Elisaveta Tikhonova

ABOUT ME

Product Design Engineer with a Mechanical Engineering background and an MSc in Product Design Engineering from the University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art. Experienced in developing products from initial concept through CAD modelling, prototyping, testing and validation, with over five years of hands-on experience using Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks.

Skilled in rapid prototyping, mechanical design and user-centred product development, with practical expertise in 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, electronics integration and workshop fabrication. Delivered projects ranging from consumer product concepts and smart devices to a fixed-wing UAV designed, built and flight-tested from scratch.

Combines strong engineering fundamentals with a creative, iterative approach to innovation, supported by research awards, industrial manufacturing experience and a proven ability to transform ideas into functional products.

SKILLS

CAD & Visualisation:

• Fusion 360
• Autodesk Inventor
• SolidWorks
• 3ds Max
• ZBrush

Prototyping & Fabrication:

• FDM Printing
• SLA Printing
• CNC Machining
• Laser Cutting
• Silicone Casting
• Vacuum Forming

Engineering:

• Product Development
• DFMA
• Tolerance Analysis
• Assembly Design
• Mechanical Design

Electronics:

• Arduino
• Sensor Integration
• PCB Prototyping
• Soldering

PROJECTS

Fixed-Wing UAV Design & Development (Individual Project)

• Designed, built, and flight-tested a fixed-wing UAV from initial concept sketches through final assembly and launch.
• Developed airframe geometry, mechanical architecture and manufacturing strategy using CAD tools.
• Produced and evaluated multiple prototype iterations, identifying and resolving performance issues through testing.
• Integrated sensors, electronics and control systems, including hardware selection, assembly and validation.
• Delivered a successful flight-ready prototype following redesign and iterative development.

Shark FlexStyle Attachment Redesign

• Product Design Engineering MSc | University of Glasgow & Glasgow School of Art
• Conducted human factors research to evaluate usability, ergonomics and safety issues associated with the Shark FlexStyle styling system.
• Performed user testing, interviews and product analysis to identify opportunities for design improvement.
• Developed and evaluated redesign concepts aimed at improving attachment handling, airflow control and user experience.
• Applied user-centred design methods to translate research insights into functional product concepts.
• Produced concept development, design rationale and prototype proposals for a consumer beauty product.

Belt Conveyor Drive System

• Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project
• Designed a complete industrial belt conveyor drive system incorporating a three-stage gear reducer and electric motor.
• Performed engineering calculations including torque transmission, power requirements and component sizing.
• Developed detailed 3D CAD assemblies and engineering documentation.
• Applied mechanical design principles to ensure reliability, manufacturability and efficient power transfer.
• Created a virtual assembly and disassembly workflow for training and maintenance applications.

Smart Adjustable Night Lamp (Team Project)

• Developed an interactive lighting product featuring an adjustable rotating head, taking responsibility for mechanical design, CAD modelling and prototype development.
• Selected sensors, programmed Arduino-based control systems and integrated electronics through soldering, assembly and functional testing.
• Applied user-centred design principles and iterative prototyping to improve usability, functionality and manufacturability of the final product.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Product Development Laboratory Assistant

Peoples ’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) | September 2023 – August 2025

• Supported student and research projects involving rapid prototyping and product development.
• Assisted with operation of 3D printers, CNC equipment, laser cutters and workshop machinery.
• Provided technical guidance on CAD modelling, fabrication methods and prototype testing.
• Contributed to projects involving injection moulding, vacuum forming and silicone casting processes.

Engineering Laboratory Assistant

Peoples ’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) | September 2022 – August 2025

• Assisted in preparation and supervision of engineering practical sessions.
• Supported prototyping, testing and fabrication activities across multiple student projects.
• Maintained workshop equipment and ensured safe operation of fabrication tools.

Mechanical Engineering Intern

CRMZ Manufacturing Plant | 2 internships, 3 months each

• Gained practical experience in manufacturing processes, production workflows and engineering documentation.
• Observed and supported mechanical assembly, fabrication and quality control activities.
• Developed understanding of industrial engineering practices and manufacturability considerations.

EDUCATION

Peoples ’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR)

BSc Design and Technological Support of Machinery Production Industries

Department of Mechanical Engineering | September 2021 – 2025

Peoples ’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR)

BA Translation and Interpreting

Department of Foreign Languages | September 2021 – 2025

Seoul National University (SNU)

BSc Exchange Program (International)

Department of Mechanical Engineering | December 2023 – June 2023

Glasgow School of Art & Glasgow University

MSc Product Design Engineering | September 2025 – Present

AWARDS / PUBLICATIONS

1. Diploma with Honours, Mechanical Engineering
2. 1st Place, Student Research Competition
3. 3rd Place, Student Research Competition
4. Recognition for supporting a national engineering competition for school students
5. Shcherbakov, K., Tikhonova, E. et al. (2024). Investigation of aerosol particle size using sedimentation in distilled water. Nanotechnologies: Development and Application – XXI Century, Issue 4. DOI: 10.18127/j22250980-202404-05