Engineering Autonomous Intelligence.

Aerospace Engineer specializing in Guidance, Control, State Estimation, and AI-Driven Flight Systems.

M.S. Aerospace Engineering — Virginia Tech
Autonomous Systems · GNC · Deep Learning

Rokeshuvaraj Nagarajan

About

I focus on guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) with a strong foundation in state estimation and flight dynamics. My work centers on Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and nonlinear 6-DOF modeling for UAVs, combined with classical and modern control (PID, LQR, MPC) and control allocation.

I am integrating learning-based components into control and estimation pipelines—exploring hybrid model-based and data-driven approaches for flight systems. This is supported by graduate coursework in deep learning (neural networks, optimization, backpropagation) and data structures and algorithms, along with software engineering practice in Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink.

As a Teaching Assistant at Virginia Tech I teach system dynamics and control (AOE 3034) and computational methods (AOE 2074), covering state-space modeling, stability analysis, root-finding, numerical methods, and MATLAB-based dynamic systems. My approach is analytical and precise, with an emphasis on validation and clarity.

PlantEKFCtrl

Expertise

Guidance & Control
  • PID
  • LQR
  • MPC
  • Aircraft Longitudinal & Lateral Dynamics
  • Control Allocation
Estimation & Navigation
  • Kalman Filter
  • Extended Kalman Filter
  • Sensor Fusion
  • GPS Modeling
  • Satellite Navigation
AI & Machine Learning
  • Neural Networks
  • Gradient Descent Optimization
  • Backpropagation
  • Classification Models
  • Deep Learning Foundations
  • Model Training & Evaluation
  • Data Pipelines
Systems & Simulation
  • MATLAB / Simulink
  • 6-DOF Modeling
  • Python
  • C/C++
  • ROS
  • Linux
  • Git

Experience

Professional Experience

Teaching Assistant

Virginia Tech

PresentBlacksburg, VA

Supporting undergraduate students in mastering computational methods and system dynamics for aerospace applications. Guiding lab sessions, grading assignments, and assisting with state-space modeling, stability analysis, and MATLAB-based dynamic systems.

TeachingComputational MethodsSystem DynamicsMentorship
Software Engineer

Avohi Info Tech

February 2021 – November 2024Bengaluru, India

Avohi Info Tech offers web development, software services, and digital marketing solutions. Built reusable integration components, optimized data flows, and implemented effective error-handling mechanisms including automated exception tracking and logging. Developed the front-end of a food delivery application.

IntegrationData FlowsError HandlingFrontend Development

Internship

Internship
Aeronautical Intern

Kaashiv Infotech

Internships and project solutions to equip students and professionals with technology knowledge.

June – July 2019Chennai, India
  • Designed a rocket model and analyzed material suitability for rocket construction
  • Organized and analyzed data to support investigations of ground damage incidents of operational aircraft and employee injuries
  • Supported ground safety programs and accident/incident and injury reduction efforts; developed improved safety awareness training programs, leading to a 30% increase in safety awareness among employees
Rocket DesignMaterial AnalysisSafety EngineeringData AnalysisTraining Development

Projects

Featured

Autonomous Multirotor Guidance & Control
  • Nonlinear 6-DOF UAV model
  • PID / LQR / MPC controller design
  • Extended Kalman Filter for attitude & position
  • Control allocation for multi-actuator thrust
  • ROS-based telemetry architecture
MATLABSimulinkROSEKFControl
GPS-Based Navigation Modeling
  • Satellite positioning simulation
  • Dilution of Precision analysis
  • Error propagation modeling
MATLABNavigationSimulation
Intelligent Estimation & Learning-Based Systems
  • Learning-based tuning of control parameters
  • Neural-network-assisted estimation concepts
  • Hybrid model-based + data-driven flight systems
  • Simulation-based ML experimentation
PythonDeep LearningControlSimulation

Academic Projects

Design and Development of Wireless Power Transmission System for UAV

February – May 2020 · Team of 4

Designed and developed a wireless power transmission system for UAVs to extend flight time without landing. Laser light was used to refuel the drone while airborne for continuous power supply. Researched and selected laser technology for drone charging to maximize energy transfer.

Laser TechnologyUAVPower Transmission
Voice-Controlled Drone

September – November 2019 · Team of 3

First stage design of a UAV; final stage used an Arduino board with pre-programmed voice commands and an Android application. Developed and programmed voice command integration between Arduino and the Android app for user-friendly UAV control.

ArduinoAndroidVoice ControlUAV
Balloon Satellite

March – May 2019 · Team of 5

Thorough preparation to address weather obstacles for orbital success. Designed and coded the satellite to meet mission requirements. Implemented thermal insulation and established communication systems; derived insights from collected data.

SatelliteThermalCommunicationData
Aircraft Wing Fabrication

February – April 2018 · Team of 3

Fabricated miniature aircraft wings for model airplanes with focus on aerodynamics, structural integrity, and weight. Collaborated on design, material selection, wing core shaping, protective covering, and integration using CAD, cutting tools, adhesives, and measurement instruments.

CADAerodynamicsManufacturing
Solid Propellant Development

January – April 2017 · Team of 3

Developed and tested solid propellants using potassium nitrate and sugar for amateur rocketry. Researched propellant ratios, conducted experiments, designed the rocket motor, and analyzed data using lab equipment, measurement instruments, and simulation tools.

PropulsionRocket MotorTesting

Teaching & Academics

  • Teaching Assistant

    AOE 3034 — System Dynamics & Control

    • State-space modeling
    • Stability analysis
    • MATLAB-based dynamic systems instruction
  • Teaching Assistant

    AOE 2074 — Computational Methods

    • Root-finding & numerical methods
    • Aerospace simulation validation
    • MATLAB-based instruction

Courses & Workshops

Online Courses

  • Nanotechnology

    Duke University, NC State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    CourseraNovember 2020
  • Arduino Programming

    University of California, Irvine

    CourseraNovember 2020
  • IoT and Embedded Systems

    University of California, Irvine

    CourseraNovember 2020
  • Raspberry Pi Programming

    University of California, Irvine

    CourseraOctober 2020
  • Search Advertising and Digital Advertising

    University of Colorado (CU)

    CourseraOctober 2020
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    IBM

    CourseraOctober 2020
  • How to Create a Website

    State University of New York (SUNY)

    CourseraOctober 2020
  • VR & 360 Video Production

    Google Daydream

    CourseraOctober 2020
  • Initiating and Planning Projects

    University of California, Irvine

    CourseraAugust 2020

Workshops

  • Micro Aerial Vehicle

    Jet Aerospace

    Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur

    February 2018
  • Basic STK Software Training

    ACED

    Bengaluru

    April 2018

Publication

Design and Fabrication of Balloon Satellite
International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 2020