Maria Phelan
Summary
Multidisciplinary engineering professional with proven ability to innovate and solve complex technical challenges. Works closely with clients deliver effective solutions. Skills include systems analysis, consulting, product development, and technical troubleshooting.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Forward Deployed Engineer
Gecko Robotics
01.2025 - Current
- US Navy: Collected a colourized point cloud of submarine to assist client in monitoring fleet readiness. On the design team for the photogrammetric mapping device, I designed and 3D printed fixtures, automated the cameras and LiDAR, and wrote software for data collection.
- NAES Corporation: Installed Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot at LongRidge Energy. Developed data pipeline to localize, securely upload, and display data on a 3D colourised site map for the client.
- Macy’s: Successfully completed thermal inspection of client’s distribution center roof. Supported custom drone payload design by modifying hardware drivers for thermal camera and LiDAR, and writing software for data collection, processing, and offload. Designed and conducted experiments to evaluate thermal data.
Embedded Software Engineer
Gecko Robotics
07.2022 - 12.2024
- Supported development of Gecko’s TOKAS robotic inspection platform by designing video streaming software for the NVIDIA Jetson to stream low latency video while capturing HD images for client deliverables. Deployed on robots in the field.
- Designed the pinout and firmware for a PCB to control peripheral devices and sensors on the robot. Implemented current control algorithms and safety mechanisms. Deployed on robots in the field.
Hardware and Firmware Engineer
Brave Technology Coop
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Covenant House and Government Supportive Housing: Designed a silicone enclosure for an IOT help button, conducted field tests with clients. Installed both IOT help button and IOT overdose alarms in the bedrooms and bathrooms of residences. Responsible for Bluetooth connection firmware, PCB and enclosure design. Trained software engineers on BLE protocols and Nordic software modules.
Product Design Engineer
MistyWest
05.2020 - 12.2020
- Google X: Led development and design of a 95% accurate embedded machine learning pipeline for gesture detection on a smartwatch prototype. Developed data collection and signal processing algorithms, and trained models. Led development and design of Python package to control digital display on a custom wearable device.
- Microsoft: Designed and built a mechanical apparatus to test the efficacy of high frequency occlusion sensors, incorporating a microprocessor, custom 3D-printed mount, and high-speed motors.
- Stealth Mode Startup: Built a remote video monitoring system using GStreamer on Raspberry Pi.
Education
Certificate - Data Science and Machine Learning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
01-2023
Bachelor of Applied Science - Engineering Physics
University of British Columbia
01-2022
Skills
- Software: Python, ROS, C, Go, Matlab Specialized in embedded software for Linux, and firmware for STM32
- Mechanical: CAD modeling for 3D printing and laser cutting with OnShape and SolidWorks
- Electrical: Soldering, circuit design and debugging, oscilloscope and function generator
- Systems: Linux, NVIDIA, STM32 microcontrollers, Arduino
Timeline
Forward Deployed Engineer
Gecko Robotics
01.2025 - Current
Embedded Software Engineer
Gecko Robotics
07.2022 - 12.2024
Hardware and Firmware Engineer
Brave Technology Coop
05.2021 - 08.2021
Product Design Engineer
MistyWest
05.2020 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Applied Science - Engineering Physics
University of British Columbia
Certificate - Data Science and Machine Learning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Interests
• Violinist for Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra
• Cooking, water colors and sketching, and currently training for my second marathon