# Sanchit K. > Software Engineer @ Pyka | Robotics & Autonomous Systems | C++ | Motion & Path Planning | Autonomous Aircraft Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/sanchitk Autonomous systems are pushing robotics beyond controlled environments into real-world deployment. Building autonomy that is safe, reliable, and adaptable across complex environments remains one of the hardest problems in robotics. I am a Software Engineer at Pyka, working on autonomy software for autonomous aircraft. My work focuses on path planning, autonomy algorithms, and high-performance robotics software written in C++ for safety-critical systems operating in dynamic real-world environments. Previously at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), I worked on autonomous vehicle platforms and robotics evaluation systems. My work involved integrating autonomy stacks with real vehicles, building perception and testing pipelines, and contributing to robotics evaluation methodologies used by industry and government research programs. My background spans robotics software architecture, autonomy systems, motion and behavior planning, perception pipelines, and system integration. I have experience working across the full autonomy stack, from simulation and testing frameworks to real-world robotic deployments. Outside of engineering, I enjoy Formula 1, coffee, and hiking. These pursuits foster the same curiosity, persistence, and appreciation for complex systems that I apply to my engineering work. I am always interested in conversations around robotics, autonomy, and intelligent systems. ## Work Experience ### Software Engineer II @ Pyka Jan 2026 – Present | Alameda, CA Building the future of large autonomous electric fixed-wing aircraft, solving critical agricultural and logistics challenges around the world. ### Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer @ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Jan 2024 – Jan 2026 | Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States As part of NIST’s Automated Vehicle (AV) team, I support the research, development, and testing of AV systems to inform and enable the development of industry standards. Building on my work in the APRS project, my focus is on enhancing operational capabilities, system integration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Integrated Autoware with a Ford Fusion Hybrid drive-by-wire AV, enabling standardized testing of perception, planning, and control modules. Developed HD Lanelet maps of the NIST campus for localization, navigation, and reproducible test benchmarking. Implemented obstacle collision-avoidance behaviors, improving AV safety and reliability in complex traffic scenarios. Built a Neo4j-based GUI to visualize AV system interactions and data flow, accelerating debugging and supporting standards research. Collaborated across AI, perception, and V2X teams, ensuring seamless software-hardware integration and advancing interoperable AV systems. Presented technical briefings to SAE committees, FHWA, NHTSA, and NIST leadership, shaping discussions on AV safety, standardization, and system performance. ### Research Software Engineer – Robotics and Automation @ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Jan 2023 – Jan 2026 | Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States As a Researcher in the Agility Performance of Robotic Systems (APRS) project within the Measurement Science for Manufacturing Robots Program, I spearhead initiatives to optimize robotic system performance and safety. Overhauled the APRS robotics demo (Fanuc, Motoman, UR5e, Franka), developing custom ROS drivers for legacy systems to expand functionality. Pioneered adaptive task planning with PlanSys2 + behavior trees, enabling failure recovery and reducing downtime. Contributed to IEEE P2940 standards, defining agility and reconfigurability metrics for next-gen robotics. Developed ROS2 computer vision pipelines, improving detection accuracy by 25% for Sim-to-Real transfers. Designed ARIAC 2024 simulation that increased AGV efficiency by 20% and stability by 15%. Optimized Neo4j performance, cutting query times by 50% and accelerating robotics data workflows. ### Graduate Research Assistant @ University of Maryland Jan 2022 – Jan 2023 Built a pipeline for vision-based bolt classification in manufacturing systems. Developed proof-of-concept simulations with UR3 robot in ROS & Gazebo, validating autonomous workflows. Applied C++ and Python algorithms to support perception and control for industrial robotics applications. ### Product Development Engineer @ Crystal Exports Jan 2020 – Jan 2021 | Vasai, Maharashtra, India Reduced production costs by 15% by optimizing layouts and resource planning. Developed a Python/Qt cost tool that automated material ordering and improved financial tracking. Facilitated UL & CSA certification, unlocking US export market entry. Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and suppliers to ensure high-quality, reliable products. ### Head of Department | Powertrain @ MPSTME Racing Jan 2019 – Jan 2021 | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Directed a 15-member team to redesign powertrain layout, cutting transmission losses and reducing weight by 10%. Implemented CVT transmission design, improving performance and reliability. Guided gearbox redesign, reducing wear by 2% while increasing efficiency. Managed finances and logistics, ensuring budget optimization across departments. Led participation in SAE Baja & Enduro competitions, delivering projects on time under high-pressure deadlines. ### Design Engineer @ MPSTME Racing Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Created custom welding jigs, reducing manufacturing time by 15%. Developed lightweight engine mounts, cutting overall weight by 5%. Led a 5-member team to assemble and validate the powertrain for competitive racing. ## Education ### Master of Engineering - MEng in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering University of Maryland - A. James Clark School of Engineering ### Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering MUKESH PATEL SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sanchitkedia19 --- Source: https://flows.cv/sanchitk JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/sanchitk/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-10