R. Davis Born
About R. Davis Born
R. Davis Born is a Senior Software Engineer specializing in robotics, currently working at Pyka. With a background that includes positions at SpaceX, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and a strong educational foundation in Mechanical Engineering, he contributes to the development of software for autonomous aerial systems.
Current Role at Pyka
R. Davis Born currently serves as a Senior Software Engineer specializing in Robotics at Pyka, a position held since 2023 in Oakland, California. In this role, he focuses on developing and maintaining embedded C++ software for autonomous fixed-wing aircraft. His expertise contributes to advancing the capabilities of commercial uncrewed aerial systems.
Previous Experience in Robotics and Engineering
Prior to his current role, R. Davis Born worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Robotics Engineer II from 2018 to 2021. He was involved in the Robotic Manipulation & Sampling Group, where he applied his engineering skills in robotics. He also held positions at Heliogen as a Senior Software Engineer in Controls from 2021 to 2023 and at SpaceX in various internships, including roles focused on environmental control and ground segment operations.
Educational Background in Mechanical Engineering
R. Davis Born holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, completed from 2015 to 2018. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he studied from 2011 to 2015. Additionally, he studied abroad at UNSW, achieving a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2013.
Internships and Early Career Development
R. Davis Born's early career included several internships that provided foundational experience in engineering. He interned at SpaceX in 2015 and again in 2016-2017, focusing on vehicle engineering and ground segment operations. He also gained experience at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a summer intern in 2014 and worked as a product engineer intern at John Deere in 2012.
Research and Development Contributions
In addition to his engineering roles, R. Davis Born contributed to research at Hopkins Marine Station in 2018. His work involved applying engineering principles to support various research initiatives. He also supports flight testing and operations for the largest FAA-approved commercial uncrewed aerial system, showcasing his involvement in significant aerospace projects.