Resume as of May 2015

1. THOMAS W. CARNES
21959 Windy Oaks Square │ Ashburn, VA 20148-5310 │carnestw11@gmail.com │mobile: 703-785-5009
PROFILE
Electrical & Computer Engineer with extensive experience in autonomous unmanned systems and flight
control systems (FCSs)
QUALIFICATIONS
Extensive knowledge of electrical & computer engineering and design principles
Focus in programming for autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – control, navigation, and
communication
Experience constructing RC aircraft and modifying the airframe to make system autonomous by
implementing necessary hardware (sensors, servos, payloads, etc.) for successful flight
Understanding of flight dynamics and control principles necessary for successful UAV flights
Experience working with custom based Hardware in the Loop Simulators (HILS), and open source software
(i.e. Flight Gear) along with extensive field testing
Experience with embedded systems and VLSI design
Experience with general lab equipment (i.e. multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, soldering and
surface-mount soldering, crimping)
IT experience
Limited experience in multi-core programming
 Motivated hard worker with strong written, oral communication, & interpersonal skills
 United States citizen
LEADERSHIP
Self-disciplined, professional, prepared for engineering work, high sense of public service
Peer mentoring, especially international students
Recommended graduate & undergraduate curricular initiatives and developed improved policies


EDUCATION
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA: Master of Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering
August 2014
Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA; Bachelor of Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Math minor May 2011
COMPUTER SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
Languages - Proficient: C, MATLAB, XML
Languages – Some Experience: C++, VHDL, Verilog, Assembly
 Operating Systems: Windows, UNIX, LINUX
 Design Tools: Xilinx SDK for FPGA design, Mentor Graphics VLSI Design Suite, Microsoft Visual Studio
SDK
 Software: AUTOCAD, P-Spice, DipTrace, Pads, AVR Studios, NI Multisim, Microsoft Office
 Reading and writing knowledge of Russian
 Technical writing experience

2. Carnes, TW p. 2
ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE
T20-H Resolute Eagle Development, PAE ISR, Sterling, VA March 2015-May 2015
Intimately familiar with T20-H during different development stages.
 Able to properly unpack and assemble the T20-H prior to missions as well as properly disassemble and
store after mission completion
 Able to perform field repairs on field repairable elements of the T20-H
 Assisted with hardware integration and modifications.
 Performed rigorous testing and troubleshooting of communication using different frequency bands
 Tested autopilot and payload controls
 Assisted with full systems tests in preparation for EMI chamber testing
 Formed the base of a maintenance/operations manual for the Resolute Eagle
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA July 2011- August 2014
Complement & provide assistance to multiple course instructor activities & receive training under instructor
mentorship & supervision
Duties
Teach undergraduate level courses: Digital Logic Design, C Programming, Circuits I and II, Computer
Engineering Senior Design based around Xilinx FPGA design
Prepare and proctor undergraduate examinations
Lead discussion sections, tutorials, and laboratory sections
Scheduled & maintained regular office hours (20 hours/week) to meet with students
Grade homework, programming assignments, exams, & projects; keep records; distribute and copy reading
materials; prepare answer keys & supplementary notes
 Evaluate student work objectively and fairly
Act as course web-master
Assist faculty members with student conferences
Assist faculty with lab or field research
SKILLS
Experience operating oscilloscopes, digital multi meters, frequency generators, circuit troubleshooting
Experience bread boarding, soldering, PC board layout, hand tool work
CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS
SciTech 2015 Conference:
A Fully Parameterizable Implementation of Autonomous Take-off and Landing for a Fixed Wing UAV, Principle
author
January 2015
VMI Summer Undergraduate Research Presentation:
The Gauss Rifle July 2009
ACTIVITIES AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member AIAA 2013-present

3. Student Member IEEE 2008-2011
Vice President Eta Kappa Nu VMI Chapter 2010-2011
Delta Chapter Tau Beta Pi 2011-present
Delta Co. Representative Officer of the Guard Association 2010-2011
PERSONAL INTERESTS
 Strong passion and understanding of history and international politics
 Extensive knowledge and experience with firearms
Carnes, TW p. 3
REFERENCES
Robert H. Klenke Ph.D.
Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Virginia Commonwealth University
Phone: (804)-827-7007 Email: rhklenke@vcu.edu
James C. Squire Ph.D., P.E.
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Virginia Military Institute
Phone: (540)-464-7548 Email: SquireJC@vmi.edu
Tim Bakker Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Virginia Commonwealth University
Phone: (804)-426-3907 Email: bakkert@vcu.edu
Siva T. Patibandla M.S.
Software Engineer
Qualcomm
Phone: (858)-352-8929 Email: sivateja.patibandla@gmail.com
John J. Picchi
Computer Engineering Doctorial Student
Virginia Commonwealth University
Phone: (804)-554-6541 Email: picchijj@vcu.edu