Systems Engineering Portfolio

I build systems. I build systems from their most basic blocks all the way up the stack. One of my favorite examples is my computer from EECE 344. I hand built the equivalent of a Ti-89.

When I say by hand, I mean it in the most literal sense. I leafed through the catalogue of chips for the correct components. I then soldered and wire-wrapped every single line. Every control signal. Every data and address line. All of it, down to the bit. I wrote the assembly language that blinks those lights and moves those registers.

I strive for that level of knowing on all the systems I work on.

Why? So I don't end up needing 12GB of RAM to display the weather. It takes discipline. And knowing exactly what you are trying to accomplish.

UAS platform development: Design and deploy UAV platforms (flying wing, EDF jet, multi-rotor) with analog/digital FPV and telemetry systems. Aerial Operations: Currently flying for aerial photography and cinematography — capturing high-quality footage from both fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms. RF Survey: Conducting site-specific RF propagation surveys to characterize link performance, identify interference sources, and optimize antenna placement for reliable long-range operations.

Full lifecycle: Concept → CAD → fabrication → firmware (Betaflight/INAV) → field testing → community publishing. Currently pioneering fiber optic drone integration, combining UAS airframes with high‑speed communications.

• RF & Telemetry: LoRa WAN, Crossfire, ExpressLRS, analog/digital FPV.
• Firmware & Flight: Betaflight, INAV, ArduPilot; PID tuning, mission planning.
• Fabrication: 3D printing, carbon fiber layup, CNC machining, soldering.
• Aerial Imaging: Cinematic photography, video production, RF survey data collection.

Click the images above to view the full airframe collection.

Over a 10-year career at Calix, I progressed from on-site systems engineering to global field leadership. I designed, troubleshot, and deployed GPON, XGS-PON, and NG-PON networks across 13 countries — bridging the gap between customer experience and product engineering.

• Network Engineering: Debugged GPON, VoIP (SIP/H.248), IP Multicast, and Pseudowire networks using Wireshark, CentOS, and Linux-based OSS.
• Global Leadership: Trained and ramped new TAC engineers in Wroclaw, Poland and San Jose, Costa Rica — expanding our footprint into new continents and time zones.
• Community & Product: Implemented the "New Feature Request" program, bridging customer insights directly to engineering roadmaps. Co-Created "TAC TV" educational content that reduced repeat support tickets.

In October 2013, I broke my spine in two places. Recovery was a brutal fight, but it forced a critical question: What could I do? I could fly from my wheelchair. I could code and solder from my wheelchair.

This period marked a turning point. While recovering, I dove headfirst into the then-brand-new world of drones, becoming a pioneer in UAS technology. At the same time, my fascination with fiber optic communications—sparked by my work on submarine cable systems—grew into a new career path. I made the bold step into the booming world of fiber optic networks, building them out all over the globe. Through it all, I was still flying, programming, and building.

This chapter taught me that innovation isn't just about technology; it's about resilience and finding new ways to contribute when the old paths are closed.

At Leidos, I designed and field-deployed electromechanical systems for submarine fiber optic cable operations. This work sits at the intersection of mechanical design, electronics, and operator experience — bridging shipboard systems, cable equipment, and human operators in rugged maritime environments.

The Challenge: Integrate custom communication systems onto cable-laying vessels, ensuring reliable operation in harsh ocean conditions.

• CAD Modeling: Designed mechanical components in SOLIDWORKS; fabricated prototypes using mill, lathe, and MIG welding.
• Integration: Connected shipboard systems, cable handling equipment, and operator interfaces via serial communications (RS-232/485).
• Field Deployment: Tested and validated systems in maritime operations — from concept to installed hardware.

Conducted remote field operations in high-elevation wilderness, combining mapping, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration between Timber and Fire management.

• Field Operations & Navigation: Performed nighttime Spotted Owl surveys in 2-person teams—navigated off-trail using topographic maps, compass, GPS, and RF telemetry.
• Mapping & Data: Proficient with ArcGIS for mapping species distribution and habitat analysis.
• Cross-Functional Ops: Collaborated on search and rescue operations and supported inter-departmental efforts between timber and fire crews.