Contact
Email: contact@gabekurfman.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gkurfman
Education
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
August 2022 — May 2026
- Overall GPA: 3.79 / 4.00
- Dean's List & Semester Honors (every semester)
- Minor in Computer Science
Experience
John Deere Reman
Springfield, MO
Manufacturing Engineering Intern
May 2025 — August 2025
- Designed and 3D-printed 115 paint masks for remanufactured engines to replace handmade versions.
- CNC-machined 20 shadow board trays to support 5S workplace organization of the new paint masks.
- Created Operator Method Sheets (OMS) to document the updated masking process.
John Deere Gatorworks
Horicon, WI
Manufacturing Engineering Intern
May 2024 — August 2024
- Audited "touch-for-quality" (TQ) tasks on the Gator production line, eliminating 61 non-value-added TQs and saving 1.77 standard minutes per unit.
- Developed time standards, prepared a feasibility study, and proposed a new floor layout for the addition of a radiator subassembly to the Gator production line.
Gonzalez Companies, LLC
Belleville, IL
Engineering Technician
May 2023 — August 2023
- Led the creation of a UAV land survey program to streamline field data collection.
- Drafted roadways, intersections, storm sewers, and sanitary sewers using AutoCAD.
CAD Technician
June 2020 — August 2022
- Conducted land surveys using Trimble GNSS equipment to support civil engineering projects.
- Drafted roadways, intersections, storm sewers, and sanitary sewers using AutoCAD.
Proficiencies
CAD
- SolidWorks
- Creo
- NX
- Fusion
- AutoCAD
PLM
- Windchill
- Teamcenter
- Aras Innovator
Programming
- C
- C++
- Java
- Python
- MATLAB
- HTML/JS
3D Printing
- Prusa
- Creality
- LulzBot
Machining
- Haas CNC
- FoxAlien Laser
- Manual mill
- Manual lathe
Welding
- SMAW
- GMAW
- FCAW
Extracurriculars
Purdue Space Program - NASA Student Launch Competition
Huntsville, AL
Project Engineer
June 2025 — Current
- Coordinating technical integration between construction, payload, avionics, and R&D sub teams.
- Managing PLM system, part number assignment, and CAD standards.
- Presenting progress reports to NASA engineers during virtual design reviews.
Research & Development Team Lead
June 2024 — May 2025
- Founded R&D team to focus on multi-year projects improving Purdue's competition scores.
- Managed projects including airbrakes, experimental parachute system, and nose cone cameras.
Payload Team Lead
June 2023 — May 2024
- Coordinated and worked alongside 15 student engineers in construction of a deployable quadcopter.
- Led budgeting and decision-making for the 2024 payload quadcopter.
Payload Engineer
August 2022 — May 2023
- Designed camera arm and planetary gearbox components in SolidWorks.
- Facilitated manufacturing and 3D printing of parts.
Purdue Jazz Bands
West Lafayette, IN
Trumpet Player
August 2022 — Current
- Perform in 4 to 8 non-profit jazz concerts per semester