Luke Piazza

Experience

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  Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Jan 2017 - May 2018

  Research Assistant

  ● Researched usability of human machine interfaces for UAS user interface design.● Collaborated with industry experts to develop innovative ideas and solutions for unmanned aircraft interfaces.● Planned and executed user testing sessions to gather feedback on HMI prototypes, incorporating user suggestions and preferences to improve overall usability.● Presented research findings and project updates through presentations, and reports to the research team and to external stakeholders.

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  Textron Systems

  Jul 2017 - Jul 2017

  Aerosonde Exploratory Training Course
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  Dynetics, Inc.

  Sept 2018 - Apr 2022

  ● Led flight testing for DARPA’s Mobile Force Protection program, focusing on countering Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).● Tested inner and outer control loops on developmental software and hardware for custom UAV autopilot.● Facilitated collaboration between multiple teams to troubleshoot and enhance complex aircraft systems.● Integrated payloads, sensors, electronics, and software onto UAS, involving subcontractors, vendors, and internal support.● Conducted UAS performance analysis and data reduction for comparison with predictions, guiding the creation of system performance charts.● Performed modeling and simulation of flight trajectories for various weapon systems.● Completed over 1500 sUAS flights with diverse aircraft and mission sets, including developmental and custom models Show less

  • sUAS Flight Test Engineer

    Jan 2021 - Apr 2022

  • UAS Operations

    Sept 2018 - Jan 2021
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  Northrop Grumman

  Apr 2022 - now

  Principal AI Engineer Systems

  ● Develop and implement test strategies and plans for the testing of AI-controlled UAV swarms. Offer feedback and recommendations to establish a rapid and effective feedback loop during an accelerateddevelopment cycle.● Lead hardware and software integration effort, including a variety of sensors, compute boards, network solutions, radios, and software to build a complete robotic system.● Coordinate with project managers and stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with overall program goals.● Conduct risk assessments and implements risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of AI systems during integration and testing processes.● Mentor and train interns and new team members.● Perform weekly flight testing as well as direct and execute large-scale test demonstrations for customers and stakeholders, showcasing the capabilities and performance of the product. Show less