Alicia Sim

Mechanical Design Engineer at PDV Consultants | Founder, She’s Got Lasers

Greater Hamilton Area

About

Mechanical & Robotics Engineer passionate about making engineering accessible. From lab safety to STEM kits and community installations, I bring ideas to life through hands-on innovation. I’m a mechanical and robotics engineer who thrives at the intersection of engineering, education, and creativity. With a BE(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and a ME in Robotics, I bring technical expertise together with a passion for making engineering accessible, safe, and inspiring. At the University of Waikato School of Engineering, I serve as a Technical Officer and Lead Health & Safety Supervisor, where I: Oversee laboratory safety and compliance (induction programs, hazard management, documentation). Design and fabricate custom lab equipment to support 300–500 level courses and postgraduate research. Mentor students in CAD, fabrication, and prototyping, helping them bring ideas to life. Beyond my formal role, I’ve stepped up as the Engineering Outreach Technical Lead — designing and delivering hands-on STEM programs that reach thousands of students across New Zealand. I’ve created 10+ outreach kits (including ChemEcars, mechanical iris boxes, and interactive candy dispensers), built large-scale public installations (a 2m rainbow LED Christmas tree, a 4×10m wall art piece, and murals), and led workshops that ignite curiosity and confidence in future engineers. I’m also the founder of She’s Got Lasers, an EdTech venture that produces creative, laser-cut STEM kits (“Zapp Kits”) for classrooms, families, and makers. Each kit blends engineering principles with playful design, giving learners the joy of building something functional with their own hands. What drives me: making engineering tangible, engaging, and safe — whether in a university lab, a classroom, or a community space.

Experience

  • Mechanical Design Engineer at PDV Consultants
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

  • Founder, Director at She's Got Lasers
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

    Founded a STEM EdTech venture producing hands-on, laser-cut STEM kits (“Zapp Kits”) for classrooms, families, and makers. Developed a portfolio of 4+ kits (mechanical iris boxes, candy dispensers, fantasy chests, book drawers), each designed to teach mechanical principles through engaging, screen-free builds. Built the Zapp Universe brand — from packaging and product design to e-commerce and marketing collateral.

  • The University of Waikato (5 yrs 8 mos)
    • Engineering Outreach Technical Lead
      Nov 2023 - Oct 2025 · 2 yrs

      (in addition to Technical Officer role) Designed and built 10+ STEM outreach kits (ChemEcars, mechanical iris boxes, desktop candy dispensers, handheld fan, metal detector, Christmas LED ornament, Waikato Warbots) used in outreach and engagement activities. Supported and delivered outreach events, engaging 1,000+ high school students with interactive engineering experiences through kits and demonstrations. Created large-scale public builds including a 2m rainbow LED Christmas tree, and a 4×10m wall art installation, blending engineering with art to promote STEM visibility. Collaborated with educators and academics to align outreach kits with the school's current teaching requirements. Extended the university’s STEM reputation by representing the School of Engineering at regional and national outreach programs.

    • Mechanical Engineering Technical Officer
      May 2023 - Oct 2025 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Lead Health & Safety Supervisor for two mechanical/robotics lab spaces, managing hazard registers, inductions, compliance documentation, and emergency procedures. Developed and delivered induction training (presentations, quizzes, and in-person sessions) for 300+ staff and students annually, ensuring safe and compliant laboratory practice. Authored and maintained health & safety documents including SOPs, risk assessments, and hazard management plans. Designed and fabricated custom lab equipment and prototypes to support 200–500 level courses and postgraduate research, improving hands-on teaching and experimentation. Supported teaching delivery for 300-level and 500-level courses: Procured and managed parts inventory for student projects. Designed and modified competition tracks and lab setups. Oversaw weekly build sessions, CAD workshops, and prototyping labs. Coordinated final events (Engineering Design Show), managing equipment, logistics, and student teams. Contributed to marking and assessment of student work. Taught students design thinking, product development, prototyping, manufacturing, and business planning as part of course activities. Provided technical mentorship in CAD, fabrication, and prototyping to undergraduate and postgraduate students, including supervision of capstone and research projects. Oversaw operations for two key teaching and research labs, including equipment maintenance, safe use, and availability.

    • Technical Officer - Mechatronics
      Sep 2021 - Mar 2025 · 3 yrs 7 mos

  • Small Business Owner at Alicia Sim Artistry
    Sep 2013 - Sep 2021 · 8 yrs 1 mo

    Face Painter, Body Painter, Makeup Artist

  • Summer Intern at Robotics Plus Ltd
    Nov 2019 - Mar 2020 · 5 mos

    3rd Year BE Mechanical Students working as a summer intern at Robotics Plus Ltd. - Managed and led the other interns to convert the existing laboratory to parts storage and upgrade the inventory labelling system. The result has reduced employees' overall downtime trying to locate consumables by 75% and saved the company thousands of dollars from misplacing high-value parts. - Research and Development of a plastic injection mouldable conveyor chain link. The completed parts are estimated to reduce assembly time by 80% and improve the end user's experience. - Led the project of upgrading an existing tandem trailer from GVM of 2000kg to 3000kg, including meeting the NZ transport regulations and identifying the critical path to complete the upgrade within a short time frame.