Erik Parker — Skills

Python

Used for test automation, data analysis, tooling, and robotics glue code.

Automated multi‑channel sensor testing by interfacing with lab instruments (SCPI/pyvisa), producing repeatable test plans and reports.
Developed internal tools at TRC to accelerate energy analysis workflows (data wrangling, Excel automation with openpyxl/xlwings).
Wrote scripts for signal processing and feature extraction in risk‑aware navigation research (NumPy/SciPy/matplotlib).

C++

Firmware and performance‑sensitive components; ROS 2 nodes where latency matters.

Implemented embedded drivers and control loops for motor control, IMUs, and peripheral interfaces.
ROS 2 nodes for perception and control using rclcpp, integrating with custom hardware over serial/CAN.

Java

General programming background and mobile integrations.

Built phone‑sensor driven control interfaces to stream accelerometer data to ROS robots via a webserver.

Docker & Linux

Dev environments, reproducible builds, and deployment on SBCs/servers.

Containerized tooling for simulation and CI; packaged ROS workspaces and supporting services.
Maintain a Linux server hosting smart‑home scripts, media, storage, websites, and game servers.

ROS 1/2

System integration, autonomy stacks, and simulation.

Custom ROS 2 packages to integrate sensors, motor controllers, and a 6‑DoF manipulator for the URC rover.
Expanded SLAM, path planning, and obstacle avoidance; validated in Gazebo and on hardware.

VHDL

Digital design and SoC coursework and projects.

Implemented an 8‑bit DES encryptor/decryptor on a Xilinx FPGA and built VGA/NES controller drivers.

PCB Design — Altium & KiCad

Schematics, layout, DFM, and bring‑up for embedded systems.

Designed multiple boards at Strain Measurement Devices and for personal robotics projects.
Focus on power integrity, routing for mixed‑signal designs, and robust connectors/packaging.

Embedded Development

Bare‑metal and RTOS workflows, peripherals, and debugging.

STM32 projects (display drivers, games, control loops) and ESP32 projects (IoT pasta robot, IR/MQTT automation).
Developed drivers for sensors/actuators and structured firmware for maintainability.

Soldering — SMD/THT

Prototype assembly, rework, and test.

Hand‑assembled and reworked fine‑pitch components during PCB bring‑up and prototyping.

Systems Engineering & Project Management

Requirements, interfaces, and execution across disciplines.

Led the Mars Rover team as President/PM, coordinating mechanical, electrical, and software workstreams.
Defined interfaces, built test plans, and tracked performance toward competition milestones.

Hardware/Software Troubleshooting

End‑to‑end debugging mindset.

From oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to firmware logs and ROS topic introspection, I methodically isolate issues.

Mechanical CAD, Gazebo, Isaac Lab

Design for integration and validation in simulation.

Collaborated closely with mechanical teammates; built simulation scenarios to validate autonomy behaviors.

Skills in Detail