Theodore J Frank, BSE, EIT
frankth@alumni.upenn.edu • 407-683-6071 • Orlando, FL • linkedin.com/in/theodore-teddy-frank/
INVENTOR AT HEART, MECHANICAL ENGINEER BY PROFESSION. EXPERIENCED IN ROBOTICS, VR, AI, IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE & MECHATRONICS
A “Disney Dreamer & Doer” finalist with proven leadership and project management experience in fast-paced team environments. I excel at identifying and deconstructing complex problems and applying engineering principles to develop innovative solutions through product development and creative methods. My training in leadership, engineering, and robotics, combined with a deep curiosity about how things work and an entrepreneurial mindset, uniquely positions me to drive excellence in projects across STEM, theme park entertainment, and VR/AR. I am passionate about leveraging both technical expertise and creative vision to help bring themed stories and experiences to life.
INTRO: Passionate Mechanical Engineer with a robust foundation in engineering, robotics, mechatronics, and themed environment integration. Cultivated technical expertise from an early age, including proficiency in Linux and programming languages such as C++, C#, and Python. Proven track record in project management and innovative problem-solving, demonstrated through diverse engineering projects and internships. Earned a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and currently pursuing an MSAS in Themed Environment Integration with an AI Professional Certification from the University of Florida CityLab. Eager to leverage technical skills and experience as a former Disney Dreamer & Doer and cast member to contribute to the development of immersive, high-tech attractions at theme parks.
Pet Peeve: Bad animatronics. Would love to work on project to improve movement and enhance realism in robotics.
Expert in troubleshooting - “It’s a passion”.
Master’s Thesis (in progress) - “AI-DRIVEN PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCES IN THEME PARKS FOR THE SOLO VISITOR” : This pilot study will explore the effectiveness of an AI-Driven Interactive Companion App designed to enhance the theme park experience for solo visitors. By studying current patents used in mechanical iterations of park rides, the app will leverage artificial intelligence to provide personalized ride recommendations, immersive interactive narratives, real-time interaction opportunities, and virtual character engagements that will respond to solo guest interactions.
Although I had taken many courses in robotics and my BSE in Mechanical Engineering, including many on the graduate level while at the University of Pennsylvania, after getting "the Disney bug" during time off from college, I decided to go back to school to get my masters degree through the Architecture Department in Themed Entertainment - anticipated May 2025.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, School of Engineering and Applied Science
PHILADELPHIA, PA
B.S.E., Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics May 2020
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, City Lab, School of Architecture ORLANDO, FL
Masters of Science in Architectural Studies, Themed Enviornment Integration & Professional Certificate in AI , Anticipated MAY 2025
Liscense: ENGINEERING INTERN/EIT, Florida Board of Professional Engineers License 1100027330
SKILLS SOLIDWORKS (EXPERT) • CAD • MECHANICAL SYSTEM MODELING INCLUDING: MATLAB, SIMULINK • SOLIDWORKS FEA/PDM/CAM • FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS INCLUDING ANSYS, COMSOL • AUTOCAD • FMEA • FTA • GD&T • LASER CUTTER • 3D PRINTING • CNC • MANUAL MILL/LATHE • ROBOT OS (ROS) • CIRCUIT DESIGN • LABVIEW • MICROCONTROLLERS (MCU) • SENSOR I/O • C,C++,C# • SHELL SCRIPTING • JAVA • GIT • UNITY • LINUX • PYTHON • REVIT • RHINO • GRASSHOPPER • VS STUDIO CODE • MYSQL • ASTM • FLORIDA BUILDING CODES • MS OFFICE • HIGH LEVELS OF MATH/STATISTICS • FAA REGULATIONS INDUSTRY STANDARDS • PROJECT MANAGEMENT PDM
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
• Innovative problem solver Visionary mindset with a real passion for cutting edge advancements, forward thinking as a person who explores the forefront of technology and what is possible while forging ahead with what may be
• Meticulous project manager Mechanical Engineer & Technical yet adept at overseeing complex solutions with software, mechanical engineering/design, SOLIDWORKS & MatLAB and other various disciplines skills while reviewing and aligning risks vs technology
• Collaborative Communicator Skilled in bridging the technical divide between internal and external stakeholders
• Forward-Thinking Innovator Continuously staying ahead of industry advancements, technological trends and commitment to life-long learning, not hesitant to step in as leader to fill in product gaps or holes in concepts
• Dedicated Researcher & Documentation Solves iteration problems and design process, constantly seeking improvements and meticulously documenting processes
• Adaptability and Comfort with change Thrives in non-routine environments while proactive in problem-solving
• Hard Worker with various adaptable skills in engineering disciplines of mechanical, software, robotics, themed environments, manufacturing design, construction and architectural, mechatronics and proficiency in analytical software, artificial intelligence and self-taught programming languages.
CONSULTING PROJECTS/OTHER
Published Papers: GIVING LIFE TO THE STORM TROOPERS, The Rise of the Resistance
Projects:
-Manatee Free Outdoor Trail Museum: Graduate Studio Project, Tech Director, Feasibility Analyst. Used SolidWorks to test REVIT design of manatee structure including multiple iterations.
-Developed NFC-Enabled Prototype glove for interactive museums, used NFC module and programmed microcontroller.
-Spatial Patterns of Urban Green Spaces & Population Density: “A SOM Exploration” Used Python to explore satellite imagery.
Consulting:
-Electronics Enclosure designed enclosure for electronics for flight controller.
-Designed/Created CAD designs for robotic manufacturing, focusing on a specialized enclosure for real pulse technology
-Designed: Mirror Me Project being used for a retailer using hardware and software with a façade that’s created for the use of checkout thereby increasing in-store sales
WORK EXPERIENCE
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO INTERNSHIP GLOBAL ATTRACTION PROGRAM - ENGINEERING JANUARY - MAY 2025
• Spring 25’ (Under NDA) Emphasis on scope development and technical support, developed scopes of work for various projects and assisted engineers in redesign, development, and testing of mechanical, show, and ride controls. Performed engineering calculations for safety compliance in accordance with F24 and other standards; participated in Factory Acceptance Testing (FATs) to support large-scale projects aimed at extending the lifespan of attractions. Developed innovative tools and comprehensive Excel models to streamline methodologies, with detailed approaches and strategies subsequently presented to key team members at the request of management, including at all Universal locations worldwide, including Japan, with additional excel solutions presented to the presidents of two different divisions.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO INTERNSHIP ENGINEERING & SAFETY, ANALYSIS/TESTING SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2024
• Fall 24’ (Under NDA) Emphasis on programmable machines (robots, animatronics-NDA) at EPIC. Executed test plans for show equipment, as well as analysis: (mechanical analysis and machine design) Construction site visits, dealt with vendors, contractors, ensured accurate and detailed CAD drawings and documentation; Created several Python scripts to automate testing procedures, increasing safety efficiency. Collect and analysis data using Dewesoft, including data acquisition devices such as strain gages, accelerometers, wrote data visualization tools in MATLAB. • Programs & Tools: 6 Sigma, Dewesoft, strain gages, Dytran accelerometers, SolidWorks, 3-D Printing and Python, MATLAB, ExcelADAU AQUATIC ENGINEERING MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER
1 year May 2023 - April 2024
As Project Manager Coordinate with physical location, vendors, contractors, correct and review CAD drawings and send to PE for final approval; involved with cleaning up and organizing records, restructuring file system for better efficiency, Managed 7-13 projects simultaneously, coordinated with physical location, vendors, contractors, ensuring accurate and detailed CAD drawings and send to PE for final approval; Programs Used: SolidWorks, 2D CAD, 3D CAD, Revit
As Mechanical Engineer involved with multiple construction and architectural projects and responsibilities as follows: Preparing bids, creating initial designs, reviewing project plans, proposing budgets, determining equipment requirements, responding to RFI’s, hazard and equipment analysis, troubleshooting and calculations, and as the technical lead for the draftsmen on projects of $100k or higher. •
PEGEEN ENGINEERING LEAD & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
3 Years, 9 Months June 2020 – March 2024
• Built a First-in-Industry, custom “dressing room” web app in Unity, with which customers can construct a customized flower girl dress from a palette of individually priced styles, options and colors;
• Project Managed all company production and design issues including BOM, connected employees and subcontractors working in five locations across nine time zones, migrating the company’s physical network setup to the cloud, inventory management, overseeing visual documentation
• Ongoing project, analyzing customer purchasing trends to develop new product and costume lines;
• Designed and built a magic mirror which is going to be used in the storefront;
• Using SOLIDWORKS created and designed stage assets & structures for stage productions. Preparing Patents for filing;
• Managed development of new site, coordinating between staff (for SEO and web development) and vendors to conceive, update, design and deliver within budget;
• Oversaw remote developers and artists creating 3D assets for Unity game project;
• Led ongoing development of VR store and preparing for a 3rd quarter 2023 launch;
• Wrote EIDL loan applications garnering a personal compliment by the SBA Director; included in packet was a critical 11-page cash flow analysis in packet
LEAD’AIR, HARDW’AIR INC ENGINEERING ASSISTANT
4 months May-Aug 2019
• Designed company's enclosure box for electronic boards for flight controller still in use today
•
Engineered and created CAD models using SOLIDWORKS; maintained existing CAD database; reviewed compliance of machined parts; constructed CAD assemblies and generated relevant BOM; tested, troubleshoot & developed assemblies & parts
• Contributed to all stages of a product life cycle, including sourcing and pricing hardware; rapid prototyping; working with machinists to refine proper fit; ensuring proper assembly; packaging of finished products; servicing existing customer units
• Provided software update recommendations to company to modernize outdated software systems based on cost analysis, then produced a SOP manual to allow existing employees to more readily transfer existing skillset into new edition of software; Recommended and Implemented PDM Software, implementing and training of the software to streamline operations.
• Ensured all safety requirements by the FAA and regulatory boards are met ensuring that parts can be produced safely
LEAD’AIR, INC ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP
4 months May-Aug 2018
• Provided support to lead engineer in day to day responsibilities
• Reviewed CAD models using SOLIDWORKS, analyzed and corrected engineering drawings, tested and refined machined parts
WALT DISNEY COMPANY ATTRACTIONS CAST MEMBER
16 months Apr-Sept 2016 & Mar-Dec 2017
COURSEWORK
UNDERGRADUATE (IN ADDITION TO ALL REQUIRED ABET M.E.COURSES): STATISTICS • ANALYTICS STATISTICS • LINEAR ALGEBRA • STATISTICS • CHINESE • CALCULUS 3 • MECHATRONIC SYSTEM CONTROLS • MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
GRADUATE – ENGINEERING: INTRO TO ROBOTICS • DESIGN OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS• PERFORMANCE, STABILITY & CONTROLS OF UAVS • CODING AND COMPUTATIONS • FABRICATION & EXECUTION • AI IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS
GRADUATE - ARCHITECTURE/THEMED ENTERTAINMENT: PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STUDIO • INTRODUCTION TO THEMED ENVIRONMENTS • DESIGN & DOCUMENTATION (ENTERTAINMENT ENGINEERING) • DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS FOR THEMED ENVIRONMENTS • FABRICATION AND EXECUTION
PERSONAL & ASSOCIATIONS
• IAAPA, The Global Association for the Attractions Industry
• TEA NextGen, Themed Entertainment Association, NextGen
• SAAST Robotics Program, UPenn, A competitive summer program to explore Engineering at the college level & college credit
• Founded “A Flood of Books”, collecting books for at risk libraries
• Founded IPAD Initiative
• USGA Jr Champion, Tramp & Tumble
• National Merit Semi Finalist
• Duke TIP Program
• Disney Dreamer And Doer
REFERENCES UPON REQUEST