Cristian Eduardo Puerto Santana, PhD

Railway Engineer at InspectRail

Greater San Sebastian Area

About

I am a Colombian-Spanish R&D Engineer and recent PhD graduate specializing in the monitoring, dynamic analysis, and fault detection of complex electromechanical and structural systems. With dual degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and a doctorate in Automatic Control, Robotics, and Vision, I bridge the gap between advanced mathematical modeling and practical industrial applications. Throughout my career in both academic and industrial settings, I have focused on developing data-driven algorithms and model-based solutions to understand mechanical vibrations and ensure the reliability of industrial and structural machinery. Currently, I apply these methodologies to the railway sector, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of rail networks through advanced vibration analysis. Core Expertise: - Mechanical & Electrical Engineering: Rotodynamics, power electronics, and electromechanical system integration. - Signal Processing & Data Analysis: Development of data-driven algorithms for fault detection, current signature analysis, and mechanical unbalance monitoring. - Advanced Modeling: System identification, probabilistic modeling, stochastic process analysis, and spatial geometry for dynamic systems. - Industrial R&D: Translating academic research into deployable industrial solutions (IIoT, structural monitoring, railway infrastructure). Career Highlights: - Railway Engineer at Inspectrail (2026–Present): Monitoring rail track health and structural integrity using mechanical vibration analysis in San Sebastián, Spain. - Industrial PhD at UPC & R&D Engineer at Aingura IIoT (2019–2025): Developed automatic detection methodologies for transient time regimes in dynamical systems. - Early Career & Education: Master's in Automation from the University of Deusto; Dual Bachelor's in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Universidad de los Andes. Proud contributor to the ROBOCOL Mars rover team (4th place, ERC 2016).

Experience

  • Railway Engineer at InspectRail
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • R&D Engineer at Aingura IIoT
    Feb 2019 - Apr 2026 · 7 yrs 3 mos

    - Design of solutions for the monitoring of industrial processes through the use of systems identification techniques, signal processing, and machine learning approaches. - Develop algorithms oriented to the analysis and monitoring of electro-mechanical systems to improve their overall performance and reliability. -Design and implementation of algorithms for online structural health monitoring of structural mechanical systems such as bridges and rail tracks.

  • R&D Engineer at IKERGUNE AIE
    Feb 2019 - Apr 2026 · 7 yrs 3 mos

  • Project Engineer at PM Tec Engineering
    Jun 2015 - Mar 2018 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    - Design, analysis and evaluation of static and dynamic multi-physics simulation with finite elements analysis for mechanical systems. - Mount and instrumentation of electronic devices for the sensoring of dynamic systems.

  • Project Engineer at Etxe-Tar,S.A.
    May 2015 - Jun 2016 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Create solutions for automatic mechanical unbalance detection and correction in crankshaft production lines