About Me
I'm Gregory Wainer, a Masters Electrical Engineer at Virginia Tech with a focus on RF systems. Recent BS Computer Science graduate (2025) with expertise spanning autonomous systems, satellite communications, embedded systems, and advanced rocketry applications.
Currently, I'm working as a Mission Systems Division Intern at the Hume Center for National Security and Technology, where I'm contributing to the finalization of UtProSat, a cube satellite that will deploy on Blue Origin's New Glenn 2nd Launch. My responsibilities include implementing communication between ground stations and payload systems, developing experiment scheduling algorithms, and creating robust system recovery mechanisms.
As the 2025 Payload and Telemetry Lead for Rocketry at Virginia Tech, I've designed and implemented sophisticated telemetry systems including LoRa mesh networks with Listen Before Talk protocols, multi-platform applications spanning iOS (Swift) and embedded systems (Rust/C++), and active drag control systems for precision altitude management.
Education
Master of Science - Electrical Engineering
Virginia Tech | August 2025 - May 2027
Focus: RF systems and communications
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Virginia Tech | August 2022 - May 2025
Strong foundation in software engineering and systems programming
Key Experience
Autonomous Systems Research
Led the development of V2V GPS-denied unmanned autonomous vehicles for RTX's Autonomous Vehicle Competition, where we placed 2nd overall with the fastest and most accurate system. I integrated Visual-Inertial-Odometry systems (OpenVINS) into PX4 and successfully migrated codebases from ROS1 to ROS2.
Naval Systems Development
At Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, I contributed to next-generation autonomous systems for Unmanned Surface Vessels using Agile methodologies. I worked extensively with NEMA 2000 CAN systems and Parker PLCs for vehicle control and system communication.
Embedded Systems Development
Developed comprehensive device drivers in C and Rust for various sensors and actuators including PWM servos, IMUs, UBLOX GPS modules, barometers, and SPI flash chips, primarily targeting RP2040 microcontrollers. Currently developing Kalman filters for improved sensor fusion and data accuracy.
Technical Expertise
Languages
- • C/C++
- • Rust
- • Python
- • Swift
- • TypeScript
Frameworks
- • PX4/ArduPilot
- • ROS/ROS2
- • OpenCV
- • Astro
Hardware
- • RP2040
- • ARM Cortex
- • GNSS/GPS
- • LoRa Radios
- • IMU Sensors
Protocols
- • CAN Bus
- • NEMA 2000
- • I2C/SPI
- • Bluetooth
Certifications
FAA Part 107
Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial drone operations
Get In Touch
I'm always interested in discussing autonomous systems, embedded engineering, space technology, and innovative engineering challenges. Feel free to reach out!