Victor Héliès

Engineering Degree in Vehicle Architecture

ENSTA, Brest (France) - 2023-2026

I am currently studying in the continuous engineering program at ENSTA (formerly ENSTA Bretagne), a French engineering curriculum equivalent to a master’s degree. Throughout the program, I have built a solid foundation in the following areas:

• Finite Element Analysis, structural fatigue, and modal analysis.
• Multibody dynamics, tire modeling, vehicle dynamics, and advanced driver assistance systems.
• Composite and polymer material behavior, metallic alloys and heat treatments, and manufacturing processes.
• Energy systems, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and internal combustion engines.

Beyond coursework, I am involved in the FPV drone student association and the robotics club. These activities strengthen my practical engineering skills, hands-on prototyping experience, and ability to work effectively in a team.

• Proficient in CAD and FEA tools such as CATIA V5, SolidWorks, Abaqus, and OnShape.
• Experienced in modeling physical system behavior with Matlab/Simulink, Siemens Simcenter Amesim, and Python.
• Developed algorithms in C++ for Arduino, and Python. Used Python for multi-agents simulations, user interfaces, and custom-made communications for projects such as a multiplayer videogame.

Master of Automotive Engineering

Czech Technical University, Prague (Czech Republic) - 2025-2026

I'm currently completing this Master’s degree in parallel with my engineering program at ENSTA Bretagne My coursework spans Thermodynamics, Dynamics of Solids, Electrotechnics and Sustainable Mobility. Through this dual curriculum, I’ve developed a strong multidisciplinary foundation in automotive systems, supported by hands-on experience in simulation, control strategy development, and mechanical design. My cursus there includes the following themes:

• Theory of internal combustion engine and thermodynamics, modeling of ICE behavior with the GT-suite using 0D/1D/3D models (1-zone, 2-zones and multizones).
• Power electronics and electric accessories of ICE, AC-motor control systems.
• Mechanical, hydraulical transmissions and hybrid powertrains.
• Multibody vehicle modeling, dynamic modeling of automotive suspension systems, vehicle dynamics.

Preparatory Classes - PSI

Lycée Naval, Brest (France) - 2021-2023

During my Preparatory Classes PSI at the Lycée Naval — a French military-affiliated school — I completed an intensive scientific and technical curriculum that strengthened my foundations in mathematics, physics, litterature and engineering. This period allowed me to gain my first hands-on experience with Python, MATLAB, and SolidWorks, culminating in a numerical simulation project modeling fire propagation in confined environments. Beyond academics, the military environment played a central role in shaping my mindset: through demanding collective activities, I developed strong teamwork and leadership abilities, and cultivated essential qualities such as perseverance, rigor, resilience, and decisiveness — values that continue to guide me in my engineering work.

Craddle design for CAESAR artillery piece

University project · ENSTA 2025 · Abaqus, Catia, Python

The cradle is the structural component connecting the chassis to the artillery barrel on the CAESAR self-propelled gun. This project was carried out by a two-student team under the guidance of engineers from KNDS (Nexter). Our primary challenge was the accurate modelling of welded joints subjected to dynamic and multi-directional loading. Because several aspects of the system are confidential, the report cannot be displayed here.

• Determined load cases value from real-life measurements using Python algorithms including differential equations resolution.
• Designed CAD models of the craddle with real-life assembly constrainsts consideration.
• Performed finite element analysis of welded joints with validation based on FAT90 criteria.
• Conducted fatigue assessment of the design based on Manson–Coffin models following CETIM recommendations.

View available parts of the report on GitHub

Robotization of a BMW 120D gearbox

University project · ENSTA 2024 · Python, OnShape, Catia

This project aimed to convert a manual BMW gearbox into an automated system using actuator-driven gear selection. Our team of four students divided responsibilities, and I was primarily in charge of CAD modelling and python-based simulations.

• Optimization of 0-100kph performance using Python.
• Design of actuators on a simplified gearbox model using OnShape and Catia V5.
• Improving efficiency using engine map based strategies on a Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle.

View report and programs on GitHub

USV launch system

University project · ENSTA 2024 · RDM7, Abaqus, Catia, Python

Designed a launch mechanism for Unmanned Submersible Vehicles (USVs) for Ewan Lebourdais, official photographer of the French Navy, to support underwater photography operations. The design is similar to a crane.

• Performed pre-dimensioning of the structure using RDM7 and defined preliminary load cases.
• Developed CAD models with a strong focus on manufacturability and ease of assembly.
• Modeled joint behaviour and wear mechanisms to ensure long-term reliability in marine environments.
• Evaluated bearing durability according to ISO 281 guidelines.
• Conducted a frequency analysis of the USV support and balancing system to validate operability in Force 4 sea conditions.

View the report on GitHub

Low-hardware 3D-printed fishing reel

Personnal project · 2025 · OnShape, Bambustudio

I designed a fully 3D-printed baitcaster fishing reel in my free time using OnShape, focusing on super easy assembly with wedge-fit parts, a single ballpoint pen compression spring, and practical features like a 4:1 planetary gearset, automatic clutch, and adjustable disc brake; I now sell the files on Cults3D (5€) where they have already generated 60€ in passive income.

• I engineered every part to fit together using simple wedges and only one extra component—a standard ballpoint pen compression spring—so assembly stays clean, intuitive, and stress-free.
• I created a clear assembly guide with a step-by-step tutorial and detailed print settings, helping you tune infill and orientation for better stress resistance on the most loaded parts.
• I optimized the mechanics with a custom 4:1 planetary gearset, an automatic clutch that re-engages when cranking, and an adjustable disc brake, bringing real reel functionality to a fully printable design available on Cults3D (View the 3D-model's page).

View the STL files and assembly guide on GitHub

4k FPV drone

Personnal project · 2025 · OnShape, Bambustudio, CAEplex

I developed a fully custom ultralight drone frame designed to carry standard FPV components and a 4K action camera for event-filming applications. The airframe is compact enough for safe indoor flights yet powerful and stable in outdoor environments. To optimize performance, I used finite element analysis (FEA) to increase structural stiffness and durability while minimizing mass. The final frame weighs 50 g, meeting my design target of <55 g to maximize flight time with dual 550 mAh 1S LiPos, and remaining safely under the 250 g EU regulatory limit. The frame integrates several functional features:

• Thermal-management grid on the top plate, added after diagnosing overheating during a concert shoot.
• Dedicated mount for a RunCam Thumb Pro W 4K camera.
• Clean component layout for motors, flight controller, FPV system, and power distribution.

I built this setup to achieve professional-grade footage at minimal cost (~220€ total compared to nearly 1000€ for commercial alternatives such as the DJI Avata or BetaFPV Pavo Pico). The drone has been flown successfully at events including concerts, fashion shows, hotel venues, and rallies. The video below is a compilation of clips I filmed.

Download the CAD files on GitHub

Supervised Job Application Assistant (AI + Word/Outlook automation)

Personal productivity tool · 2025 · Python, PySide6, OpenAI API, Microsoft Word/Outlook (COM)

I built this program with the help of ChatGPT in order to reduce the daily time I spent sending unsolicited applications (tailoring a resume title/summary/skills, writing a cover letter, exporting PDFs, drafting an email, attaching documents, and tracking who I already contacted). The app keeps a “human-in-the-loop” workflow: it generates company-specific content, lets me review/edit it, produces the PDFs automatically, then drafts (or sends) the email through Outlook, while logging every application to avoid duplicates. I finally gave up on using this project for internship applications because the emails/cover letters seemed too "AI-generated"..

• Supervised workflow (one company at a time): I designed the UI so each application follows the same controlled pipeline : Generate → Review → Approve documents → Approve email, keeping quality high while removing repetitive manual steps.
• Structured AI outputs (reliable automation): The app calls the OpenAI API and requests a strict, schema-validated response (resume title, 3–4 sentence profile summary, exactly 4 skills, cover letter, and cold email), so document generation is deterministic and easy to validate before sending.
• Automated document + email production: Once approved, the tool fills Word templates (resume + cover letter), converts them to PDF, and creates an Outlook draft (or sends) with both attachments, saving time while preserving the exact formatting I want.
• Duplicate-application protection: Every application is recorded in a CSV “database” (company name, email, URL, date, status). If the same company/email appears again, the app warns me and asks whether to continue, preventing accidental double-contacting.

Download the app (zip) on GitHub