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Adrien Carrou

Software Engineer

California, USA


About

I’m a passionate engineer driven by the thrill of blending hardware and software into groundbreaking solutions. My work spans embedded systems architecture, advanced PCB design, firmware optimization, and smart IoT/robotics integration each project fueled by the desire to create technology that truly matters. I love the challenge of taking intricate specifications and transforming them into elegant, efficient hardware matched with robust firmware, constantly pushing boundaries to exceed performance goals.

Currently, I’m immersed in the space industry, working on cutting edge aerospace technologies that demand precision and reliability. At the same time, I’m exploring the world of medical device engineering, inspired by the opportunity to directly improve people’s lives through inventive design. No matter the domain, I bring a creative, problem solving mindset to ensure every system I craft is both powerful and purposeful.

Outside of work, I channel my engineering curiosity into personal passion projects tinkering, prototyping, and occasionally open sourcing my ideas. I also love blowing off steam through competitive video gaming with friends; there’s nothing like intense matches to sharpen strategic thinking. Traveling with my girlfriend and friends allows me to explore new cultures, broaden my viewpoint, and spark fresh innovation. These experiences both in and out of the lab keep me motivated to forge solutions that benefit our ever-evolving world.

Work Experience

Maxar Technologies Software Development Engineer

2023 - Present

San Jose, California

  • Developed and maintained test scripts for satellite flight software systems, identifying critical bugs and performance issues.
  • Implement Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing to simulate satellite operations and run command sequences.
  • Created comprehensive test reports and documentation for software verification processes.
  • Optimized proprietary test tools to enhance efficiency and system compatibility.

Nexus Analytica Founder and Director of Embedded Systems

2024 - Present

San Jose, California

  • Founded company specializing in multispectral camera systems and advanced sensing solutions.
  • Lead development of embedded hardware and firmware for specialized imaging applications.
  • Designed and developed FPGA and IoT systems, integrating sensors and communication modules.
  • Created custom PCBs and firmware optimized for performance, reliability, and client requirements.

Maxar Technologies Test Automation Engineer

2022-2023

Remote, California

  • Developed and configured the automation pipeline for simulations and Satellite test scripts.
  • Wrote Documentation of work completed, configuration, and how to run/use the pipeline.
  • Leveraged Linux and Python libraries to enhance development processes and automation reliability.

Alef Aeronautics Engineering Intern

2021 - 2022

San Mateo, California

  • Engineered three drone prototypes, achieving optimal hardware and firmware configurations for test flights.
  • Led a team of 4 interns in engineering to test prototyped drones for transitional flight.
  • Programmed the Ackerman steering solution in C/C++ employing Arduino, VESC hardware, and software
Projects

Astraeus-I Board and Library

Undergrad Senior Project

Astraeus-I Board:

Astraeus-I is a versatile multipurpose board meticulously designed for advanced avionic systems. Embedded with essential sensors, innovative modules, and customizable MicroMod processors, Astraeus-I stands out as an epitome of reliability and efficiency in the realm of avionics. To obtain this state-of-the-art avionics board, please fill out the order form.

Astraeus-Library:

The Astraeus-Library is a curated collection of software packages, initially designed for the Astraeus-I board but with an ambitious vision extending into avionic systems. At its core is libhal, a library that simplifies the complexity of hardware interfaces. Through libhal’s unified API, we guarantee software portability across an expansive range of hardware platforms, enabling the same code to seamlessly operate on various processors and devices. This is especially crucial in the avionics sector, where reliability and adaptability are paramount.

C/C++
Embedded Systems
Firmware
JFrog
ADC
GPIO
SPI
I2C
UART

Gone with the Fire

SCEhacks 2021

A wildfire monitoring system built using a distributed LoRaWAN network.

  • 1st Place Overall ($500)
  • Best Use of Azure
C/C++
Embedded Systems
Firmware
I2C
UART
LoRaWAN
Hardware Design
IoT

Smart Flask

CruzHacks 2022

An IoT bottle that tracks water consumption.

  • Best Health Hack
  • MLH’s Best Hardware Hack
  • QB3’s Best Big Data for the Improvement of Health Care ($1000)
C/C++
Embedded Systems
Firmware
I2C
UART
Hardware Design
IoT
Depth Sensor

Clever Pedal

HackDavis 2022

A smart bicycle system that can detect oncoming cars using machine learning techniques.

  • Most Technically Challenging Hack
Python
Embedded Systems
Firmware
Raspberry Pi
Hardware Design
IoT
Computer Vision

Smart Tractor

MakeUC 2022

A mini monster truck that can collect air and soil data.

  • Best Use of Web Automation Technology
Python
C/C++
Embedded Systems
Firmware
Raspberry Pi
Arduino
IoT
Computer Vision

Smart Clamp

CruzHacks 2023

A full stack IoT barbell collar that automatically records number of reps and time under tension.

  • Best Health Hack
Python
C/C++
Embedded Systems
Firmware
Raspberry Pi Pico
Arduino Nano
IoT
Education

Johns Hopkins

2024-2026

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Masters of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

In Progress

San Jose State University

2018-2023

San Jose, California, USA

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Completed
Skills and Technologies

Programming Languages

  • C/C++: Extensive experience in developing embedded applications.
  • Python: Proficient in scripting and automation for embedded systems.
  • JavaScript: Skilled in web development and IoT applications.
  • HTML/CSS: Experienced in creating user interfaces for web applications.
  • MATLAB: Utilized for data analysis and algorithm development in embedded systems.
  • Bash: Proficient in shell scripting for automation and system management.
  • Verilog: Experienced in hardware description language for FPGA development.
  • VHDL: Skilled in hardware description language for FPGA and ASIC design.

Embedded Systems

  • Firmware Development: Expertise in writing and optimizing firmware for various microcontrollers.
  • Hardware Design: Skilled in designing and prototyping hardware components.
  • PCB Design: Advanced experience in multi-layer PCB design for complex embedded systems.
  • PCB Tools: Proficient in Altium Designer, KiCad, and Eagle for schematic capture and layout.
  • Signal Integrity: Implemented controlled impedance routing and high-speed design techniques.
  • PCB Manufacturing: Experience with fabrication processes, DFM, and assembly techniques.
  • IoT (Internet of Things): Experienced in building and deploying IoT solutions.
  • Computer Vision: Implemented computer vision algorithms for embedded applications.
  • Machine Learning: Applied machine learning techniques to enhance embedded systems’ capabilities.

FPGA Development

  • FPGA Platforms: Extensive experience with Xilinx, Intel/Altera, and Lattice FPGAs.
  • Development Tools: Proficient in Vivado, Quartus Prime, and ISE design environments.
  • RTL Design: Designed and implemented complex digital systems using RTL methodologies.
  • IP Core Development: Created custom IP cores for specialized hardware acceleration.
  • Hardware Acceleration: Implemented parallel processing solutions for computationally intensive tasks.
  • FPGA-SoC Integration: Experience integrating FPGAs with embedded processors (Zynq, SoC FPGA).
  • High-Speed Interfaces: Implemented LVDS, SerDes, and other high-speed protocols in FPGA fabric.

Communication Protocols

  • I2C: Proficient in implementing I2C communication for sensor interfacing.
  • UART: Extensive experience in serial communication using UART.
  • SPI: Skilled in using SPI for high-speed data transfer in embedded systems.
  • BLE: Implemented Bluetooth Low Energy communication for IoT devices.
  • CAN: Experienced in Controller Area Network communication for automotive applications.
  • MQTT: Utilized MQTT for lightweight messaging in IoT applications.
  • LoRaWAN: Developed long-range communication solutions using LoRaWAN.

Development Boards and Microcontrollers

  • Raspberry Pi: Developed various projects using Raspberry Pi for prototyping and deployment.
  • Arduino Microcontrollers: Extensive experience in using Arduino for rapid prototyping.
  • ESP Microcontrollers: Skilled in developing IoT solutions with ESP microcontrollers.
  • STM Microcontrollers: Proficient in using STM microcontrollers for complex embedded applications.
  • nRF Microcontrollers: Experienced in developing BLE and IoT applications with nRF microcontrollers.

Sensors and Peripherals

  • Multispectral Cameras: Designed hardware interfaces and acquisition systems for multispectral imaging.
  • Spectral Imaging: Experience with NIR, SWIR, and custom filter arrays for specialized applications.
  • Sensor Fusion: Integrated multispectral data with other sensors for comprehensive sensing solutions.
  • Depth Sensors: Integrated depth sensors for distance measurement applications.
  • Cameras: Implemented camera modules for image capture and processing.
  • GPS Modules: Utilized GPS modules for location tracking and navigation.
  • Accelerometers: Experienced in using accelerometers for motion detection and analysis.
  • Gyroscopes: Implemented gyroscopes for orientation and angular velocity measurement.
  • Pressure Sensors: Integrated pressure sensors for environmental monitoring.
  • Temperature Sensors: Skilled in using temperature sensors for various applications.
  • Humidity Sensors: Utilized humidity sensors for climate control systems.
  • Soil Moisture Sensors: Developed agricultural solutions using soil moisture sensors.
  • Air Quality Sensors: Implemented air quality sensors for pollution monitoring.
  • Ultrasonic Sensors: Used ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement and obstacle detection.
  • PIR Sensors: Integrated Passive Infrared sensors for motion detection.
  • Hall Effect Sensors: Utilized Hall effect sensors for magnetic field detection.