Elroy Air

Lead Software Engineer

Jan 2021 - Present

At Elroy Air, we pioneer autonomous aerial cargo systems, combining drone technology and robotics. As one of the first 15 employees, I have played a critical role in various capacities, shaping the development of this groundbreaking technology:

  1. Leadership and Development: I spearhead the Simulation Team, driving the development of software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop platforms. This critical infrastructure empowers our flight software and controls teams to conduct rigorous pre-deployment testing.

  2. Technical Expertise: My responsibilities encompass precise vehicle modeling, incorporating sensors, actuators, and hybrid-electric powertrain, as well as creating emulators and fault injection systems. Our cloud-based batch simulation test framework enables comprehensive integrated testing across diverse scenarios, ensuring software reliability and safety.

  3. Software and System Design: I’ve been a key contributor in developing actuator drivers and avionics software vital for flight operations. Additionally, I engineered a hierarchical state machine that seamlessly integrates ground control operations with aircraft systems, enhancing operational coordination and safety.

  4. Notable Achievements: A standout moment was leading the project that successfully launched the world’s first hybrid-electric drone in November 2023, marking a significant milestone in sustainable aviation.

Resolute Labs

Co-founder & CTO

Aug 2018 - Dec 2020

Resolute Labs was founded right after Camp Fire with the vision to revolutionize how energy and utility companies maintain their infrastructure with the use of computer vision and aerial inspections.

  1. Technical Innovation: I led the development of a web application leveraging computer vision to monitor oil leaks and track critical ground assets. This platform aimed to modernize infrastructure management for energy companies. Air patrol pilots uploaded sensor payload imagery to the app, which automatically processed the images, overlaid them on a map, and alerted stakeholders about detected violations or leaks.

  2. Professional Growth: Our journey was marked by notable milestones, including joining the prestigious Alchemist Accelerator and initiating a pilot project with Colonial Pipeline.

  3. Valuable Lessons: Despite our technical achievements, we faced challenges with founder-market fit, particularly lacking the established connections needed to secure contracts within the energy industry. This experience highlighted the importance of not only having a robust product but also building strong industry networks. It has significantly shaped my understanding of market dynamics and refined my approach to startups and product development.

Skyryse

Autonomy Software Engineer

Jan 2018 - Dec 2018

Fresh out of graduate school, I joined Skyryse and played a key role in developing the world’s first autonomous takeoff and landing software for the Robinson R44 helicopter. My contributions included:

  1. Innovation: Engineered autonomous landing and takeoff capabilities for the R44, leveraging computer vision and laser altimeter to enhance operational accuracy and safety.

  2. Vendor Management: Successfully sourced and integrated a critical laser altimeter from a key vendor, fostering robust supplier relations to support our technological advancements.

  3. Team Growth: Spearheaded the expansion of the software engineering team, recruiting talented engineers to accelerate our development goals.