Automation and Controls Engineer, Jul 2021 -
I support production systems for the Hawthorne campus, particularly those of Falcon 9's Carbon-Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs). I write and maintain controls systems for cryogenic test stands and non-destructive inspection equipment, including parts purchasing, schematic design, cabinet layout and wiring, PLC code, operator interface, network integration, production support and maintenance.
Controls Engineer, Nov 2015 - Jun 2020
I developed factory automation systems throughout their lifecycle from as early as making a bid to the customer, to as late as in-production support. I chose, installed and commissioned sensors and actuators, including servos, pneumatics and hydraulics. I programmed PLC logic, designed Human-Machine Interfaces, specced and performed tests, wrote manuals, trained and supported operators after installation.
Projects over 5 years:
767 final body join: Large tooling for holding the final three pieces of a 767 and bringing them together
Material positioner (x2): High-reliability automated pick-and-place gantries for 250ft chemical coolant pool
777X wing build line: System of 6 gantries and 6 robots for skinning of the 777X wing
Reticulator (x2): Simple robots for hot-air curing of perforated carbon fiber parts
Offline loader (x2): Fastener inspection and sorting systems for fuselage and wing fastening machines
Products used:
Siemens PLCs, HMIs, servos, servo controllers and network infrastructure (Profinet, TIA Portal)
Kuka robots (WorkVisual)
Keyence laser area scanners and light curtains
Cognex cameras for computer vision
Leica and Faro 3D laser trackers (Spatial Analyzer)
Renishaw high-accuracy encoders
Balluff laser distance sensors
Turck proximity sensors
Internship, Jul 2015 - Oct 2015
I designed printed circuit boards (PCBs) for high-frequency, high-power laboratory plasma experiments
Tools used:
PCB123
Internship, Jan 2015 - Jun 2015
I helped Dr. Robert Winglee perform tests on a pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) using a novel fuel, sulfur. Also programmed a star tracker algorithm for a later CubeSat flight.
Tools used:
Vacuum chamber
Arduino
Oscilloscopes