Project Management

I served as the electronics and software team lead, as well as the systems integration engineer.

I led the development of high level project goals for the entire year. I based these goals in the teams capabilities, while providing reach areas for the team innovate in. All primary and secondary goals were accomplished.

As the systems integration engineer I worked with the other group leads to ensure that the rocket came together smoothly. I made architecture decisions, pushing for the team to have a simple but capable rocket. I prioritized redundancy, having fallback solutions to the team's more complex goals.

I led the 15 member electronics and software group. I held bi-weekly meetings, distributed the work amongst members, reviewed work, compiled documentation and ensured deadlines were met. I made sure every active member had a significant contribution to the final rocket that flew in Huntsville.

Process Control and Documentation
(Requirements, FMEA, Testing)

NASA's process involves writing extensive documentation and planning carefully. As part of this, I developed FMEA for the entire project, looking at the risks and mitigations for risks to personnel, equipment, the environment and the project.

I wrote and tracked extensive requirements for the rocket's systems. I developed testing verification procedures, and ensured they were followed.

This enabled the team to have a safe and successful season. The team works with explosives, dangerous machines, and flying rockets. I worked to create a safe environment for everyone.

Software

I wrote the software framework that the entire team used. The software ran on SAMD21 microcontrollers. The framework was based on using C++ features like inheritance and templates, while strictly not using dynamic memory.

Radio FSK Protocol

I wrote software that modulated data in 1200 Hz and 2200 Hz tones, which were played into the microphone port of a handled radio. This involved using hardware timers to allow for sin waves to be generated by the MCU's DAC.

Hardware and PCB Design

I was closely involved in the design process for the team's payload and rocket. I defined high level architecture for the rocket, including the payload location and deployment mechanism. I reviewed detailed design with other engineers in the club to iterate and improve their designs.

We prioritized using different materials effectively: 3D printed parts were often used to achieve complex geometry while fiberglass or metal parts took the structural loads.

I also worked with another engineer in the club to design a PCB to control the payload. The PCB included a GPS, FLASH memory, a high current burn wire driver, a SAMD21 microcontroller, a barometer and an IMU.