More About MechLabs AE

MechLabs AE was a highly competitive engineering team that participated in the Professional Category of the Yas in Schools 4x4 in Schools STEM Challenge 2026. The competition tasked teams with designing, manufacturing, and testing a miniature, remote-controlled 4x4 all-terrain vehicle capable of navigating a demanding obstacle course while adhering to stringent technical and regulations frameworks. The campaign culminated in an overall top-6 and terrain challenge 2nd place finish in the Professional Category.

As the Lead CAD Designer, I took full ownership of the vehicle’s mechanical engineering lifecycle. The process was defined by constant iteration, moving from abstract design requirements to a fully realized physical prototype:

• Regulations Compliance: Designed the vehicle's chassis, suspension system, and body shell within tight constraints dictated by the official rules, ensuring the vehicle cleared all geometric and safety scrutinizing checks.
• 3D Modeling & Iteration: Leveraged computer-aided design (CAD) software to model every component of the vehicle. This allowed for precise tolerance planning, virtual assembly checks, and weight-distribution optimization.
• Prototyping & Testing: Translated digital designs into physical components using manufacturing techniques like 3D printing. The physical prototypes underwent physical stress tests to evaluate the structural integrity of the suspension and chassis under high impact.

Simultaneously serving as the team's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), I managed the business and operational side of the project. A high-performing vehicle requires steady funding and strict resource allocation, which I executed through two core pillars:

• Budgeting & Expenditure Tracking: Developed a comprehensive financial plan to manage the lifecycle costs of materials, manufacturing, testing equipment, and marketing collateral. I strictly monitored expenses to ensure zero overruns.
• Sponsorship Acquisition: Drafted corporate pitches and engaged with potential external sponsors to secure the funding and technical resources required to back our engineering ambitions.