Written by: Luisa Bautista, Communications and Marketing Manager, Senior Mechanical Engineering
The Charging Eagles, the team from California State University Los Angeles and Cerritos College participating in the Battery Workforce Challenge, are driven by a shared vision: leading society toward a better world. This challenge offers us much more than technical experience—it’s a rare opportunity to operate a small business, develop a product, and gain experiences typically only accessible after graduation.
Raymond Tran, the Hardware Integration Lead for the team, shared what he’s gained, “Learning to work with others and lead a team.” His experience reflects what this challenge means to all of us — it’s about preparing for the careers we’re passionate about.
The Battery Workforce Challenge represents more than a competition. It’s hands-on experience with technology-defining the future of transportation. The skills we develop—from battery integration to vehicle systems engineering—are exactly what the automotive industry needs.
Over the past two and a half years, the team has continuously evolved and improved our teamwork. Arthur Espinosa, senior Mechanical Engineering student and Thermal Systems Lead, captures it perfectly, “Being part of the BattChallenge means contributing to something bigger than myself—working in a highly collaborative environment where every discipline comes together to solve complex, real-world challenges.” Arthur developed the cooling plate design for the team, and at least four other teams are implementing it as well.
What truly sets the team apart isn’t just technical achievements; it’s the bonds that have formed. Luis Arias, senior Mechanical Engineering student and Mechanical Integrations Lead, shares, “One of my favorite things about the BattChallenge is getting to work alongside students, engineers, and mentors who guide us throughout the project. I really value the teamwork and chemistry within our group—everyone is welcoming, supportive, and committed to helping each other succeed.”
Tommy Wong from Cerritos College adds, “What I see in BattChallenge is a real-life challenge, like what real companies go through in putting a product into the market. And in our case—it’s also paving the path for energy and technology.”
The opportunities for growth extend far beyond engineering. Luis developed leadership skills as Mechanical Team Lead, “This role allowed me to collaborate and network with other students, guide the team, and learn from one another. Taking on this challenge has taught me a great deal about teamwork, communication, and confidence in leading others.”
Arthur gained “immeasurable insight and experience within the electrification workforce. I’ve learned how to read and interpret CAN signals, run high-fidelity thermal simulations, and design professional cooling solutions—all while growing as an engineer and teammate.”
Fun Team Facts:
- There are four different majors currently participating in the Charging Eagles team: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and our most recent addition, Journalism.
- Two of our team members have been a part of the BWC for all three years: Arthur Espinosa and Luis Arias.
- Something that makes the Charging Eagles unique is the community. The team is a living embodiment of a melting pot – coming from a wide variety of ethnicities and nationalities, Because the unity and connection the team wants to help each other improve and learn.
- Our team excels in communication and collaboration, enabling us to effectively coordinate and tackle project challenges. We’ve developed hands-on experience with CAD design and Data Acquisition software, while gaining a deep understanding of the engineering design process to solve real-world problems methodically. Additionally, we have the ability to reorganize and regroup when necessary—in a school environment where people come and go, we maintain consistency through effective knowledge transfer.
The Charging Eagles are ready to soar into the future of mobility, powered by passion, driven by purpose, and charged with determination.
