Hi, my name is

Staines Rajith

Graduate Robotics, Mechatronics & Control Engineer

Mechatronics specialist with a passion for automation, robotics, and data-driven systems. Proven experience with industrial PLCs, embedded programming, and real-time control systems.

About Me

As a Robotics and Control Engineering graduate with international experience across India, Zambia, and the UK, I bring a broad perspective shaped by working in diverse cultural and technical environments. Spending 15 years in Zambia taught me the value of developing practical, resourceful solutions in settings with limited infrastructure, which has shaped my interest in sustainable design with real-world impact.

My strengths lie in automation, control systems, and robotics — including PLCs, ROS, and computer vision. Furthermore, as a classically trained musician, I’ve demonstrated discipline and a commitment to developing a well-rounded skillset. My competitive focus has also been sharpened through pursuits such as mountain biking, squash and cross-country running.

These experiences motivate me to work on technologies that help tackle real-world problems and make a positive impact in different sectors.

Work Experience

Control Engineering Intern - First Quantum Minerals Ltd
Jul 2022 - Aug 2022
  • Optimised industrial equipment performance by collaborating with supervisors to maintain peak copper smelter efficiency
  • Engineered a fully functional traffic light system using Siemens PLC and ladder logic, demonstrating advanced automation skills
  • Mastered CODESYS programming using structured text and ladder logic to streamline industrial processes
  • Presented comprehensive project results to management, showcasing problem-solving and technical strengths in PLC systems
Technical Team Assistant - First Quantum Minerals Ltd
Nov 2018 - Dec 2018
  • Improved machinery reliability through proactive monitoring and maintenance in copper smelting operations
  • Enhanced furnace performance by optimising air cooler functionality and increasing airflow efficiency
  • Prevented operational disruptions by identifying and reporting equipment abnormalities to supervisors
  • Maintained 98% equipment uptime through rigorous adherence to safety and maintenance protocols
Teaching Assistant - Trident College
Jan 2021 - Mar 2021
  • Elevated A-level student performance through targeted one-to-one tutoring in mathematics and sciences
  • Designed and supervised laboratory experiments while enforcing strict safety standards
  • Collaborated with faculty to develop engaging lesson materials that improved classroom outcomes
  • Provided specialised music tutoring, helping students prepare for practical examinations
Retail Assistant - Smyths Toy Store
Nov 2024 - Dec 2024
  • Enhanced customer experience by resolving complex product enquiries and guiding purchasing decisions through expert product knowledge
  • Optimised store operations by reorganising high-traffic displays and implementing efficient stock tracking methods
  • Maintained visual merchandising standards that increased product visibility and sales performance
  • Streamlined stock management processes, reducing discrepancies and improving replenishment efficiency

Education

Sep 2025 - Sep 2026
MSc Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Queen Mary University of London

Currently pursuing advanced studies in Robotics and AI

Key Modules:

  • Cognitive Robotics
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • Medical Robotics and Surgical Techniques
  • Deep Learning for Data and Image Analysis
Oct 2021 - Jun 2024
BEng Robotics, Mechatronics & Control Engineering
Loughborough University

Key Projects:

  • Eco-Friendly Intra-Campus Monorail System Design
  • Gymnastics Stamp-bug and Rover
  • Roll-angle Measurement Device

Key Modules:

  • State Space Control
  • Manufacturing Automation and Control Systems
  • Electronics
  • Programming
  • Interfacing with Mechatronics Systems

Projects

Engineering Job Finder
Python NLP Web Scraping Streamlit
Engineering Job Finder
Created a platform for finding engineering jobs using web scraping and NLP. Features include real-time job data retrieval from APIs, skills matching from CVs using NLP, and an interactive Streamlit interface with custom filters.
Real-time Colour and Object Detection
OpenCV YOLOv8 KNN Computer Vision
Real-time Colour and Object Detection
This real-time system combines YOLOv8 object detection with KNN colour classification (trained on 865 named colours) via webcam. It merges deep learning and traditional ML, dynamically adjusting for lighting while highlighting objects and colours. Developed as a robotics perception prototype, it demonstrates integration of pre-trained models, real-time optimisation, and modular vision task decomposition.
Eco-Friendly Intra-Campus Monorail System Design
CAD Automation Sustainable Design
Eco-Friendly Intra-Campus Monorail System Design
As project lead, I designed an eco-friendly intra-campus monorail for WSP, optimising transport efficiency and sustainability. I conducted route analysis to maximise accessibility, minimise environmental impact, and integrate with existing infrastructure. The design featured high-capacity carriages with energy-efficient HVAC systems and elderly-friendly accommodations. Sustainable materials and propulsion methods were prioritised. Though conceptual, the project deepened my understanding of sustainable transport, infrastructure planning, and user-centred design—balancing efficiency, environmental responsibility, and passenger comfort.
Roll-angle Measurement Device
Sensors MATLAB Data Analysis
Roll-angle Measurement Device
In this project, I developed a fibre optic Sagnac interferometer to measure axial rotation with high precision. After reviewing existing sensors and literature, I used an oscilloscope to capture and analyse data, validating the system’s performance. The setup leveraged the Sagnac effect to detect angular velocity, which was integrated to derive the roll angle. While the system accurately measured angular distance, it couldn’t determine rotation direction. The project enhanced my strengths in optical sensing and precision instrumentation.
Gymnastics Stamp-bug and Rover
Robotics Control Systems Mechatronics
Gymnastics Stamp-bug and Rover
I led an engineering team in developing a robotic gymnastics rover that synchronised dynamic LED light displays with live performances. To achieve seamless audio-visual integration, I designed control algorithms for real-time responsiveness and optimised the system through iterative testing. Using Siemens NX, I incorporated sustainable materials and energy-efficient modifications. The project delivered a novel performance-enhancing system while advancing my interests in embedded programming, robotics, and eco-conscious design. As the team lead, I also coordinated cross-disciplinary collaboration, balancing technical constraints with creative objectives.

Certifications

EV Engineering Advanced Job Simulation
Forage (Ford)
C++ Programming
OpenEDG C++ Institute
Programming with Python
OpenEDG Python Institute
Career Essentials in Software Development
Microsoft
AutoCAD 2D
CADD Centre Training Services Pvt. Ltd
Python
Croma Campus Pvt. Ltd
AWS Release and Deploy
edx
PLC Programming
Udemy
Machine Learning at the Edge
Arm

Get in Touch

My inbox is always open for collaboration, questions, or just a friendly chat!