Christian M. Schrader

 Resume Education Experience Skills Home

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Controlled Propeller Arm

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

GNC is a subfield within aerospace concerned with predicting and controlling vehicle dynamics. I've used powerful analytical and computational tools to build things like aircraft state estimators and rocket flight control systems.

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Space Systems

Systems Engineering

Complex projects like spacecraft need to combine multiple subsystems to meet requirements while staying below constraints. Having done systems engineering work on a variety of projects, I've learned what goes into managing the small parts to create the big picture.

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Motor Casing Wrench

Rapid Prototyping

Ever since learning 3D printing in high school, I've been using it for projects and prototyping. Rapid iteration keeps focus on designing for manufacturability. I also have experience with CNC milling and laser cutting

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Fin Can

Mechanical Design

Designing aerospace systems requires attention to detail. Over a many projects, I've learned to manage specifics like tolerances and material properties within an iterative design process.

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Level 2 Rocket Launch

High Power Rocketry

Similar to model rocketry, high power rocketry involves the design, construction, and flight of a rocket. High power rocketry involves higher impulse rocket motors and requires certifications. The engineering skills involved are applicable to many other areas of aerospace.

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Carbon-X1 Flight Computer

Embedded Systems

My software and hardware skills are connected by embedded systems. I've become skilled in not only in writing firmware for robots and rocket but also in designing the controllers that the firmware goes on.

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Computer Science

Python

Python

As my first programing language, I've been coding in Python since 2016. With my strong familiarity of it's syntax, functionality, and best practices, I've written quick scripts and desktop applications. Python's fast prototyping speed and numerous scientific and mathematical libraries make it a good choice for many engineering applications.

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C and C++

C/C++

C is the de facto language for embedded and high performance programs. The absence of guard rails necessitates a strong understanding of C concepts such as memory management and pointers as well as objects in C++. I've applied these skills to a variety of applications from the knapsack problem to the firmware for a heat seeking robot.

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Agile Software Development

Software Engineering

The large and complex software systems used in industry need more than just programing skill to write. Software Engineering encompasses the planing and management of the development of complex programs using methods such as Agile development and UML.

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Other Languages

Other Languages

Beyond Python and C/C++, I also have quite a lot of experience in Java from my courses. Additionally, I have some web experience. I made this website with static HTML and CSS and I have some experience with Django from creating WPI AIAA's new website.

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Soft Skills

Gantt Chart

Project Management

Engineering skill means nothing if your system isn't done by the deadline. Managing time and system requirements is integral to success. I have experience managing both individual and large team projects.

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Firebot Paper

Technical Writing

Designing parts takes skill, but you can't explain its functionality and rationale without technical writing. The large amount of papers I've written has developed my ability to write concise and easy to navigate documentation.

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Other Mill

Efficient Learning

Engineering isn't just using your knowledge. Efficiently acquiring new skills is vital. I've solved many problems that were beyond my skill set at the time by learning from books, internet sources, and peers.

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Workshop

Mentorship

I've received invaluable help from peers and coworkers but I've also done the same for many others. My skills extend to both one on one teaching and running workshops. Combined with my technical writing skills, I can also write easy to follow guides.

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Software

Solidworks

Solidworks

I've been using Solidworks since 2014 and have modeled everything from book stands to nose cones. My experience includes working with large assemblies, version control, variables, and engineering drawings.

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MATLAB

MATLAB

I first learned MATLAB by automating my Astronautics homework. Since then, I've used MATLAB in primarily rocket and spacecraft simulation projects. I've worked with MATLAB's ODE solvers, Aerospace and Controls toolboxes, and object oriented programing.

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MS Word

Microsoft Word

I've written many technical reports in Word over the years. As Documentation Officer for USLI, I've learned to make good use of themes to create consistent formats and automatic tables of contents and figures.

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Git

GIT

Version control is integral to any software project. I use Github for most projects. The largest repository I've worked on was a Hospital Directory Program made for my Software Engineering course. Our team of 10 people collectively wrote 21,120 lines of Java.

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MS Excel

Microsoft Excel

Making good use of Excel's feature set helps create spreadsheets fast. By utilizing pivot tables, conditional formatting, equations, and other features, I've created many easy to read and interactive spreadsheets.

KiCad

KiCad

While the first EDA I used was Eagle at Busek, I learned KiCad when I began designing circuits for personal projects. I've been using it to design flight computer boards for high power rocketry.

LaTeX

LaTeX

LaTeX is program for compiling papers written in plain text source documents, such as my resume. Unlike MS Word, LaTeX is not a "WYSIWYG" style editor, but it does allow for exact formatting, version control, and nice equations.

STK

Systems Tool Kit

I have a Level 1 Certification for STK, a mission analysis program used in a variety of applications. In aerospace, it is used for analyzing space and aircraft missions.