Project Showcase
I present my top-tier projects, ranging from space systems to mechanical design and 3D printing. I update these projects often, so check back for new information!
My Career Timeline
Learn about my journey as an aerospace engineer from college and beyond.
The Ohio State University
Undergraduate, August 2021 - May 2025
Graduated from Ohio State in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with Honors Research Distinction
Collins Aerospace
Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Intern, May 2024 - Jan 2025
Developed automated manufacturing simulations, optimized metal 3D printing processes, validated RFID tracking systems, and contributed to a $3M automation initiative.
SOAR Laboratory
Controls Undergraduate Researcher, Sept 2023 - Present
Designed data-driven UAV control algorithms, investigated the effects of dither quantization in constrained environments, and conduct drone flight tests.
LADDCS Laboratory
Space Systems Graduate Researcher, June 2024 - Present
Analyzed and categorized unknown spacecraft maneuvers using probability & game theory, and implemented Adaptive Monte Carlo techniques for accurate manuever detection.
Sierra Space
Systems Engineering Intern, May 2025- Present
Developed tools for on-orbit GNC sensor suite calibration and led joint effort for subsystem alignments on program goals.
Latest News & Activities
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Questions? Answers.
Brief answers about my GNC, autonomy, and space systems work.
What are your main areas of expertise?
I focus on Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), autonomy, and space systems, especially data-driven modeling and constrained MPC for nonlinear rigid-body dynamics, plus quantization-aware control analysis for resource-limited systems.
What are you working on right now?
I support systems engineering and GNC efforts on defense satellite programs at Sierra Space, including an on-orbit calibration tool for spacecraft GNC sensor suites and program-critical ICD development.
What research are you doing at Ohio State (SOAR Lab)?
I develop data-driven state-space models for nonlinear rigid-body dynamics and integrate them into constrained MPC for trajectory tracking and guidance, then quantify performance-bandwidth tradeoffs with structured sweeps and Monte Carlo studies.
What are a few projects you're most proud of?
Highlights include AMCC-AAC (autonomous cryogenic propellant transfer plus AI-driven docking alignment), TERRASat (12U CubeSat mission design), and IMPART (physics-based reentry and impact footprint prediction).
Have you published any papers?
Yes. Recent publications include a SciTech 2026 paper on quantization and data-driven MPC for quadcopters, and AMCC-AAC published through the NASA Human Lander Challenge forum (Best Prototype), among others.
What tools and software do you use most?
My core stack is MATLAB, Python, LaTeX, and Simulink, plus Ansys (STK and Fluent), SolidWorks, LabVIEW, ROS, and MS Office.
What's your background in manufacturing/prototyping?
At Collins Aerospace I built automated manufacturing simulations in Visual Components and used metal additive manufacturing (Markforged Metal X) to improve strength-to-weight and reduce cost.
Are you open to collaborations?
Yes! If it is related to GNC and autonomy, spacecraft systems, SDA, robotics, or experimental and prototyping-heavy engineering work, I am always interested in chatting. I'd love to learn about new areas of focus as well.
How can I contact you?
Email is best: max.heil@me.com (personal), heil.115@osu.edu (academic). You can also reach me through LinkedIn.
Are you eligible for cleared/defense work?
I am a US Citizen and TS/SCI eligible.
Do you fly?
Yes! I hold a Private Pilot Certificate (FAA) and like to fly as often as I can.
Life Outside the Lab
When I'm not working on engineering projects, I like to focus on hobbies, spend time with friends and family, travel, and explore the outdoors. Here are a few snapshots of my life outside the lab.
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