About Me
Hi, I'm Eric Lopez, an engineer with a creative mind and a passion for themed entertainment.
Born and raised in Redondo Beach, California, I’ve always been drawn to the joy and wonder that themed experiences bring to people’s lives. From a young age, my fascination with theme parks, especially roller coasters and immersive attractions has led me asking how does this all work. That curiosity inspired my path into engineering.
Blending Engineering and Imagination
I hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Long Beach. My academic journey was driven by a desire to combine technical expertise with creativity; taking big ideas and figuring out how to make them real. I see engineering not just a problem-solving tool, but as a vehicle for building the seemingly impossible.
One of my proudest academic achievements is my master’s thesis, "Socially Assistive Robots Assisting Adults with Anxiety". I designed and ran an experiment to see how robots could help young adults manage anxiety, this is a topic close to my heart. The result? A 50% reduction in anxiety levels during trials, confirming that engineering can be both innovative and human-centered.
Hands-On Experience in Aerospace & Manufacturing
Currently, I work as a Harnessing Technician at Senra Systems, an aerospace and defense manufacturing startup revolutionizing wiring harness manufacturing through advanced automation. My day-to-day includes building flight-ready harnesses, collaborating across departments, and contributing to workflow improvements in a fast-paced startup environment.
I’ve also interned at Millennium Space Systems, where I supported lab operations, managed inventory, and coordinated with vendors which was my first step into the world of aerospace and defense.
A Lifelong Love for Themed Entertainment
Even before I knew the term "themed entertainment," as a child I knew I wanted to design roller coasters. Over time, that dream expanded and today, I’m passionate about the entire creative ecosystem: parks, rides, shows, resorts, museums, and more. I’m especially inspired by projects like Tokyo DisneySea, Rise of the Resistance, Meow Wolf and Efteling’s Symbolica. These experiences blend storytelling, design, and technology in ways that create everlasting memories for people who experience them.
Creative Vision Meets Technical Skill
My engineering mindset is always at play: how do we push boundaries? How do we use technology to spark emotion? Whether I’m designing a dark ride or re-imagining an existing land, I approach every idea with both logic and imagination. Some of my personal creative concepts include:
A Viking-themed boat ride inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean
A Hollywoodland re-theme based on eras of animation
Kinetic sculptures
A container ship projection mapping experience
Even without full visual illustrations, I believe every great project starts with a well-thought-out idea and this website is where I bring those ideas to life.
Beyond Engineering
Outside of work, I enjoy video games, working on my own ideas, graphic design, traveling, trying new foods, and exploring new places. I believe curiosity drives innovation and I’m always looking to learn something new, whether it’s how to solder, use Arduino, or explore new creative tools like Inkscape, OnShape, or Photoshop.
Where I’m Headed
I built this site as a creative space, a place to put my ideas into words, share my journey, and connect with people who believe in the power of thoughtful design. My dream is to utilize my engineering background to produce innovative solutions that make the impossible, possible.
Let’s Connect
If you're interested in engineering, design, themed entertainment or just want to talk big ideas I’d love to connect.