Experience

  1. Staff Scientist / PostDoc / Lecturer

    Autonomous Robotics and Control Lab (ARCL), Caltech
    • Lead systems architect, project manager and field deployment (Indy Autonomous Challenge)
    • Lead systems integrator, management and field deployment (DARPA LINC, JPL collab.)
    • Developed a UAV-borne volcanic gas sampling and autonomy system (Volcano Drone)
    • Led UAS hardware and flight operations for multistatic SAR multi-UAS (DARTS, JPL collab.)
    • Assisted with hardware design and operations for tube-launched UAS (SQUID, JPL collab.)
    • Overhauled design of low-level firmware and robotic hardware (DARPA SubT, JPL collab.)
    • Flight test pilot for UAS, ground vehicles (including Indy NXT) and surface vessels.
    • Design of technology demonstrator aircraft (Autonomous Flying Ambulance)
    • Supported 10+ technically diverse ARCL robotics projects towards success
    • Ensured UAS regulatory compliance for both NASA (public) and Part 107 UAS
    • Developed and lectured Experimental Robotics course (ME/CS/EE 129)

  2. PostDoc / Hardware Integrator

    DARPA Subterranean Challenge (SubT), Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    • Led hardware development of a team of heterogeneous robots for underground exploration
    • Performed sensor integration, design, and operations for both custom and COTS systems
    • Coded embedded low-level software, including interfacing with ROS
    • Developed a redundant, highly-reliable robot safety systems for remote operations
    • Formulated safety procedures and protocols for underground operations (including flight)
    • Acted as on-Lab and Remote Field Test Lead for teams of varying sizes and levels of experience

  3. UAS GCS Operator / Support Crew

    Self-Employed
    • Flew high-risk missions including multi-vehicle and UAS-detection field trials as GCS Operator
    • Consulted for UAS projects (airframe, components, autopilot, operations)
    • Provided technical and logistical support for UAS operations

  4. Researcher / Guest Lecturer / UAV GCS Operator

    The University of Sydney – Aeronautics Department / ACFR
    • Designed Phase 1 submission for the Wasp AE replacement for the Australian Army
    • Supported several projects designing, building and operating UAVs for research
    • Unofficial ‘go-to guy’ for UAV Lab support (undergrad theses, PhD work, wind tunnel, etc.)
    • Guest lectured for Professional Engineering, UAV Operations and Workplace Health and Safety

Education

  1. PhD (Aeronautics)

    The University of Sydney and Université Libre de Bruxelles
    Methodology for Aerodynamic Parameter Estimation of Tail-Sitting Multirotors

  2. B.Eng (Aeronautics) Hons I

    The University of Sydney