John Dews-Flick

John Dews-Flick

R&D Engineer, ML Engineer, Software Developer

Aerospace engineer with expertise in finite element analysis, contact simulation, and full-stack development. Passionate about bridging the gap between engineering theory and practical software solutions. Learn more about me

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Education
Experience
Projects

Align Knowledge RAG Platform

2024-2025 • Project

Developed a production-grade retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system to empower Align Technology teams with AI-driven knowledge access. Ingested and indexed internal knowledge base, documents, and others files into a secure vector database with fine-grained permission enforcement.

Explored and tested multiple embedding models for optimal document representation, implemented custom reranking methods to improve retrieval relevance, and developed comprehensive evaluation metrics for query ranking performance and system effectiveness and relevancy.

RAG LLM Vector Database Embeddings Reranking Production AI

RustFEA

2023-2025 • Open Source Project

Open-source project implementing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using the Rust programming language. Provides a framework for running FEA simulations, leveraging Rust's safety, speed, and modern language features for high performance and reliability.

Designed for both research and practical engineering applications, offering computational techniques for solving complex structural, thermal, and other physics problems by discretizing them into smaller, manageable elements.

Finite Element Analysis Rust Scientific Computing Open Source Computational Mechanics

Align Simulation Platform

2024 • Project

Automated and pioneered new simulation and analysis methods for orthodontic treatment planning.

Implemented distributed simulation compute on premise to enable grander statistical use of the simulation platform and data collection for machine learning applications.

Simulation Distributed Computing Machine Learning Orthodontics

WASMBrowserMLP

2024 • Interactive Demo

Interactive web demo that visualizes the training of a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network in real time, entirely in the browser using WebAssembly for high performance. Core neural network logic implemented in Rust and compiled to WASM, with Vue.js frontend.

Demonstrates 2D binary classification where the model learns to distinguish points inside user-defined regions using configurable architectures, loss functions (MSE/BCE), and complex mask expressions. Users can watch decision boundaries evolve in real time.

WebAssembly Rust Neural Networks Binary Classification Real-time Visualization

R&D Engineer III - Align Technology

2023-Present • Position

Leading a team of R&D engineers in the development of machine learning prediction models tied with simulation to provide patient specific design.

Developed and validated custom machine learning models for biomedical optimization. Pioneered a RAG knowledge base chat system tailored for domain specific and agentic use.

Team Leadership Machine Learning Biomedical RAG Systems

R&D Engineer II - Align Technology

2022-2023 • Position

Pioneered new simulation and analysis methods for quantifying the effect of orthodontic appliances in highly patient specific morphology.

Provided new insight and data metrics for previous and future cases, advancing personalized treatment planning.

Simulation Analysis Orthodontics Patient-Specific

Non-Linear Frictional Contact Simulation

2022 • Master's Thesis

Master's thesis for the University of Florida which applies the step-boundary method to contact analysis within FEA.

Contributed to novel software OnSimulation with analytical geometric representation for contact identification and analysis of stick-slip problems.

Finite Element Analysis Contact Simulation Research IBFEM

OnSimulation Contact Analysis Add-on

2022 • Software Launch

Launched contact analysis add-on using the immersed boundary method within the finite element analysis software OnSimulation.

Implemented novel geometric representation techniques for improved contact identification and analysis.

Software Development FEA Contact Analysis Product Launch

Master's in Aerospace Engineering

2021-2022 • Education

Extensive understanding of solid mechanics, simulation and the FEA method, including system design, plasticity, and contact analysis.

Completed thesis on contact simulation in IBFEM on a novel method to represent contact without meshes. Also served as Graduate Teaching Assistant for FEA and computational CAD courses.

Aerospace Engineering Solid Mechanics FEA Teaching

Web Based IBFEM

2021 • Demo Project

Browser based 2D finite element software for solid mechanics problems which uses the immersed boundary method.

Demonstrated the feasibility of running complex FEA calculations directly in web browsers, making simulation more accessible.

Web Development IBFEM Browser-based FEA Innovation

BallTableDynamics

2021 • Interactive Demo

Interactive web application that simulates the dynamics of a ball on a table using intuitive 3D visualizations. Built with Vue.js and powered by the three.js graphics library.

Allows users to explore physical motion and control systems through real-time, browser-based simulations with interactive 3D graphics.

Physics Simulation Vue.js Three.js 3D Graphics Control Systems

KeplerSolverUI

2020 • Interactive Demo

Interactive web-based application that streamlines the process of solving Kepler's Equation, a core concept in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.

Implements robust numerical solvers using Newton-Raphson method with real-time visualization of orbital paths and parameter relationships. Features modern JavaScript frameworks with plotting libraries for dynamic user experience.

Orbital Mechanics Numerical Methods JavaScript Visualization Educational Tool

Graduate Research Assistant

2020-2022 • Research Position

Research within finite element analysis on non-linear frictional contact contributing to the novel software OnSimulation.

Contributed significantly to analytical geometric representation for contact identification and analysis of stick-slip problems.

Research FEA Contact Analysis Software Development

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

2017-2021 • Education

Coursework includes orbital dynamics, flight dynamics, CFD, Monte Carlo simulation and control theory.

Experience with material testing, machining and additive manufacturing. Graduated Cum Laude with strong foundation in engineering principles.

Aerospace Engineering Orbital Dynamics CFD Control Theory

Phase Plane

2019 • Computational Tool

Computational tool designed to visualize and analyze the phase portraits of dynamical systems, primarily focusing on systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs).

Plots vector fields, trajectories, equilibrium points, and nullclines, providing valuable insights into the qualitative behavior of two-dimensional dynamical systems. Supports interactive exploration and parameter adjustments for teaching and research applications.

Dynamical Systems ODEs Web Visualization Mathematics

OrbitalElementsJS

2019 • Open Source Library

JavaScript library for solving orbital mechanics problems, allowing conversion between orbital elements and position/velocity vectors for two-body orbital systems.

Features interactive demo with 3D visualization, supports standard Keplerian orbital elements, and provides both forward and inverse transformations. Built with Vue.js frontend and published as an NPM package.

Orbital Mechanics Web Simulation Aerospace

Senior Developer - Catch The Fever

2015-2023 • Position

Single-handedly developed a robust, automated e-commerce platform now driving multi-million dollar revenue.

This system handles orders, retail orders, shipping, notifications, and ad optimization with fully automating fulfillment down to label selection and printing.

E-commerce Full-Stack Development Automation Revenue Generation

Junior Developer - IJoin Solutions

Summer 2015 • Internship

Designed and implemented a real time notification system within a financial advising and onramp software.

First professional software development experience, working with real-time systems and financial technology.

Software Development Real-time Systems Financial Technology

John Dews-Flick

Researcher, Aerospace Engineer, and Software Developer

Hover over timeline items to explore my professional journey

Featured Projects

About Me

I'm an R&D Engineer and Machine Learning specialist with a passion for solving complex problems at the intersection of engineering, mathematics, and artificial intelligence. My journey spans from aerospace engineering fundamentals to cutting-edge AI applications, always driven by curiosity and the desire to build meaningful solutions.

Machine Learning & AI

My expertise in machine learning encompasses both theoretical foundations and practical implementations. I've developed production-grade RAG systems, explored advanced embedding models, and implemented custom reranking algorithms. From neural network architectures to optimization algorithms, I focus on creating AI solutions that deliver real business value while maintaining scientific rigor.

Currently leading ML initiatives at Align Technology, I've pioneered patient-specific prediction models and built comprehensive evaluation frameworks for AI systems. My work bridges the gap between research and production, ensuring that cutting-edge ML techniques translate into reliable, scalable solutions.

Optimization & Computational Methods

Optimization is at the heart of everything I do - from training neural networks to solving complex engineering problems. My background in finite element analysis and contact simulation has given me deep insights into numerical methods, convergence criteria, and computational efficiency.

I've developed novel approaches to non-linear optimization problems, implemented distributed computing solutions for large-scale simulations, and created algorithms that balance accuracy with computational performance. Whether it's gradient-based optimization, evolutionary algorithms, or custom heuristics, I enjoy finding the most elegant path to the solution.

Simulation & Modeling

Simulation is where theory meets reality. My expertise spans from fundamental physics-based modeling to advanced computational mechanics. I've contributed to novel software like OnSimulation, developed web-based FEA solvers, and created interactive demonstrations that make complex concepts accessible.

My work in contact analysis, stick-slip problems, and immersed boundary methods has pushed the boundaries of what's possible in computational mechanics. I believe in making simulation tools more intuitive and accessible, which is why I've developed browser-based applications that democratize access to powerful computational tools.

Embedded Systems & Robotics

My passion for creating intelligent systems extends beyond software into the physical world. I have extensive experience with microcontroller programming, custom PCB design, and embedded systems development. From Arduino and ESP32 projects to more complex ARM-based systems, I enjoy bridging the gap between digital algorithms and real-world hardware.

I've developed autonomous robots incorporating SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms, sensor fusion techniques, and real-time control systems. My projects range from custom drone flight controllers to ground-based autonomous navigation systems, always focusing on robust, reliable operation in unpredictable environments.

Cloud Architecture & DevOps

Modern software development requires deep understanding of cloud infrastructure and scalable architectures. I have extensive experience with AWS services including EC2, Lambda, S3, RDS, and container orchestration with ECS and EKS. I've also worked with other cloud providers like Google Cloud Platform and Azure, understanding the nuances and strengths of each platform.

My approach to cloud architecture emphasizes cost optimization, security, and maintainability. I've designed and implemented CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and CloudFormation, and monitoring solutions that provide actionable insights into system performance and reliability.

Programming & Software Craftsmanship

My programming journey spans multiple paradigms and languages, from low-level C/C++ for embedded systems to high-level Python for machine learning, Rust for performance-critical applications, and JavaScript/TypeScript for modern web development. I'm equally comfortable writing assembly code for microcontrollers as I am architecting distributed systems.

I believe in writing code that tells a story - clean, well-documented, and maintainable. My experience includes functional programming concepts, object-oriented design patterns, and systems programming. Whether it's optimizing algorithms for real-time performance or designing APIs for scalability, I focus on creating software that solves real problems elegantly and efficiently.

Complexity Science & Computational Thinking

I'm fascinated by complex systems and emergent behaviors - how simple rules can give rise to sophisticated patterns and behaviors. This interest drives my exploration of network theory, cellular automata, agent-based modeling, and other computational approaches to understanding complex phenomena.

My work often involves analyzing systems at multiple scales, from molecular dynamics in materials science to population-level behaviors in epidemiological models. I enjoy applying concepts from complexity science to engineering problems, finding elegant solutions that leverage natural patterns and self-organizing principles.

Vision & Impact

I believe that the most impactful work happens at the intersection of disciplines. By combining aerospace engineering rigor with modern AI capabilities, mathematical optimization with practical software development, and theoretical knowledge with hands-on implementation, I strive to create solutions that push boundaries while remaining grounded in solid engineering principles.

My goal is to continue building tools and systems that empower others - whether that's helping orthodontists provide better patient care through AI-driven insights, enabling researchers to run complex simulations in their browsers, or creating educational tools that make advanced concepts more accessible to the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Education

M.S. Aerospace Engineering University of Florida 2022
B.S. Aerospace Engineering University of Florida 2021 Cum Laude

Core Interests

Machine Learning Embedded Systems Robotics & SLAM Custom PCB Design AWS & Cloud Architecture Rust Programming Microcontrollers Complexity Science Finite Element Analysis WebAssembly Neural Networks Autonomous Systems DevOps & CI/CD Systems Programming

Current Focus

  • Production AI/ML systems
  • Autonomous robotics & SLAM
  • Cloud-native architectures
  • Embedded systems development
  • Complex systems modeling
  • Team leadership in R&D

Languages & Libraries

Python
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • scikit-learn
  • Pandas, Polars
  • NumPy
JavaScript/TS
  • Node.js
  • Vue.js
  • WASM
  • Vite
Rust
Go