Tauseef Afraz

I'm a

About Me

Welcome to my website!

I’m an aspiring engineer with a passion for the space industry and a strong commitment to lifelong learning and growth. Currently, I work as an Equipment Technician at Texas Instruments’ RFAB, where I support advanced automated material handling systems in semiconductor manufacturing.
I am also pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences at the University of North Texas through its hybrid program with a concentration in Information Technology.
As a proud FIRST Robotics alum, I actively mentor and volunteer to give back to the program that helped shape my journey. I’m dedicated to continuous improvement both personally and professionally and excited for future opportunities in engineering, automation, and space exploration.

Headshot of Tauseef Afraz

Future Engineer

  • Age:
  • Job: Equipment Technician
    at Texas Instruments
  • Work City: Richardson, Texas, USA

Resume

Learn about my experiences and where I'm going! If you would like to download a copy of my resume, just click here or if you would like a longer version of my resume, you can click here!

Education

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

August 2026 - Present

University of North Texas, Denton/Frisco, Texas

Hybrid Program | Information Technology Concentration

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences is a multidisciplinary degree designed to incorporate previous college, technical, and applied learning into a customizable bachelor's degree. The hybrid format combines in-person and online coursework, with concentrations allowing students to develop additional knowledge in a focused area of study.

Associate of Applied Science in Robotics and Automation Technology

May 2022 - May 2026

Collin College, Collin County, Texas

The Robotics and Automation Technology program provides training in robotics and automated equipment through the application of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic principles. The program includes programmable logic controllers, ladder logic programming, robotic systems, and automation technologies.

Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology

May 2022 - May 2025

Collin College, Collin County, Texas

The Electronic Engineering Technology program focuses on electronic components, analog and digital circuits, robotics, microcontrollers, instrumentation, and emerging technologies. The curriculum combines classroom theory with hands-on laboratory design, testing, and analysis.

Former Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with Astronautics Track Student

August 2021 - May 2022

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida

Transferred Out

The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering program focuses on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace systems. The Astronautics track emphasizes areas such as orbital mechanics, spacecraft controls, rocket propulsion, and spacecraft structural analysis.

High School Diploma

August 2017 - May 2021

Plano ISD Academy High School, Plano, Texas

Plano ISD Academy High School is a project-based STEAM learning environment centered on interdisciplinary education and real-world projects. Students work collaboratively across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics while developing problem-solving, communication, creativity, and professional skills.

Professional Experience

Equipment Technician

June 2025 - Present

Texas Instruments, Richardson, Texas

  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated material handling systems (AMHS) at Richardson Fabrication (RFAB) in a high-volume, 24/7 semiconductor manufacturing environment
  • Perform equipment recovery, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs by diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and control system failures
  • Support and service 1000+ automation tools across more than 20 system types
  • Work with FOUP stockers, overhead hoist transport systems, linear induction motor vehicles, high throughput conveyors, wafer sorters, reticle stockers and handlers, and WPC coinstackers
  • Troubleshoot sensors, motors, actuators, vacuum systems, pneumatic systems, and electrical subsystems to maintain continuous automated material flow
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams while following cleanroom and high-volume manufacturing procedures
  • Selected for a full-time role following a successful internship from May to August 2024 based on performance, technical capability, and reliability

Electronic Engineering Technician

April 2024 - Present

Swyft Robotics, Hybrid

  • Focus on hardware solutions for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) programs
  • Ranger: Developed and supported a precision distance sensing system for competition robots using analog connections as an alternative to I2C and CAN interfaces
  • CANnect: Contributed to the design of a module enabling CAN bus communication and 12V power transmission over standard Ethernet cables
  • CANender: Helped implement a CAN bus termination solution using WAGO or Molex SL connectors to improve network reliability for student-built robotics systems

FRC Correspondent

January 2022 - Present

FUN Robotics Network, Hybrid

  • Write scripts covering FIRST Robotics Competition events and topics from around the world for multiple live shows
  • Conduct live interviews with FRC teams showcasing robot design, mechanical systems, programming, and competition performance

Technical Skills

Technical systems, tools, software, and programming languages I have experience working with.

Electrical & Automation

  • Sensors, motors, actuators, wiring, and control systems
  • Vacuum and pneumatic systems
  • Industrial automation and automated material handling systems
  • Multimeter use, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance

Software & Programming

  • KiCad, Multisim, and MATLAB
  • Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
  • Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Gmail
  • Adobe Photoshop and Premiere
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Java

Work Experiences

Here are some of my previous and current work experiences!

FUN Robotics Network

After graduating from high school and FRC 5431 Titan Robotics, I wanted to continue being involved with FIRST® Robotics. I joined FUN Robotics Network, where I contribute to coverage of the FIRST Robotics Competition through live shows, interviews, video production, and event coverage. Below is a playlist of videos I have appeared in or contributed to.

FUN Robotics Network Waco crew
Recording FRC 2468 in their pits in 2023
Recording FRC 5431 on the field in 2023
Interviewing FRC 5414 in 2023
FUN Robotics Network crew at the 2023 FIRST Championship
FUN Robotics Network crew at the 2024 FIRST Championship

Project Experiences

Here are some of my previous and current project experiences!

PCB Projects

In late 2022, I began learning PCB design and created several electronics projects using what I learned.

Custom HID Button Board for FRC 5431
Button Board schematic
Button Board PCB layout
Button Board PCB 3D model
Pico to Rio I2C Bridge PCB
Pico to Rio I2C Bridge PCB version 2
Pico to Rio I2C Bridge PCB version 2.1
Pico to Rio I2C Bridge PCB version 2.5
Pixy2 to RIO Adapter
Pixy2 to RIO Adapter

Capstone

During my senior year at Plano ISD Academy High School, I completed a year-long Capstone project focused on commercial space travel and the colonization of planets and moons.

Extracurricular Experiences

Here are some of my previous and current extracurricular experiences!

FIRST® Robotics

I joined FRC 5431 Titan Robotics at Plano ISD Academy High School in August 2017 and remained a student member through May 2021. During that time, I gained experience designing, building, wiring, and programming competition robots and served as Electronics Lead during my junior and senior years. After graduating, I returned as a mentor and now work with both FRC 5431 Titan Robotics and FRC 5790 ProtoTitans.

Here is a description of my experience with Titan Robotics and ProtoTitans:

  • Mentor (August 2022 - Present) - supervise and work with the Control Systems Leads and electronics students of FRC 5431 Titan Robotics and FRC 5790 ProtoTitans
  • Programming Co-Lead (May 2020 - May 2021) - taught, maintained, and supervised the programming and electronics divisions of Titan Robotics
  • Electronic Sub-Team Lead (May 2019 - May 2020) - taught, maintained, and supervised the electronics division of Titan Robotics
  • Completed the OSHA 10-hour Construction Industry course covering workplace safety standards and regulations
  • Planned and implemented hands-on and remote learning activities
  • Developed problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills through competition and team projects
Mentoring and Coaching with FIRST completion certificate
Remote Mentoring with FIRST completion certificate
FIRST Data Privacy and Protection Training completion certificate
2020 Titan Robotics drive team
2021 Titan Robotics Texas Cup team
Tauseef and Lizzy with Hyperion
Tauseef working on a robotics test bench

After graduating, I began volunteering at FIRST® events in a variety of technical and event operations roles.

Volunteering with FIRST completion certificate
  • Spare Parts Attendant: 2022 FRC FIT District Fort Worth
  • Lead Queuer: 2023 FRC FIRST In Texas District Championship, 2023 FRC FIT District Amarillo, 2023 FRC FIT District Fort Worth, 2023 FRC FIT District Belton, 2022 FRC STEM Gals and NTX Offseason
  • Referee: 2024 FRC STEM Gals Offseason, 2024 FRC The Remix Offseason, 2024 FRC Round Rock Roundup Offseason, 2024 FRC FIT District Plano, 2023 FRC The Remix Offseason, 2022 FLLC Academy HS Qualifier
  • Control System Advisor: 2023 FRC FIT District Amarillo, 2023 FRC FIT District Belton
  • Robot Inspector: 2024 FRC FIRST In Texas District Championship, 2024 FRC FIT District Dallas, 2023 FRC FIT District Amarillo
  • Field Technical Advisor Assistant: 2023 FRC FIT District Amarillo
  • PR Coordinator: 2024 FRC STEM Gals and NTX Offseason, 2023 FRC STEM Gals and NTX Offseason
2023 FRC Lead Queuer Training completion certificate
2024 FRC Referee Training completion certificate
FIRST LEGO League Challenge Referee Training completion certificate
2024 FRC Robot Inspector Test completion certificate
Working as a Control System Advisor at Belton
Key volunteers at the Belton FRC event
Control System Advisors helping at Belton

NASA Lucy Student Pipeline Accelerator and Competency Enabler (L'SPACE) Program

I participated in both NASA L'SPACE academies in 2024, gaining experience with mission concept development and NASA-style proposal writing and evaluation.

  • Mission Concept Academy (MCA), May 14 - August 27, 2024: Received weekly mission-development training from NASA scientists and engineers and collaborated with other students on a mission-related team project
  • NASA Proposal Writing & Evaluation Experience Academy (NPWEE), September 12 - December 16, 2024: Developed experience writing, reviewing, and scoring concept proposals through the perspective of a NASA proposal reviewer
NASA L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy certificate
NASA L'SPACE NPWEE certificate

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS)

I participated in all three phases of NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars from July 2023 through February 2024, progressing from online aerospace coursework to a NASA career simulation and an onsite capstone experience at NASA Langley Research Center.

  • Mission 1: Discover, July 26 - August 30, 2023: Completed online modules consisting of readings, videos, assignments, and a NASA subject matter expert speaker series, culminating in a final infographic project
  • Mission 2: Explore, October 30 - November 3, 2023: Participated in a week-long NASA career simulation and assumed mock NASA employee roles while working through a lunar surface exploration scenario
  • Mission 3: Innovate, January 11 - February 2, 2024: Collaborated on a capstone project addressing a current NASA challenge, developed possible solutions, and presented the team's findings to NASA professionals after virtual collaboration and a week onsite at NASA Langley Research Center
NASA NCAS Mission 2 Career Simulation certificate

Embry-Riddle Future Space Explorers and Developers Society (ERFSEDS)

While attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from September 2021 to May 2022, I participated in the Embry-Riddle Future Space Explorers and Developers Society as a team member on Project Cerberus and Project Kleos.

  • Planned and designed an avionics bay for a model rocket
  • Planned and created a five-pound nose cone ballast to improve rocket stability during flight
Working on model rocket avionics
Five-pound model rocket nose cone ballast

NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

I participated in NASA High School Aerospace Scholars during my junior year of high school, completing aerospace and NASA technology coursework followed by a virtual team experience focused on rover development.

  • Completed a four-month online course covering aerospace and NASA technologies from October 2019 through February 2020
  • Participated in a one-week virtual program focused on developing a rover in July 2020

Architecture, Construction, & Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program

During my junior year of high school, I participated in the ACE Mentor Program from October 2019 through February 2020 to explore architecture, construction, and engineering through guidance from industry professionals.

  • Received guidance from mentors working in architecture, construction, and engineering
  • Developed introductory architectural, construction, teamwork, and project-development skills

Contact

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you want to make a connection!

Location:

Allen, TX