Konner Brickey

Background

About Konner Brickey

I am an M.S. Candidate in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, specializing in the design and real-time implementation of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms. My academic work is driven by a focus on practical application, specifically through research on the real-time, nested, feedback control of a Cable-Driven Parallel Robot (CDPR) for spacecraft motion simulation and hardware/software-in-the-loop testing. This research has demonstrated my ability to deliver results, reducing payload pose error by 13% through validated real-time control algorithms and requiring strong proficiency in Python for modeling and C++ for low-level system implementation.My technical background is complemented by diverse industry experience. As a Control Engineer Intern, I successfully programmed 6-axis robotic arms for automated manufacturing, reducing cycle time by 10% and implementing dual-check safety zones to prevent collisions. Separately, as a Mechanical Engineer Intern, I solved complex electromechanical issues, including a motor control calibration error, and drove a significant quality improvement by increasing a stator assembly first-time-pass rate from 80% to 99% through innovative test fixture design.A defining characteristic of my background is the proven ability to thrive in high-stakes environments. As a Staff Sergeant and Shop Foreman in the Minnesota Army National Guard, I have led complex logistics operations, supervised over 800 man-hours of work in a two week period. Additionally, I directed technical inspections for a fleet of 150+ vehicles prior to each unit level convoy operation.I am actively seeking roles in the aerospace industry that demand rigorous Control Systems engineering, including the development of reliable GNC and Autonomous Robotics for in-space operations. I am driven to translate complex academic theory into reliable, mission-critical hardware.