Gavin Knudsen | Autonomous Systems, Space Systems, Electrical Design

I take a systems-level approach to controls and automation: integrating hardware, firmware, and software to deliver resilient, testable autonomous systems that operate reliably in challenging environments. My work focuses on control design, system integration, and verification.

Explore Projects

Professional Experience

Systems Engineering Assistant - Space Dynamics Lab

May 2023 - Present

At the Space Dynamics Laboratory I support mission-critical systems with a focus on systems integration and verification. I help bridge software, FPGA, and hardware to keep complex systems flight-ready.

Perform rigorous functional testing on electronic hardware, verifying each board meets strict performance and quality specifications.
Execute comprehensive regression testing after software updates to ensure system stability and reliability.
Install, configure, and maintain Linux-based servers to provide essential infrastructure for engineering and testing teams.
Provide direct support to the FPGA engineer by assisting with test environment setup and the validation of digital logic.

Undergraduate Research Assistant - USU Robotics Lab

June 2025 - Present

My research focuses on applying optimal control theory to enhance the stability and efficiency of smart microgrids. Working with the ASPIRE research center, I am developing and improving a control system that intelligently manages power flow between solar arrays, battery storage, and a network of electric vehicle chargers.

Develop and implement a Python-based control application for a physical microgrid testbed, integrating real-time data from PV simulators, batteries, and EV charging hardware.
Analyze and build upon a graduate-level codebase, refactoring and adapting the legacy system to meet new research objectives and hardware configurations.
Research and simulate advanced control strategies to improve the system's response to dynamic inputs, such as power forecasts and grid curtailment commands.
Apply principles of optimal control theory to formulate and solve complex optimization problems, using the Gurobi Optimizer in Python to determine the most efficient EV charging schedules.

Education

Utah State University | Logan, UT

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Expected Graduation: May 2026

Minors: Computer Science, Mathematics, and Business

To pursue my passion for robotics and space systems, I am building an interdisciplinary foundation at Utah State University by combining my Electrical Engineering major with minors in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Business.

Relevant Coursework

Path Planning for Mobile Robotics
Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2)
Control Systems
Mechatronics
Space Systems Engineering & Design
AI Deployment
PCB Design

Projects

O.R.E.O: Autonomous Navigation on Embedded Systems

Designed and implemented an autonomous navigation system on a resource-constrained microcontroller. This project involved the complete system integration of sonar sensors and motor drivers with a real-time wall-following control algorithm to reliably navigate unknown environments.

Lunar Rover Systems Design (NASA L'SPACE)

Served as Lead Systems Engineer for a 12-person team in a NASA-sponsored lunar mission design challenge. I was responsible for developing the Concept of Operations (ConOps), defining subsystem requirements and interfaces, and managing the technical integration of the power, thermal, and autonomy subsystems.

Copies of deliverables available upon request

Leadership & Community Engagement

I believe that engineering is about building a better future, and that begins with inspiring the next generation of innovators. I am passionate about STEM outreach and actively seek opportunities to share my knowledge of robotics and space systems with my community, helping to make complex topics accessible and exciting for students of all ages.

Local Lead

NASA International Space Apps Challenge | October 2024

As the lead organizer for the local chapter of the world's largest space and science hackathon, I was responsible for planning, promoting, and executing the 48-hour event at Utah State University.

Managed all event logistics, including venue coordination and sponsorships.
Provided technical mentorship to teams, guiding them through ideation and prototyping.
Facilitated the final judging and awards ceremony, showcasing innovative solutions to real-world problems posed by NASA.

Robotics Instructor

North Logan Library & Adams Elementary School | Winter 2024 - Present

Developed a monthly hands-on curriculum for 10-12 year olds from scratch, and using Lego Mindstorms EV3, with a team of engineers and educators covering basic concepts such as programming autonomous robot behavior.
Mentored a class of 12+ students, creating a collaborative environment that inspired creativity and problem-solving.
Annually demonstrated robotics concepts to students at a local elementary school, enhancing their learning of core science curriculum standards.

About Me

I'm an electrical engineering student at Utah State University with a passion for solving complex problems at the intersection of hardware and software. My goal is to contribute to autonomous systems in challenging environments, from deep sea to deep space. I thrive on taking a system from concept and simulation all the way to a functional, real-world prototype.