Salem Cherenet

Salem

Robotics & systems engineer

Cherenet

About Me

I am a multi-disciplined engineer with over a decade of experience in mechanical, systems, and robotics engineering. My journey began with autoclave design and construction, where I honed my skills in precision engineering and project management. At UtopiaCompression Corporation, I enhanced a collision detection and alerting system through sensor calibration and data analysis. Currently, at KBR Inc., NASA Ames Research Center, I support the VIPER mission as a Cognizant Engineer and Systems Engineer, overseeing the lifecycle of the Inertial Navigation Sensor and creating Interface Control Documents for Navigation hardware. I also develop verification and validation plans and provide real-time engineering support for mission operations, ensuring the health and performance of navigation hardware and software.

SKILLS

Software/Applications: MatLab/ Simulink, SolidWorks, Inventor, Robot Operating System (ROS), OpenMCT

Languages and Scripts: Python, C++, Git, LaTex, HTML+CSS, SQL

Mechanical: Mill, General shop experience, 3D printing, Welding

Project Highlights

Professional Experience

NASA Ames Research Center - KBR, Inc (Nov 2019 - Present)

Mission Operations (Sept 2023 - Present)

As part of the Navigation Systems team, I provide real-time “backroom” engineering support to navigation mission control operators. My responsibilities include monitoring the health and performance of navigation hardware and software, determining optimal times and locations for capturing panoramas and calibration images, performing camera calibration and updating models, managing bad pixel maps for all rover cameras, tuning Pose Estimator filter variables, and developing mission control telemetry monitoring UI using Open MCT. This role ensures the seamless operation of navigation systems, contributing to the success of the VIPER mission in exploring the lunar south pole for water ice.

System Engineer (Jun 2020 - Present)

As a systems engineer, I focus on two primary responsibilities. Firstly, I lead the creation of the Interface Control Document and Interface Control Requirements for the Navigation hardware subsystem. This involves close collaboration with Navigation Hardware component owners to ensure the highest quality documentation. I also maintain and update these documents as needed, serving as a key liaison between Navigation hardware and other Rover subsystems, including Avionics, Structure and Mechanism, Thermal, Communications, and Power. This role requires seamless communication and integration across various technical domains.

In my secondary role, I formulate the verification and validation plan for navigation hardware. This comprehensive document outlines the verification processes for each component requirement and specifies detailed test procedures. Additionally, I maintain component-level requirements within the system engineering framework and generate a compliance matrix that aligns with various NASA standards, such as NASA Standard 8070.

Inertial Sensor Cognizant Engineer (Nov 2019 - Present)

As the Cognizant Engineer (CogE) responsible for the IMU in NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) program, I manage the comprehensive process of document creation, from procurement through delivery to the System Integration team. This involves generating critical documents such as Performance Specifications, Statements of Work, and End Item Data Packages.

I lead the development and execution of performance and acceptance test plans, working closely with the Integration team and mission system engineers.

UtopiaCompression Corporation (May 2015 - Oct 2019)

Research & Development Engineer

An integral contributor to the Detect and Alert (DAA) team, entrusted with enhancing the end-to-end collision detection and alerting system through comprehensive hardware and software improvements.

During the four and half years I was at UC, I worked on the following projects

DARPA – SBIR Phase II: Passive Collision Detection
DARPA/AF – SBIR Phase I: Small UAS (sUAS)
Navy SBIR Phase I: Sense and Alert
Army SBIR Phase I: Counter UAS
Navy SBIR Phase I: Detect and Alert
Navy SBIR Phase II: Detect and Alert

ASC Process Systems (Mar 2014 - Feb 2015)

Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager

Lead mechanical engineer and project manager responsible for successfully overseeing design, fabrication, and delivery of multiple projects. Adept at managing intricate projects from inception to completion, ensuring seamless coordination between design, production, and customer requirements.