Solim Rovera
Mechanical and Aerospace Student Engineer
Born to a Togolese mother and an Italian father, I grew up in the province of Varese, surrounded by lakes and nature, where my curiosity for how things work began to take shape. This curiosity led me to build and race FPV drones, dive into the world of rocketry with the EPFL Rocket Team and Supaero Space Section, and even explore the depths as a scuba diver. Whether it's in space, in the air, or underwater, I love exploring new frontiers.
I studied Mechanical Engineering at EPFL in Switzerland before pursuing a double degree in Aerospace Engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO in France. Over the years, I've developed a strong passion for fluid dynamics, specializing in combustion and turbomachinery, with a minor in space technologies and operations, particularly focused on launch systems. My journey has been shaped by hands-on projects, simulations, and the drive to turn ideas into reality.
Background
Work Experience
Sept 2025 - Present
R&D and Test Engineer - WindShape, Geneva
Research and Development Engineer focusing on modular and portable multi-fan wind generators. Responsible for experimental testing of client devices, writing test reports, and developing standardized and appropriate testing methods.
Mar 2025 - Sept 2025
Aerodynamic Engineer Intern - WindShape, Geneva
Developed, analyzed, and tested a passive flow improvement device for the inlet of the WindShape wind generator, resulting in up to 26% increased efficiency. Conducted CFD simulations to optimize flow performance, developed experimental protocols for validation and data analysis workflows to interpret results.
Apr 2024 - Aug 2024
System Engineer Intern - Safran Landing Systems, Vélizy
System Engineering Intern in the Future Transportation Systems department. Conducted safety and hazard analyses, performed failure mode assessments, and worked on EASA Certification compliance. Gained experience in risk assessment and system-level optimization for future transportation systems.
Sept 2023 - Mar 2025
Head of Project - Supaero Space Section, Toulouse
Head of Project for the Sunspear rocket, an experimental rocket developed as part of the club's research and development initiatives. Responsible for assembling and leading a multidisciplinary team, securing funding, and overseeing the design, manufacturing, and testing phases. Coordinating with external partners and managing technical challenges to ensure project success.
Education
Aug 2023 - Present
Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Éspace (ISAE-SUPAERO) - France
Ingénieur ISAE-SUPAERO (MSc). Major in Fluid Dynamics, Combustion, and Turbomachinery. Minor in Space Systems Operations and Launchers.
Sept 2022 - Present
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) - Switzerland
M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering. Focused on Fluid Mechanics and Space Technologies.
Sept 2021 - Apr 2022
University of Waterloo - Canada
3rd Year Academic Exchange.
Sept 2019 - July 2022
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) - Switzerland
B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering.
Sept 2008 - July 2019
European School of Varese - Italy
European Baccalaureate. Primary and secondary school education.
Projects & Interests
Water Rocket
A pressurized water rocket project that demonstrates fluid dynamics and propulsion principles.
Fin Flutter Simulations
Coupled CFD and structural simulations to analyze fin flutter phenomena in EPFL's Rocket Team competition rocket.
Wind Tunnel Airfoil Testing
Characterization of airfoil performance in a low-speed wind tunnel using pressure taps and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).
FPV Racing Quadcopter
Built and raced custom first-person view quadcopter drone.
Rocket Nosecone
Designed and optimized rocket nosecone aerodynamics for maximum performance.