Dannah Gersh

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Work Experience


Everett, WA

The Boeing Company


July 2018 - Present

Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer

777X Folding Wing Tip (FWT)

  • Control Law Development
  • Tasks:
    • Review implemented code, test data, and control logic diagrams to root-cause problems
    • Analyze test data using Matlab and Boeing internal tools
    • Design, test, and optimize solutions for FWT flight controls software deficiencies
    • Design and implement new control logic as well as revising existing control laws for FWT controls software
    • Utilize model-based engineering to architect FWT control software
    • Identify and resolve flaws and gaps in system-level requirements
    • Subject Matter Expert on Folding Wingtip control laws
  • Problem Report Focal
  • Tasks:
    • Organize tracking of all Folding Wingtip related problem reports
    • Provide assessments on all incoming FWT problem reports determining impact and priority levels
    • Coordinate completion of work statement within the problem report sub-team
    • Provide management with burndown assessments, progress reports, and other necessary schedule information
    • Coordinate with the supplier to resolve schedule concerns and address implementation questions
    • Implement process improvements to streamline workflow and ensure first-time quality
    • Coordinate with management and FAA regulation experts to determine software load content needs to meet program schedule
    • Implement the use of Agile development processes within the problem report sub-team
  • System Testing
  • Tasks:
    • Develop detailed test procedures (DTP) and pass criteria for requirements-based testing on the flight controls software
    • Write scripts in C language to automate test procedures on the test bench
    • Define procedures for the management of FWT git repositories used to store DTP scripts and other scripted functions needed for testing
    • Perform manual and automated testing of the flight controls software for the FWT
    • Create detailed documentation of test sessions and test results for both internal use and flight certification
    • Review and approve teammates' test procedures, pass criteria, and test reports
    • Utilize isolated testbed and simulation software to identify software and control law bugs

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Boeing Comercial Airplanes Engineering Team of the Year Nominee - 2019
  • Recieved formal Recognition from co-worker for Exceptional Performance - March 2020
  • Level 2 Engineer Promotion - June 2019
  • Cash award recognition for Critial Problem Solving and Working Together - April 2019

Pittsburgh, PA

QinetiQ - North America


January 2017 - May 2017

Software Engineering Co-op

Project 1

  • I tested a gesture control glove for the Robotics Collaborative Technology Alliance program
  • Tasks:
    • Submitted comments for improvements for unclear or outdated instructions in user manual
    • Communicated with developer to resolve bugs found during testing
    • Designed and implemented a well-documented test procedure and analyzed the results
  • I completed the testing and submitted a document thoroughly summarizing the results

Project 2

  • I was assigned to debug code for a project that came back for phase two of development
  • Tasks:
    • Wrote unit and functional tests
    • Utilized isolated testbed and simulation software to identify causation of errors
    • Traced through and modified legacy code to locate and fix bugs
  • All the bugs were resolved by the deadline, and code documentation was improved

May 2016 - August 2016

Software Engineering Co-op

  • I was assigned to work independently on a new project with a tight deadline. I kept the project moving forward when it was previously at a standstill.
  • Tasks:
    • Evaluated new computer vision technology for improved object identification
    • Developed software in embedded C++ for dead-reckoning and ultra-wideband localization
    • Evaluated new GPS devices for improved localization accuracy
    • Developed software for integration of above enhancements to robotic systems
    • Tracked development using the Perforce revision control tool
    • Documented progress, design decisions, and build/code use instructions on internal company Wiki pages
  • The project was completed in time for the client demonstration

Pittsburgh, PA

Curtiss-Wright EMD


August 2015-December 2015

Power Electronics Co-op

  • There was an electrical failure in the power electronics controls for a linear induction motor during testing.
    • I was tasked with performing circuit analysis for failure modes and potential system losses.
    • I was able to identify the source of the failure so we could replace it with a safer component.
  • The facility had no Wi-Fi capabilities.
    • I was tasked to evaluate ideas for a secure intranet Wi-Fi network for the facility.
    • I was able to come up with a low-cost solution that was secure enough for government regulations.
  • I was asked to do preliminary Simulink modeling of induction motors running in series for an oil pumping system.
    • I completed electrical models in a timely fashion and presented them to my supervisor.

Jan 2015 - April 2015

Engineering IT Co-op

  • The company purchased new computers for the engineering staff.
    • I performed the hardware benchmarks on the new computers and installed all software.
    • I developed an Oracle Apex applications using SQL/PL-SQL to keep track of all hardware benchmarking in the future.
  • The system for locating employee desks the complex was inefficient and time-consuming.
    • I developed new cube/office assignment system for the facility as well as an application for finding and updating employee locations using Oracle Apex and SQL/PL-SQL.
    • The new system allowed for faster updates of employee locations to improve productivity.