MIT - SPHERES

Responsibilities
  • Graduate research assistant in the MIT Space Systems Laboratory
  • Lead flight development and testing of docking ports for SPHERES. 
  • Develop relative navigation and control algorithms using computer vision and estimation techniques. 
  • Architect C++ software framework for multiple cameras, imagers, robotic arms, and CMGs on the SPHERES Halo. 
  • Support SPHERES ISS operations, zero-gravity testing, and ground testing.
  • Recruit, interview, advise and individually mentor 29 UROP students on various research projects

Skills
  • Technical: Embedded C, C++, Assembly, Linux, OpenCV, SolidWorks, UEye cameras, PIC microprocessors, rapid prototyping, mechanism design and fab
  • Systems: NASA Safety, EMI/EMC, ISS payload development and life cycle experience

SpaceX - Guidance Navigation and Controls

Responsibilities
  • Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for Dragon rendezvous with ISS (Monte Carlo)
  • Prove controllability of Crew Dragon thruster configuration
  • Documentation of analysis and test results with a  focus on automation and efficiency of reporting
  • Miscellaneous: plume impingement analysis, simulating satellite deployment configurations, automating configuration look-up tables for F9

Skills
  • Environments: Linux, Eclipse
  • Languages: Python, Matlab, shell scripting, C++, LaTeX

SpaceX - Rocket Testing

Responsibilities
  • Support SuperDraco thruster stand construction and operation
  • Work with data acquisition systems to design+install+operate infrared camera system for recording hot-fire test data
  • Develop Matlab script to calculate pre/post fire throat area within 0.2% using color gradients
  • Propose heat exchange system for propellant run tanks
  • Work with fluid, structural, thermal, and electrical systems – system design, pitfalls, potential hazards, expected operation
  • Work to resolve anomalies found during the integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware

Skills
  • Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells
  • Knowledge of hazardous systems – flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
  • Knowledge of high pressure system design and handling
  • CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX) and Teamcenter, 
  • NI Labview (basic)

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company - Spacecraft Mechanisms

Responsibilities
  • Design Special Test Equipment to quantify the hysteresis of flight hardware hinges of the IRIS satellite
  • Reconstruct wire harness for solar array slip-rings in the Thermal Vacuum Chamber
  • Quantify SBIRS satellite component aging in storage by compiling in-family analyses of service valves


Skills
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Nx-IDEAS modeling software
  • Professional documentation of mechanical drawings and procedures

NASA Langley Research Center - Autonomous Vehicle Laboratory

Responbilities
  • Develop hardware-in-the-loop simulations of RC vehicles using Flight Gear, Arduino and hobby electronics
  • Use quadrotors, VICON infrared tracking cameras and DGPS to study autonomous 'sense and avoid' control algorithms with sentinel patrol of ground vehicles

Skills
  • Open source software/hardware, hobby electronics, Arduinos, Processing