About Me

I'm a Machine Learning Engineer and researcher based in Orange County, CA. My work focuses on computer vision, 3D perception, and ML systems, alongside research in inverse photonic design using residual tandem neural networks. I enjoy a challenge and thrive on solving complex, ambiguous problems.

Experience

Machine Learning Engineer II — Hansji Corporation

June 2025 - Present · Irvine, CA

• Lead design of computer-vision and ML systems for automation platforms.
• Developed an end-to-end 3D perception pipeline from RGB-D capture through registration, reconstruction, and segmentation, with robust preprocessing and optimization.
• Build 3D perception pipelines with RGB-D sensing, segmentation, and reconstruction.
• Own internal Python tooling, CI/CD pipelines, and package standards.

Machine Learning Engineer I — Hansji Corporation

June 2024 - June 2025 · Anaheim, CA

• Built ML systems for RMS: forecasting, dynamic pricing, and A/B evaluation.
• Implemented end-to-end MLOps and Google Cloud Platform integrations.
• Standardized model development with automated data and training pipelines.

Graduate Researcher — Estakhri Lab, Chapman University

Aug 2023 - Present · Orange, CA

• Residual tandem neural networks for inverse photonic design (forward + inverse models).
• Data pipelines, training/validation workflows, and research publications.

Skills

• Machine Learning
• Computer Vision
• 3D Perception
• Point Cloud Processing
• 3D Reconstruction
• Segmentation & Depth Estimation
• Data Pipelines
• Cloud Platforms (GCP)
• MLOps / CI/CD
• Python

Publications

• Estakhri, N.M., Zahraii, P., Kashanchi, S., Estakhri, N.M. (2024). “Predictive residual neural networks for optical trapping of small particles.” Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation XXI, SPIE, Vol. 13112, pp. 111-116.
• Zahraii, P., Kashanchi, S., Estakhri, N.M., Estakhri, N.M. (2025). “Machine learning-driven prediction and inverse design of optical forces near gradient metasurfaces.” Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation XXII, SPIE, PC135800J.
• Zahraii, P., Kashanchi, S., Estakhri, N.M., Estakhri, N.M. (2025). “A Deep Learning Framework for Prediction and Inverse Design of Nanoscale Optical Forces near Gradient Metasurfaces.” 2025 Nineteenth International Congress on Artificial Materials for Novel Wave Phenomena (Metamaterials), IEEE, X-389.
• Zahraii, P.A. (2025). “Implementation of Residual Tandem Neural Networks for Photonic Inverse Design.” Master's Thesis, Chapman University.
• Zahraii, P., Kashanchi, S., Estakhri, N.M., Estakhri, N.M. (2025). “Machine learning-assisted characterization of optical forces near gradient metasurfaces.” SMT 2025, APS.

Education

M.S., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science — Chapman University

May 2025 · GPA 4.00

• Thesis: Implementation of Residual Tandem Neural Networks in Inverse Photonic Design
• Valedictorian; Graduation Keynote Speaker

B.S., Computer Science (Neuroscience Minor) — Chapman University

May 2024 · GPA 3.89

• Graduation Keynote Speaker