James Beck

Managed the software, firmware, and motion control teams. Started as a firmware developer and technical lead for a tiny 200 Watt dual brushed DC motor controller.

• Responsible for a team of software engineers • Developed software to build TDMA radio-based ad-hoc distributed networks in Java and C++ • Designed and built framework for distributed network integration testing • Designed and built libraries for TDMA protocol implementation and independent verification • Performed requirements analysis, specification documentation • Improved development procedures and defined more efficient project and test processes

• Designed and implemented toolpath trajectory algorithms in C++ • Developed 8051 microprocessor firmware for CNC control hardware in C • Solved vibrational behavior problems by measuring machine behavior, analyzing the data, and characterizing mechanical design deficiencies • Managed software development

• Worked on-site at the NASA Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas • Member of the team responsible for the Mobile Servicing System robotic arm simulation used for astronaut training and analysis • Integrated a Stewart-Gough platform into real-time, two-body simulation in C • Responsible for the simulation software driving the robotic arm at the NASA buoyancy lab (NBL)

Advisor: Dr. Nabil Simaan. GPA: 3.8/4.0. Focused on controls and robotics research and design.