Accelerating success: Lassonde alumni steers his way to Tesla

The Lassonde School of Engineering at York University is a vibrant hub where students gain real-world experience in preparation for meaningful careers in industry. Through experiential learning, innovative teaching and robust co-op opportunities, the School serves as a launching pad for aspiring engineers and scientists.

Brandon Loy, 2021 graduate of the Electrical Engineering program, is one of many alumni who has successfully leveraged his education to secure a position in the competitive tech landscape. Currently, he is a technical lead at Tesla’s headquarters in Austin, Texas, placing him at the center of cutting-edge automotive innovation.

“Working at Tesla’s headquarters is a lot of fun – it’s where all the cool things happen. I get the chance to see new infrastructure and witness occasional visits from very important people,” says Loy.

In his position, Loy plays a crucial role in deploying vehicle software and ensuring compliance with manufacturing standards. He is also responsible for guiding and mentoring junior engineers in their new role. “I most enjoy applying a wide range of engineering skills to make an impact on global software manufacturing,” he says. “It’s also rewarding to see my work expand to large scale operations.”

However, Loy’s journey did not always seem destined for this path; in fact, his direction was undefined when he started his engineering education. “My experience at Lassonde was critical in guiding me to my position at Tesla,” he recalls.

His purpose was made clear during a co-op placement at Celestica, an electronics manufacturing company where he developed data acquisition software aimed at improving manual processes. “This was a major turning point for me,” says Loy.

Prior to his co-op experience, Loy pursued research with Professor Mark Gordon in the Earth & Space Science & Engineering department, developing and fine tuning his data analysis and programming skills. This eventually led him to create a ground monitoring system to generate vertical wind profiles.

The connections he forged with faculty members were invaluable to his educational journey, not only for mentorship and guidance but also research and internship opportunities.

“Lassonde has plenty of hands-on opportunities, and once you get involved, it’s easy to find more,” he explains. “I also appreciated the exposure to diverse courses like Mechatronics. The engineering program and courses are strategically designed and the knowledge I gained is very transferrable.”

Loy’s experience illustrates how Lassonde prepares students to enter the workforce and lead innovation in their fields. With a curriculum designed to foster creativity, critical thinking and practical skills, graduates leave well-prepared to tackle the challenges of dynamic technological landscapes. As Lassonde continues to evolve, it remains committed to shaping the future of engineering through a blend of academic innovation and practical experience, ensuring its students are ready to make a significant impact in their careers—just like Brandon Loy.