# Benjamin Kraft

> Aerospace @ University of Maryland

Location: Fairfield, Connecticut, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/benjaminkraft

Fourth-year undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Space Systems and a minor in Mathematics. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of aerospace technologies in order to further human knowledge of the universe. I am a fast learner, inquisitive, logic-oriented, and determined, and I am always looking for new work opportunities.

Located in Washington D.C. / CT areas.

Relevant Coursework: Space Navigation & Guidance, Space Systems, Orbital Dynamics, Control Systems, Flight Software Systems, MATLAB & C++ Computing, Space Propulsion, Aerospace Systems, Aerospace Instrumentation

## Work Experience
### Undergraduate Research Assistant @ Machine Learning Dynamical Systems Laboratory
Jan 2025 – Present | College Park, Maryland
- Construct 6DOF model of spacecraft in unstable cislunar orbit and integrate 3 body dynamics with Basilisk
- Develop RL agent to evaluate autonomous flight mode selection and power-constrained trajectory decision strategies, using a reward design which minimizes power consumption when the spacecraft is in eclipse

### GNC Engineer @ UMD Satellite Development Program
Jan 2025 – Present | College Park, Maryland

### Teaching Assistant, Aerospace Department @ University of Maryland - A. James Clark School of Engineering
Jan 2024 – Present | College Park, Maryland
- Control of Aerospace Systems (ENAE 432), Course Preparation Program
- Orbital Dynamics (ENAE 404), Academic Match Tutor and Course Preparation Program
- Dynamics of Aerospace Systems (ENAE 301), Academic Match Tutor and Course Preparation Program 
- Aerospace Engineering Profession (ENAE 100), Teaching Fellow

- Instruct, lead discussion sections, create review material, hold office hours.

### ClarkLEADER @ University of Maryland - A. James Clark School of Engineering
Jan 2023 – Jan 2024 | College Park, Maryland
- Student leader of the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering
- Served as a mentor for incoming engineering students in order to help them acclimate to the university.
- Facilitated an incoming engineering student orientation, shared experiences, and provided advice.

### Engine Test Quality Engineering Intern @ Pratt & Whitney
Jan 2025 – Jan 2025 | Middletown, Connecticut
- Supported end-to-end testing process of F135, F100, PW4000, and PW1100 engine programs.
- Identified problems, determined root causes, and used creative problem-solving to implement lasting solutions.
- Mix of shop floor and office-based work

### Flight Operations Intern @ Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN)
Jan 2024 – Jan 2024 | New Haven, Connecticut
- Formulated a standard operating procedure in collaboration with the FAA in order to ensure functional and safe operation of aircraft Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other navigational aid equipment.
- Maximized efficiency of airport operations for Boeing 737-700s and -800s.

### Research Project - Lunar Control Systems Engineer @ UMD Space Systems Laboratory
Jan 2022 – Jan 2022 | College Park, Maryland
- Developed the control panel subsystem for VERTEX, an autonomous lunar rover intended to minimize astronaut payload and enhance mission autonomy.
- Programmed a Python-based lunar mission simulator to evaluate control panel performance, conducting hardware-in-the-loop testing to assess various guidance command inputs and their interaction with embedded hardware/software systems.
- Conducted additional testing of control panel configurations: button/switch ergonomics, display technologies, solar glare reduction, and astronaut positioning to minimize astronaut response time during manual guidance modes.
- Designed ergonomic control panel hardware layout with SOLIDWORKS.
- Leveraged Microsoft Excel to systematically record and analyze test data, driving evidence-based optimization of control panel design for mission readiness and reliability.

### Research Assistant, Computer Science @ Fairfield University
Jan 2022 – Jan 2022 | Fairfield, Connecticut
- Tested different image recognition algorithms in Python to improve the efficiency of a mobile application offered to chemistry students at Fairfield University.
- Utilized the Hough Transform technique to improve image recognition by 230% through analyzing line segments within the user-drawn chemical compounds.
- Presented findings to professors at Fairfield University Innovative Symposium.

### Mathematics Tutor @ Mathnasium - The Math Learning Center
Jan 2020 – Jan 2021 | Fairfield, Connecticut
- Instructed students ages 5 to 18 in topics ranging from arithmetic through calculus.


## Education
### Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | Minor in Mathematics
University of Maryland

### Study Abroad
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

### High School Diploma
Fairfield Ludlowe High School


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/benjaminmkraft

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Source: https://flows.cv/benjaminkraft
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/benjaminkraft/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-13