Daniel A. Gonzalez
Garland,TX
Summary
Innovative Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in hardware design and UAV development. Proficient in using CAD tools to apply functional specifications and manage engineering calculations. Experienced in preparing component specifications, conducting component-level testing, and adhering to safety standards. Known for effective collaboration, quick learning, and bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish. Committed to delivering high-quality solutions and eager to contribute to impactful projects and growth opportunities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Remote Operations Engineer (Tier 3 Support)
Percepto UAV
01.2022 - Current
- Monitored and Supported Global BVLOS Operations: Leveraged advanced technical expertise to oversee and support Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights across multiple international sites, ensuring uninterrupted and safe operations.
- Executed Remote Diagnostic Flights: Conducted critical remote BVLOS diagnostic flights, applying advanced analytical methods to identify and rectify operational anomalies.
- Authored Comprehensive Technical Documentation: Produced in-depth whitepapers, user manuals, implementation guides, and knowledge base entries, serving as key resources for both internal teams and end-users.
- Tier 3 Support for Software and Hardware Issues: Provided top-level (Tier 3) support for complex software and hardware issues, resolving escalated cases that required specialized knowledge and advanced troubleshooting techniques.
- Enhanced Customer Response Efficiency: Ensured rapid resolution of support tickets by responding within one hour, significantly improving customer satisfaction and maintaining high service standards.
- Conducted Detailed Technical Consultations: Facilitated technical consultations via telephone, employing systematic diagnostic techniques and detailed probing to identify root causes and resolve user issues efficiently.
- Onboarded Technical Staff: Configured and optimized new employee workstations, ensuring all hardware, software, and peripherals met operational requirements from day one.
- Escalation and Resolution Management: Escalated and resolved the most challenging support cases, utilizing comprehensive research and technical documentation to achieve successful outcomes.
- Managed System Updates and Patches: Oversaw the deployment of software patches and new installations, ensuring system stability, security, and optimal performance.
- Guided Technical Troubleshooting: Provided expert guidance to users, leading them through complex troubleshooting processes and enhancing their technical proficiency.
UAV Systems Engineer (Mechanical / UAV Operator)
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Corpus Christi
05.2015 - 12.2021
- Custom UAV Design and Fabrication: Engineered and fabricated a custom UAV platform as an alternative to Chinese-made drones, using advanced CAD modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) for structural optimization. This platform was successfully deployed at our research center and presented nationwide to other research institutions.
- Airframe Structural Engineering: Conducted detailed structural analysis, including material selection based on mechanical properties, FEA for rigidity and stress testing, weight and balance calculations, modal analysis for vibration characteristics, and aerodynamic performance assessments to ensure optimal flight dynamics.
- Precision Sensor Integration: Led the integration of various sensors, including LiDAR, multispectral, and thermal imaging systems, onto UAV platforms. Utilized detailed electrical and mechanical engineering principles to design custom mounts and interfaces, ensuring precise alignment, stability, and data accuracy.
- Leadership in UAV Development: Served as a technical lead, mentoring a team of engineering students in UAV design and development. Guided the team through iterative design processes, prototyping, testing, and validation phases, ensuring adherence to rigorous engineering standards.
- Flight Operations under FAA Part 107: Managed UAV flight operations across multiple agricultural sites, including mission planning, execution, and post-flight analysis, while ensuring strict compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations. Optimized flight paths and payload configurations to maximize data collection efficiency.
- Advanced Photogrammetry and Data Processing: Executed complex photogrammetric processing of UAV-captured imagery, using specialized software to generate high-fidelity 3D models and orthomosaics. Analyzed spatial data to extract key metrics for agricultural research, such as crop health indices and topographical maps.
- Technical Coordination and Support: Provided statewide technical support and coordination for UAV pilots, including those at Texas A&M research institutions. Developed and implemented troubleshooting protocols for hardware and software issues, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent system performance.
- RTK/PPK GPS Integration and Operation: Integrated and operated RTK and PPK GPS systems, achieving centimeter-level positioning accuracy for high-precision UAV missions. Configured base stations and rover units, and processed kinematic data to correct positional errors in real-time and post-processing environments.
- Secure Large-Scale Data Handling: Managed the secure handling of extensive datasets, implementing data encryption and secure transfer protocols. Ensured data integrity and accessibility within a centralized database for ongoing research and analysis.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX01.2018
Associate of Science - Engineering Graphics and Design CAD
South Plains College
Levelland, TX01.2014
Skills
- Hardware Design: Proficient in using CAD tools for hardware design and development, adhering to functional specifications
- Testing and Evaluation: Skilled in setting testing objectives, following safety procedures, and analyzing results to ensure performance standards
- Team Collaboration: Strong communicator with experience in collaborative problem-solving and achieving project goals
- Bilingual Proficiency: Fluent in English and Spanish, facilitating effective communication in diverse environments
- Attention to Detail: Dedicated to high-quality work with a focus on accuracy and process improvement
- Quick Learning and Intuition: Rapid learner with strong engineering intuition for innovative problem-solving
Timeline
Senior Remote Operations Engineer (Tier 3 Support)
Percepto UAV
01.2022 - Current
UAV Systems Engineer (Mechanical / UAV Operator)
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Corpus Christi
05.2015 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Associate of Science - Engineering Graphics and Design CAD
South Plains College
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