Resume

Manil Ferr

I build embedded software for machines that move

Custom ESP32 quadcopter
Custom ESP32 quadcopter

Experience

  1. May — Aug 2026

    Robotic System Engineering Researcher

    Robotics and Manufacturing Automation Laboratory · McMaster University

    I built and validated a real-time cascaded controller that uses nonlinear model predictive control for a pneumatic-actuator test rig.

    2.62 mm root-mean-square position error · 0.17 ms mean controller computation time in selected hardware run 109

  2. May 2026 — Present

    Firmware Developer

    McMaster Mars Rover Team

    I integrated FreeRTOS into rover power and battery firmware, then added temperature-driven fan control and fault checks.

    More about this role

    • Integrated FreeRTOS into the rover’s power-distribution monitor and battery-management board, replacing sequential firmware with concurrent tasks so CAN communication and fault checks do not block battery monitoring.
    • Integrated the rover’s fans with the onboard computer and temperature-sensing board through a Teensy microcontroller, using PWM to control fan speed and flag unresponsive fans.

  3. Oct 2025 — Apr 2026

    Controls & Embedded Systems Member

    Mac RoboMaster

    I built the chassis software that commanded four motors over CAN, read their telemetry, and converted desired motion into omni-wheel speeds.

    More about this role

    • Built a four-motor CAN control and telemetry pipeline, enabling reliable transmit and receive communication through broadcast commands, feedback decoding, and monitoring hooks.
    • Implemented omni-wheel forward and inverse kinematics, enabling accurate wheel-speed setpoints and chassis-velocity estimates by integrating the transforms into the chassis control loop.

  4. Dec 2024 — Jan 2026

    Co-founder & Head of Web Development

    Hounka Digital Agency

    I scoped and delivered client websites and campaigns while coordinating design, content, and schedules.

    More than $10,000 in revenue

    More about this role

    • Co-founded the agency and delivered websites, marketing, and social-media work that culminated in more than $10,000 in revenue.
    • Delivered client sites and campaigns on schedule by translating customer needs into build plans and coordinating content and timelines.
    • Helped grow Hounka from scratch to partnerships with dozens of clients, including restaurants, hair salons, construction agencies, and the Viamonde School Board.

  5. Jul — Aug 2023

    Mechanical Technician Intern — Co-op

    Toyota · Scarborough, Ontario

    I supported vehicle maintenance, inspection, diagnostics, and repair-planning workflows across oil, brake, tire, alignment, fluid, and battery-service tasks.

    More about this role

    • Supported the vehicle-maintenance department with oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, fluid refills, wheel alignments, and battery inspections alongside certified technicians.
    • Gained hands-on experience diagnosing and resolving minor mechanical issues.
    • Participated in the repair and replacement of damaged bumpers, fenders, headlights, and panels.
    • Developed a practical understanding of vehicle structure, damage assessment, and repair planning.