems, and die-cast housings. In close collaboration with electrical engineering teams, refined the laminated bus bar design to reduce PWM overshoot and switching noise.
Supported the manufacturing team during the establishment of a new production line in Chongqing, China, overseeing the process from A sample to final C sample. Managed reliability and engineering validation tests, ensuring quality and performance at each stage.
Contributed to the development of six U.S. patents, with additional patents filed in China, advancing the technological foundation of EV drivetrain systems.
Related links:
CNET Coverage of SF5 and SF7 Launch Event. Mar. 2018.
Huawei experience store video【小泽】华为体验店Plus评测：鸿蒙全场景试玩&首次体验华为智选电动车_哔哩哔哩_bilibili.
Public Domain Media:
SEP200 drivetrain:
Production line in Chongqing, China:
Vehicle launch events:
2016-2017
Co-Founder/App Designer & Developer
MetroGate, LLC.
Designed and developed an iOS app for the Shanghai metro system, aiming to enhance commuter experience through intuitive navigation and real-time updates. Led the entire process, from user interface (UI) design to back-end integration, ensuring the app was both user-friendly and efficient. The app features real-time route planning, metro station information, and service alerts, optimizing daily travel for residents and tourists alike.
Collaborated with local teams to integrate up-to-date transit data and ensure accurate, timely information. Focused on seamless functionality across various iOS devices, providing a responsive and reliable experience for users.
App User interface:
May 2016-Sep 2017
La Palma, California
Mechanical Engineer
Full-time
Progressive Suspension&Performance Machine
Evaluated and designed aftermarket shock absorbers and brake components for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, leveraging hand calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), and KeyShot software to refine designs. Collaborated closely with suppliers in Taiwan to ensure quality and precision throughout the development process.
Related links:
Click here to watch 490 Sport Series Shocks Release Video. Oct. 2016.
Click here to watch Progressive Suspension: Inside the Factory.
Aug 2015-Dec 2015
Ontario, California
Mechanical Engineer
Full-time
Contributed to the design and development of innovative baby strollers and infant car seats, focusing on optimizing safety, comfort, and usability. Involved in the entire product lifecycle, from conceptual design to testing, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards and regulations.
Sep 2014-Jun 2015
Davis, California
Engineering Project Lead
University of California, Davis
Led the design and development of a spherical robot prototype, inspired by the BB-8, for UC Davis Engineering School’s showcase at the Bay Area Maker Faire 2015. Directed a team through the full development process, from concept to fabrication, focusing on mobility and user interaction.
Collaborated with faculty and peers to integrate mechanical and electrical systems, highlighting UC Davis' commitment to innovation and hands-on engineering.
Related links:
Click here to watch our media coverage on HACKADAY.com
Sep 2014-Mar 2015
Davis, California
Research Assistant
Contributed to Hyundai's research on regenerative shock absorber., focusing on optimizing energy recovery and system performance. Assisted in data collection, testing, and analysis to support the development of innovative automotive technologies.
Related links:
Final Poster of the project
Aug 2013-Dec 2013
Munich, Germany
Internship during University
Applied additive manufacturing techniques (SLS, SLM, SLA, FDM) to a specialized Rolls-Royce project, contributing to the design and prototyping of high-precision components. Focused on enhancing the production process and optimizing part functionality through advanced 3D printing technologies.
2007-2008
Shanghai, China
High School VEX Robotics Team
VEX Robotics team, 华东师范大学第二附属中学
Led a three-person team to first place in the East China regional competition, and represented the school at the VEX Robotics World Competition in Singapore. While the journey ended there, it fueled my passion for engineering and set the course for my career.
2003-2007
Shanghai, China
Middle School Robotics Enthusiast
Explored robotics through single-chip microcomputers and LEGO, building various robots and competing in numerous robotics competitions. This hands-on experience sparked my passion for engineering and set the foundation for my future career.
EDUCATION
2011-2015
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Davis
Davis, California, USA
2010-2011
High School
Canyonville, Oregon, USA
2007-2010
High School
SKILLS
CATIA,NX,CREO,SOLIDWORKS
Bilingual in English and Mandarin
EXPERTISE
Highlights:
- Mission-first mentality.
- Good communication skills for an engineer :).
- Cross functional knowledge in tech and auto industries.
- DFM: PCBA, injection molding, aluminum die-casting, additive manufacturing (SLS, SLA, SLM), sheet metal, resistance and friction-stir welding, and manufacturing fixture, etc.
- Product design experiences: battery, antenna, sensors, optics, power convertors, brake, and shock absorber etc.
- Software: NX, CREO, CATIA V5, SOLIDWORKS, Teamcenter, Windchill, and MATLAB etc.