Christian Ibarra

Aerospace Engineering @ UTA · Founder, Endurance Aero Labs

Flight mechanics • GNC • Propulsion • Aerospace electronics

About

I’m an Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Texas at Arlington and the founder of Endurance Aero Labs. I’m strengthening fundamentals—flight mechanics, stability & control, propulsion, and electronics—and translating them into practical skills with industry tools.

My current projects are in the research and planning stage. I’m intentional about documenting requirements, studying the theory, and preparing to move from concept to prototype. I value persistence, clarity of thought, and building things the right way.

Current Focus

• Deepening core knowledge in trajectory analysis, stability & control, and aerodynamic performance.
• Hands-on skill building with MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, and Altium Designer.
• Process: requirements → modeling → prototype plan → test plan.

Project Pipeline (In Progress)

• Rocket Flight Computer: research for active fin control (sensors, estimation, actuation, PCB stack-up).
• UAV Concept: high-aspect-ratio fixed wing; coupling aerodynamics with basic autopilot logic.
• CubeSat/SmallSat Comms: RF fundamentals, link budgets, and constraints for low-rate telemetry.

Note: These are exploratory—assumptions, risks, and next actions are being documented before build.

Skills

• Modeling & Analysis: MATLAB/Simulink for dynamics; basic control loops and simulation hygiene.
• CAD: SolidWorks for mechanical design and manufacturing-aware geometry.
• Electronics: Altium for schematic/PCB; microcontrollers, sensors, power, and signal integrity fundamentals.
• Documentation: concise requirements, design notes, and test plans for engineering reviews.

Tools: MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, Altium Designer, Python (basic), LaTeX

Education

B.S., Aerospace Engineering
University of Texas at Arlington

Seeking internships and early-career roles in flight dynamics, GNC, propulsion, or aerospace electronics.

How I Work

• First-principles first: understand equations and constraints before parts or code.
• Industry-aligned tools: learn professional workflows, not just hobby stacks.
• Traceability: document decisions and assumptions; test what matters.

Books & Learning Path

• Flight Mechanics / Performance / Stability: personal notes + MATLAB exercises.
• Controls & Estimation: PID basics, sensor fusion foundations, simulation practices.
• Electronics: PCB fundamentals, power delivery, sensor interfaces, bring-up checklists.

Why “Endurance”

Endurance is the mindset: show up, learn deliberately, and keep going when it’s hard. I’m building Endurance Aero Labs as a home for rigorous, well-documented projects that grow from study to flight-ready prototypes.

Let’s Connect

I’m open to internships, research collaborations, and mentorship in flight dynamics, GNC, or aerospace electronics. Reach me at enduranceaerolabs@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn/GitHub.