I’m Sam Hoffman, a mechanical engineer building propulsion systems, machines, and tools that turn difficult ideas into working hardware.

Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine

An independent student propulsion program designing, analyzing, manufacturing, and testing a rotating detonation rocket engine. Presented at the USSF University Consortium Symposium in June 2026. projectwavefront.org

  • Co-Founder & Propulsion Engineer
  • 2025—Present
Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine, image 1 of 3
Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine, image 1 of 2

Variable-Thrust Turbojet Nozzle

A lightweight, actuated exhaust nozzle for Penn Jet Propulsion, developed for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under a $20k contract and recognized with the 2025 APOP Design Award.

  • Team Lead
  • 2024—2025
Variable-Thrust Turbojet Nozzle, image 1 of 4
Variable-Thrust Turbojet Nozzle, design rendering
Variable Nozzle Poster 2025

Ducted-Intake Jet Engine Thrust Reverser

A novel, auxiliary thrust-reversal system that won the 2024 APOP Design Creativity Award.

  • Mechanical Design & Build
  • 2023—2024
Ducted-Intake Jet Engine Thrust Reverser, image 1 of 4
Ducted-Intake Jet Engine Thrust Reverser, image 1 of 2
Ducted-Intake Jet Engine Thrust Reverser, project image
Thrust Reverser Poster 2024

Stirling Heat Engine

A 61-piece, 1,443 rpm heat engine designed in SolidWorks and machined by yours truly with manual and CNC processes.

  • Design & Manufacturing
  • 2024
Stirling Heat Engine, image 1 of 3
Stirling Heat Engine, image 1 of 5
Stirling Heat Engine video 1

Bauhaus Chess Set

A CNC machined chess set with anodized pieces and floating checkerboard concept, inspired by Bauhaus style.

  • Design & Manufacturing
  • 2024
Bauhaus Chess Set, image 1 of 2
Bauhaus Chess Set, project image

Maglev Train Model

A ~3 ft model maglev train prototype using homemade tracks, carts, and electronics that drives left/right.

  • Design and Build
  • 2026
Maglev Train Model, image 1 of 4
Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine