John
Whitbread

I am a

Mechanical engineering student at Ontario Tech, minoring in nuclear.

Selected Work Get in Touch
Selected work
01 In progress · Target: October 2026

Natural-Circulation Loop Model: BWRX-300-Representative SMR

I'm building a steady-state model of how coolant circulates through a pump-free boiling water SMR, based on public BWRX-300 design data. It predicts core flow, steam quality and chimney void fraction across reactor power, and I'm documenting it as a formal engineering calculation with independent review.

Educational project based on publicly available information. Not affiliated with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy or Ontario Power Generation.

FocusThermal-hydraulicsTwo-phase flowNuclear
ToolsPython
View project
02 In progress · Started September 2026

Autonomous Multi-Drone Formation Flight

I'm writing software that lets three drones fly together in formation on their own. If one drone drops out mid-flight, the other two notice, rearrange themselves, and finish the mission.

Every flight is tested in a simulator before real hardware, and each change is measured: how evenly the drones hold their spacing, how fast they notice a lost drone, and how quickly they regroup.

FocusAutonomyDronesFlight Software
ToolsPythonPX4MAVLink
View project
03 Jul 2025 – Nov 2025 · VR Mechanical Solutions

SubmitALL – Shop Drawing Workflow Packager

A Windows-based Python desktop app that packages mechanical shop drawings for consultant submission. It builds title pages and divider tabs from Word templates, imports shop PDFs with drag-and-drop tab placement in a live previewer, and exports a single, clean Package.pdf.

Cut packaging time from 30–60 minutes to 3–8 minutes per package, with consistent branding, structure and page order, and fewer resubmittals thanks to placeholder-driven templates.

RoleDeveloper
ToolsPythonWord (DOCX)PDF
FeaturesLive PDF PreviewDrag-and-Drop TabsUndo HistoryDark Mode
View project
04 Feb 2025 – Mar 2025 · VR Mechanical Solutions

Lunch & Learn: Hydraulic Loops, Accessories & Pumping Arrangements

Developed and presented a hybrid Lunch & Learn, along with a mechanical design engineer (P.Eng.), for the Engineering and Construction teams (30 people) on top of my regular internship work. Covered hydronic fundamentals, loop design and reverse return, hydraulic separation and buffer tanks, variable vs. constant flow, and primary/secondary/tertiary circuit behavior.

Strengthened internal technical knowledge-sharing while building my ability to communicate mechanical design concepts clearly across multidisciplinary teams.

RolePresenter
TopicsHydronic SystemsPumping SystemsHVAC
View project
Title slide of the Lunch & Learn: Hydraulic Loops, Accessories & Pumping Arrangements
05

Engineering Computation & Automation

Python and Excel VBA tooling for flow calculations (Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-Williams), equipment sizing, lifecycle cost analysis, and QA/QC tracking across multi-discipline project teams.

Automated data pipelines reduced manual review time and improved centralized document control accuracy.

RoleDeveloperData Analyst
ToolsPythonExcel VBAC++Lucidchart
What I focus on
Nuclear Systems
Learning how reactors work, from the physics up.
Mechanical Design
Moving water, air and heat where they need to go.
BIM & Coordination
Catching problems on screen, not on site.
Engineering Computation
Writing code so the math does itself.
A bit about me

The journey
is the
reward.

I'm a mechanical engineering student at Ontario Tech, minoring in Nuclear Technology. My work sits somewhere between design, code and hands-on building.

As a mechanical design intern, I sized pumps, pipes and AHUs, worked on HVAC and piping design, coordinated BIM models in Revit and Navisworks, reviewed shop drawings, and gave a Lunch & Learn on hydronic systems.

I also write software to cut out repetitive work. I built SubmitALL, a Python desktop app that took shop drawing packaging from up to an hour down to a few minutes, and I've published a Garmin watch widget.

I model in SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Revit.

In nuclear, I'm on the Fuel Handling team of the Ontario Tech Nuclear Engineering Team, building an SMR natural-circulation model, and working through MIT's nuclear courses and CanTeach's CANDU material.

I speak English and French (DELF B1) and hold Procore certifications as a BIM Manager, Engineer and Project Manager.

Where I've worked
2026 – Present
Ontario Tech Nuclear Engineering Team
Member – Fuel Handling Team
Designing and building a scaled-down CANDU Fuel Handling Machine, the system that remotely loads new fuel bundles into the reactor and removes used bundles from the fuel channels, to demonstrate the key mechanical and control principles of the real machine.
  • Create and modify components in CAD.
  • Build and integrate mechanical and electrical components: motion systems, gripping and positioning mechanisms, structure, motors and actuators, and controls.
  • Test alignment, movement, and fuel-transfer functions, then refine the prototype for safety, accuracy, and reliability.
CANDUMechatronicsCAD
May 2024 – Jan 2026
VR Mechanical Solutions
Mechanical Design Engineering Intern
  • Performed flow calculations (Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-Williams) and equipment sizing (pumps, pipes, AHUs) for commercial, educational, data center, pharmaceutical, and industrial projects.
  • Applied heat transfer and HVAC strategies (hot/cold aisle containment, liquid cooling, free cooling) per ASHRAE TC 9.9 to improve data center efficiency.
  • Aided in designing hydronic, sanitary, steam, and process piping systems per ASHRAE, NFPA, ASME B31.3, API 570, and ASME Section III.
  • Coordinated and participated in multi-discipline BIM exercises in Revit and Navisworks: clash detection, model accuracy, and quantity take-offs.
  • Supported project management with lifecycle cost analyses, vendor proposal reviews, and bid leveling for major equipment (boilers, pumps, economizers, deaerators).
  • Validated pharmaceutical and process system designs against P&IDs, checking instrumentation (ANSI/ISA 5.1) and piping layouts for critical utilities.
  • Maintained centralized project data (Excel, Lucidchart), QA/QC checklists, shop drawing reviews, and RFI tracking.
PipingHVACBIMCost Analysis
May 2023 – Sept 2023
Town of Whitby
Crew Leader, Summer Student – Parks Maintenance
Managed a crew of 7 summer students caring for about 840 acres of parkland: 125 parks and 75+ km of trails. Directed inspections, repairs, and enhancements to park amenities, maintained furniture, play equipment, fencing, walkways, and signage using tools and heavy machinery, and worked with residents to direct resources where each park needed them.
LeadershipOperations
2021 – 2022
WindReach Farms
Assistant Groundskeeper & Head Weekend Maintainer
Led mechanical and building-related maintenance across 105 acres of farm grounds and structures. Operated tractors, gators, and trucks, and worked with sandblasting, automotive, woodwork, MIG welding, sheet metal, and powered hand tools.
MechanicalFabrication
2020
Hossack & Associates Architects
High School Architecture Co-op – 5 Months
Worked under an Associate with 30 years of experience. Designed and revised drawings and renderings, researched materials and construction costs, and built study models in AutoCAD and SketchUp, from concept through final design.
AutoCADArchitecture
What I'm learning
Anticipated 2027
Ontario Tech University
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering · Minor in Nuclear Technology
Relevant coursework: Nuclear Engineering Fundamentals (NUCL 2240U), Nuclear Plant Operation (NUCL 4640U, in progress).
Oshawa, ON
Beyond the classroom
CanTeach – CANDU Technology
Self-directed · Ongoing
  • CANDU Fuel Management CourseBen Rouben
  • Design of CANDU ReactorsSession 5 – Design of Fuel Channels
  • The Essential CANDUWm. J. Garland – Ch. 6 Thermal-Hydraulic Design, Ch. 8 Nuclear Plant Systems, Ch. 10 Instrumentation & Control, Ch. 20 Fuel Handling & Storage
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Remote learning · Aug 2024
  • MIT 22.02Introduction to Applied Nuclear Physics
  • MIT 22.05Neutron Science and Reactor Physics
EEP – Electrical Engineering Portal
Remote learning · Sept 2024 – Ongoing
  • Ultimate Electric Circuits Course for Electrical Engineers
  • PLC Ladder ProgrammingLogixPro Simulator
  • Power EngineeringGenerators, transformers, and transmission lines
What I bring
Nuclear
Reactor PhysicsOpenMC Monte CarloNuclear Power Plants & SafetyPlant Operation
Piping & Codes
ASME B31.1 / B31.3ASME Section IIIAPI 570NFPAP&IDANSI/ISA 5.1
HVAC & Thermal
Flow CalculationsEquipment SizingAHU SizingChilled / Hot Water & GlycolASHRAE 90.1ASHRAE TC 9.9
Instrumentation & Controls
Pressure / Level MeasurementPLC (Ladder Logic)
Design & BIM Software
SolidWorksRevit (incl. Families)NavisworksAutoCADSketchUpBluebeamProcoreLucidchart
Programming
PythonC++FortranExcel VBA
Project & Documentation
Project SchedulingTechnical DocumentationLifecycle Cost AnalysisBid LevelingShop Drawing ReviewRFI TrackingQA/QC
Hands-On & Languages
MIG WeldingSheet MetalMachining & Auto Shop ToolsHeavy EquipmentEnglishFrench (DELF B1)
Certifications & awards
Engineering & Technical
  • Procore Certified: BIM Manager
    Procore Technologies · Jul 2024
    Credential ID 2hpf7otmfcgb
  • Procore Certified: Engineer
    Procore Technologies · Jul 2024
    Credential ID 7szpiqrv2sc2
  • Procore Certified: Project Manager
    Procore Technologies · May 2024
    Credential ID evaqypogxhvi
  • AutoPIPE: The Complete Piping Stress Analysis Course
    Udemy · Sep 2024
  • Nuclear Facility Design Consideration (NUC-115)
    Engineering PDH · Dec 2024
Safety
  • Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
    Government of Ontario · Mar 2024
  • First Aid and CPR
    Red Cross · Current
  • National Lifeguard Association (NLS) Qualification
    Red Cross · Current
  • Canadian Red Cross Lifeguard Certificate
    Red Cross · Jul 2023
Language & Awards
  • Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF), Level B1
    Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse · Jul 2022
  • Martha Beale Memorial Junior Award

Let's build something.

mi6vuxhall@gmail.com LinkedIn GitHub +1 289-688-8149

© 2026 John Whitbread

Designed and built in Oshawa, Ontario ●