Hello, I'm Zach Moas

Robotics Engineer

Zach Moas

About Me

I'm a hands-on Robotics Engineer with experience in autonomous systems, mechatronics, and CAD, currently pursuing a B.S. in Robotics and Mechatronics at Virginia Tech (In-Major GPA: 3.5). I have a proven ability to lead technical teams, taking complex robotic systems from initial concept through design, prototyping, and successful deployment in competitive and research environments. I hold an active Secret Level Clearance.

Skills

Software & Programming

  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • C/C++

CAD & Design

  • SolidWorks
  • OnShape
  • Fusion 360

Tools & Platforms

  • PlatformIO
  • Arduino
  • Simulink
  • Git

Experience

My professional journey in robotics engineering.

May 2024 - Present

Robotics Engineering Intern

Applied Research Associates, Inc.

  • Researching and prototyping subsystems for a fully autonomous UAV platform.
  • Designing dynamic robotic mechanisms and associated actuator assemblies.
  • Integrating sensors, microcontrollers (MCUs), and RF communication modules.
  • Modeling and simulating system behavior using MATLAB.
  • Designing and fabricating electronics enclosures for field deployment.
Apr 2024 - Present

Chief Engineer

Competitive Robotics Organization at Virginia Tech

  • Led robotics team to a first-place victory in the National Robotics Challenge, Manufacturing Workcell category.
  • Designed and implemented a 1.5 × 1 meter vertical Cartesian gantry system to move prints throughout the assembly.
  • Engineered a pick-and-place mechanism for print plate manipulation.
  • Created modular shelving units for printer housing and print storage, integrating sensor feedback.
  • Produced an engineering design plan and delegated tasks using project management software
May 2023 - Aug 2023

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Applied Research Associates, Inc.

  • Contributed to full lifecycle prototyping for defense-related projects.
  • Modeled and fabricated components for hydraulic and electric actuation systems.
  • Designed mechanical assemblies considering specific manufacturing processes and sourcing limitations.
  • Used FEA software to ensure designs adhere to load conditions.
Jan 2023 - Apr 2024

Mechanical Lead

Competitive Robotics Organization at Virginia Tech

  • Led mechanical design, prototyping, and fabrication for IEEE SoutheastCon 2023 & 2024 autonomous robots.
  • Spearheaded the design of the robot that achieved the highest scoring run among 35 universities at SoutheastCon 2024.
  • Developed key mechanisms including chassis, linkages, deployable bridge, and object manipulators under strict size constraints.

Projects

A showcase of my non-industry projects.

National Robotics Challenge

National Robotics Challenge

Led the design of an award-winning automated 3D printing workcell. Using a web-based queue system the dual printer system can autonomously perform prints and swap it's own plates.

View Project
IEEE SoutheastCon Robot

IEEE SoutheastCon

Helped design and build the autonomous robot that achieved the highest single round score and won the Hardware Design Competition at IEEE SoutheastCon 2024.

View Project
RoboLeague Hackathon Project

RoboLeague Hackathon Project

Rapidly prototyped an custom Bluetooth RC car soccer game inspired by Rocket League during a 30-hour hackathon, including hardware design and mobile app integration.

View Project
5 DOF Robotic Arm

5 DOF Robotic Arm (Ongoing)

Developing a 3D-printed robotic arm as a personal platform for implementing and testing kinematics, control, and motion planning algorithms.

View Project
Reinforcement Learning Experiment

Reinforcement Learning Experiment

Tested reward structures for a reinforcement learning agent. Developed a location-based intrinsic reward system to improve convergence.

View Project
Mesa-Based Linux CNC Setup

Mesa-Based LinuxCNC Setup

For senior capstone I worked on a custom 3D printer machine controller using Mesa hardware and LinuxCNC software, featuring fine linear scales and high torque stepper motors for precision manufacturing tasks.

View Project

Awards

Contact Me

Feel free to reach out via email or phone.

zach21@vt.edu | (571) 359-0569

Based in Manassas, VA