QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD (2022)
- MSc Mech Eng (2016)
- BSc Mech Eng (2013)
SOFTWARE
Mechanical CAD Software
- CATIA (Dassault)
- Fusion (Autodesk)
- Inventor (Autodesk)
- NX (Siemens)
- OnShape (PTC)
- SolidWorks (Dassault)
- Spaceclaim (Ansys)
Architectural / Structure CAD Software
- Revit (Autodesk)
PDM/PLM Software
- Inventor Vault (Autodesk)
- SolidWorks PDM (Dassault)
Analysis Tools
- ABAQUS (Dassault)
- ANSYS Fluent
- ANSYS Mechanical
- ANSYS Workbench
- COMSOL Multiphysics
- Excel (for numerical method analysis)
- MathCAD
- Nastran/ Patran
- OpenFOAM
- Siemens Simcenter (NASTRAN)
- SolidWorks Simulation
- Visual Analysis
ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES
- Ukrainian – Native/Bilingual proficiency
- Russian – Native/Bilingual proficiency
- English – Full Professional proficiency
- Chinese – Limited Working proficiency
Illia Chyrva
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Skills Overview
Illia is a skilled mechanical and aerospace engineer with expertise in UAV engineering and advanced techniques including CFD, particle flow, FEM, non-linear analysis, and structural calculations. He’s a skilled problem solver and strives to work closely with clients to solve their engineering problems and get projects completed on time and in budget. Illia’s passion for aviation fuels his creativity in engineering; he has his Private Pilot and paragliding licenses.
- AEROSPACEĀ – Previous experience in leading the projects in large unmanned drone design, including significant research & development.
- ADVANCED AERODYNAMICS – PhD in flow analysis for drone propellers. Particle tracking in the velocity field.
- LIGHTWEIGHT TRANSMISSION DESIGN – Experience in the design of lightweight energy transfer system for aerospace industry.
- STRUCTURAL & FAILURE ANALYSIS – Experience in structural analysis of civil structure, aerospace structures. Structural optimisation.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I’ve devoted myself to the specialised fields of mechanical design and aerospace engineering. My expertise spans UAV engineering and complex techniques such as CFD, particle flow, FEM, non-linear analysis, and structural calculations.
My promise to clients is more than a motto; it’s my professional pledge: I’ll resolve your engineering challenges. I stand by my word to complete projects and fulfill commitments, no matter the obstacles.
My love for engineering is only matched by my passion for aviation. With a freshly earned Private Pilot License and a paragliding license, I find joy and inspiration soaring through the skies. These aerial adventures fuel my creativity and have led to countless thrilling stories.
Project Experience

Mechanical Design Engineer
Lead the mechanical design and development of heavy unmanned helicopter drones, ensuring industry standards and requirements were met. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create innovative and efficient drone designs, overseeing the manufacturing process, and conducting thorough product testing for functionality and reliability. Sourced components and materials.
ROYALPLAY LLC
Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager
Working in China. Led a team in designing and developing heavy-lift UAVs and fixed wing UAVs with solid oxide fuel cells. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate UAV components. Conducted thorough research and analysis to optimize design solutions and performance.
PROTOTYPING & MANUFACTURING
I have experience building prototypes and using various manufacturing techniques. I learned to program CNC mills, laser cutters and other tools to machine custom mechanical parts. I have used processes like 3D printing, composites molding, rapid fabrication of prototypes, and custom components.
AEROLAB SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGIES
This is my own business. Over time I have managed up to 12 remote engineers, along with general business management and accounting.
Design Engineer
Design of flying vehicles – aerodynamics, conceptual, detailing, R&D. Structural analysis of buildings and structures, including wind loads, aluminium structures, steel structures according to international building code.
Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft – I developed a concept design for an vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. I proposed an innovative propulsion system. I did the conceptual design, performance characteristics analysis, aerodynamics, and control system analysis.
Skycam system – I designed a camera system for precise filming inside rooms and buildings. I used 4 poles arranged throughout the room with a cable system to maneuver a camera precisely around objects from all directions. My system provided motion control by coordinating the movement of the poles and tensioning the cables.
Structural Engineering
Collaborated with customers to verify and validate design solutions, conduct structural analysis, develop software solutions, and execute product testing. Led and managed a team of 12 engineers, fostering a collaborative work environment and promoting continuous skill development. Maintained effective communication with clients, delivering exceptional engineering solutions and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

AERODYNAMICS OF ROTORCRAFTS
PhD Research Project
Research project for my PhD at the University of Canterbury, in collaboration with SCION, focusing on multicopter flow fields and their influence on spray patterns.
I spent three years understanding the aerodynamics of rotorcrafts. My research was published in different scientific journals and is recognized by industry leaders.
Research Assistant
Designed and developed experimental setups for research projects, ensuring accurate and reliable data acquisition. Conducted wind tunnel testing, PIV, and CTA experiments, analyzing results and drawing meaningful conclusions. Collaborated with faculty and researchers in cutting-edge research across various mechanical engineering fields. Collaborated with a multidisciplinary research team, contributing to the development of innovative solutions.
Teaching Assistant
Taught Strength of Material, Aerodynamics, and Introduction to Engineering papers at UC.