Hello, I'm
Rokeshuvaraj Nagarajan
Aerospace Engineer specializing in Guidance, Control, State Estimation, and AI-Driven Flight Systems.
M.S. Aerospace Engineering — Virginia Tech · GNC · Deep Learning
About
I focus on guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) with a strong foundation in state estimation and flight dynamics. My work centers on Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and nonlinear 6-DOF modeling for UAVs, combined with classical and modern control (PID, LQR, MPC) and control allocation.
I am integrating learning-based components into control and estimation pipelines—exploring hybrid model-based and data-driven approaches for flight systems. This is supported by graduate coursework in deep learning and data structures and algorithms, along with software engineering practice in Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink.
As a Teaching Assistant at Virginia Tech I teach system dynamics and control (AOE 3034) and computational methods (AOE 2074), covering state-space modeling, stability analysis, root-finding, numerical methods, and MATLAB-based dynamic systems.
Expertise
Guidance & Control
- • PID
- • LQR
- • MPC
- • Aircraft Longitudinal & Lateral Dynamics
- • Control Allocation
Estimation & Navigation
- • Kalman Filter
- • Extended Kalman Filter
- • Sensor Fusion
- • GPS Modeling
- • Satellite Navigation
AI & Machine Learning
- • Neural Networks
- • Gradient Descent
- • Backpropagation
- • Classification Models
- • Deep Learning Foundations
- • Model Training & Evaluation
- • Data Pipelines
Systems & Simulation
- • MATLAB / Simulink
- • 6-DOF Modeling
- • Python
- • C/C++
- • ROS
- • Linux
- • Git
Experience
Professional
Teaching Assistant
Virginia Tech
Present
Blacksburg, VA
Supporting undergraduate students in mastering computational methods and system dynamics for aerospace applications. Guiding lab sessions, grading assignments, and assisting with state-space modeling, stability analysis, and MATLAB-based dynamic systems.
Software Engineer
Avohi Info Tech
February 2021 – November 2024
Bengaluru, India
Built reusable integration components, optimized data flows, and implemented effective error-handling mechanisms. Developed the front-end of a food delivery application.
Internship
Aeronautical Intern
Kaashiv Infotech
June – July 2019
Chennai, India
- • Designed a rocket model and analyzed material suitability for rocket construction
- • Organized and analyzed data to support investigations of ground damage incidents and employee injuries
- • Developed improved safety awareness training programs, leading to a 30% increase in safety awareness among employees
Projects
Featured
Autonomous Multirotor Guidance & Control
- • Nonlinear 6-DOF UAV model
- • PID / LQR / MPC controller design
- • Extended Kalman Filter for attitude & position
- • Control allocation for multi-actuator thrust
- • ROS-based telemetry architecture
GPS-Based Navigation Modeling
- • Satellite positioning simulation
- • Dilution of Precision analysis
- • Error propagation modeling
Intelligent Estimation & Learning-Based Systems
- • Learning-based tuning of control parameters
- • Neural-network-assisted estimation concepts
- • Hybrid model-based + data-driven flight systems
- • Simulation-based ML experimentation
Academic
Wireless Power Transmission System for UAV
Feb – May 2020 · Team of 4
Designed wireless power transmission for UAVs using laser technology to extend flight time without landing.
Voice-Controlled Drone
Sep – Nov 2019 · Team of 3
Arduino + Android voice command integration for user-friendly UAV control.
Balloon Satellite
Mar – May 2019 · Team of 5
Designed and coded a balloon satellite with thermal insulation and communication systems.
Aircraft Wing Fabrication
Feb – Apr 2018 · Team of 3
Fabricated miniature aircraft wings focusing on aerodynamics, structural integrity, and weight.
Solid Propellant Development
Jan – Apr 2017 · Team of 3
Developed and tested solid propellants using potassium nitrate and sugar for amateur rocketry.
Teaching & Academics
Teaching Assistant
AOE 3034 — System Dynamics & Control
- • State-space modeling
- • Stability analysis
- • MATLAB-based dynamic systems instruction
Teaching Assistant
AOE 2074 — Computational Methods
- • Root-finding & numerical methods
- • Aerospace simulation validation
- • MATLAB-based instruction
Courses & Workshops
Online Courses
Nanotechnology
Duke University, NC State, UNC Chapel Hill
CourseraNovember 2020Arduino Programming
University of California, Irvine
CourseraNovember 2020IoT and Embedded Systems
University of California, Irvine
CourseraNovember 2020Raspberry Pi Programming
University of California, Irvine
CourseraOctober 2020Search Advertising and Digital Advertising
University of Colorado (CU)
CourseraOctober 2020Artificial Intelligence (AI)
IBM
CourseraOctober 2020How to Create a Website
SUNY
CourseraOctober 2020VR & 360 Video Production
Google Daydream
CourseraOctober 2020Initiating and Planning Projects
University of California, Irvine
CourseraAugust 2020
Workshops
- February 2018
Micro Aerial Vehicle
Jet Aerospace · Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur
- April 2018
Basic STK Software Training
ACED · Bengaluru
Publication
Design and Fabrication of Balloon SatelliteInternational Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 2020