Mason Jeffers | Data Systems and Controls Engineer

mason_profile_pic.JPG

Data Systems and Controls Engineer | Aerospace, Robotics & Automation

I’m a Data Systems and Controls Engineer at Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos with a long-term vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space. Blue Origin develops reusable launch vehicles, rocket engines, and lunar landing systems, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.

My career so far has built toward this role through three complementary domains—industrial control systems, defense unmanned systems, and robotics R&D—giving me a broad foundation in instrumentation, automation, and mission-critical engineering.

  • Aerospace Data Systems & Controls (Current): At Blue Origin, I work on data systems and controls supporting the development of next-generation aerospace platforms.

  • Industrial Control Systems (2023–2026): As a DCS Engineer at Siemens, I configured and programmed enterprise-grade PCS7 distributed control systems for industrial automation—SCADA architecture, SIL-rated safety logic, and real-time control protocols (Profibus/Profinet/Modbus).

  • Defense Unmanned Systems (2021–2023): At SCI Technology, I contributed to the Aeroguard counter-UAS platform as a mechanical design engineer, working cross-functionally on defense drone systems with emphasis on rapid R&D prototyping and DFA principles.

  • Robotics R&D (Ongoing): Personal projects include restoring and integrating a Mitsubishi RV-6SDL-S15 industrial robot with ROS, machine vision (OpenCV), and custom end-effector development.

I thrive at the intersection of mechanical design, control systems, and software integration, and I’m motivated by hard engineering problems where instrumentation, data, and automation come together.

Technical Expertise

Data Systems & Instrumentation

  • Data acquisition (DAQ) and instrumentation systems
  • Test stand and laboratory data systems
  • Sensor integration and signal conditioning
  • Real-time telemetry and monitoring
  • TCP/IP and serial communication protocols

Industrial Control Systems

  • Siemens PCS7 DCS programming and configuration
  • PLC programming with STEP 7/TIA Portal
  • SCADA/HMI development and operator interfaces
  • Process automation and manufacturing control
  • Safety systems (SIL-rated control logic)
  • Industrial communication protocols (Profibus, Profinet, Modbus)
  • Real-time control loops and deterministic systems

Robotics & Automation

  • Robot programming and motion control
  • ROS (Robot Operating System) integration
  • Industrial robot restoration and calibration
  • Machine vision integration (OpenCV, vision-guided automation)
  • End-effector and tooling design
  • Harmonic drive systems and servo motors
  • Trajectory planning and kinematics

Unmanned Systems & Defense Technology

  • Counter-UAS platform design and integration (Aeroguard)
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Defense systems mechanical design
  • Cross-functional collaboration in defense R&D environments
  • Rapid prototyping for operational deployment

Software & Systems Integration

  • Python and C++ for automation scripting
  • Control system architecture and design
  • Cross-functional hardware/software integration
  • Git version control and documentation

Mechanical Engineering

  • SolidWorks CAD design and modeling
  • CNC manufacturing and tooling
  • Design-for-automation (DFA) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM)
  • Rapid prototyping (3D printing, additive manufacturing)
  • End-effector and fixture design

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University

Certifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate GMP Certification