Gaurav Makkar

About Gaurav Makkar

I am a Controls Engineer with Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, specializing in Model-Based Design and flight controls at Wisk Aero. Skilled in the engineering and flight testing of VTOL aircraft.My career path stems from a passion for innovation, fueled by a background in Controls and Machine Learning. I contribute expertise in developing advanced algorithms for autonomous systems, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.Academically, my tenure at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and IIT Delhi facilitated not only technical proficiency but also honed leadership skills through hands-on aircraft design projects. These experiences underscore my collaborative approach, fostering a keenness to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share a passion for aerospace innovation.Open to networking and forging connections within the aerospace community, eager to explore synergies and contribute to the ongoing evolution of aerospace technology.

Experience

1. Controls Engineer

   Robinson Unmanned

   Jan 2025 — Present

   Working on system identification to develop accurate dynamic models of our drone platforms using flight data-Conducting flight tests for data collection, performance evaluation, and validation of models and control systems-Designing and implementing control laws to improve stability, tracking, and maneuverability-Developing optimization algorithms for tuning control parameters and enhancing overall flight performance

Education

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Mechanical Engineering

• Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

  Master of Technology - MTech, Mechanical Design

  2015 — 2017

• Maharaja Agrasen Institute Of Technology, GGSIPU

  Bachelor of Technology - BTech, Mechanical and Automation Engineering

  2011 — 2015