Hi! I’m Finn.
As you can probably see from my posts, I’m interested in many different engineering disciplines and topics, here are some specifics:

  • Robotics/Mechatronics & Control Systems
  • Computer Engineering (FPGA design, computer architecture)
  • Embedded Systems (IOT devices, PCB design, firmware and support software, real-time systems)
  • Computer Science (DSA, networking, systems programming)
  • Competitive Programming (AdventOfCode, Codewars, local competitions)

Skills

  • Programming
    • Adept in C/C++, Python, and Rust, quick to learn new languages and environments, familiar with JavaScript, Java, C#, Nim and Verilog HDL
    • Worked on many small and large projects including web development for a local club, systems programming, embedded programming, automation, and general scripting
  • Working in teams
    • Planned and orchestrated the integration of hardware, software, and electronics within an FRC team with tight deadlines.
    • Cooperated with a small team on software and physical designs using collaborative CAD, development software, and virtual discussions during COVID for the FIRST Innovation challenge.
    • Led a small team of robotics students to implement swerve drive for the first time during the offseason.
  • Relentless self-learning
    • Learned about the theory of FPGA design through available academic resources and papers and demonstrated practical skills through self-guided mini-projects involving FPGAs.
    • Gained experience in tooling and design software for creating PCBs (KiCAD) and creating the associated firmware (ESP-IDF/PlatformIO) for an embedded system.
    • Studied for and passed the technician class HAM radio exam.
  • Problem solving
    • Designed hardware and software solutions for embedded sensing and integration with existing systems using low-cost hardware despite limited resources and regulations.
    • Participated in multiple local and global computer science competitions including the Advent of Code. In 2021 I placed 2nd in our local Advent of Code competition. In 2022, I improved to 1st place as well as 2 finishes in the global top 100. In 2023, I improved yet again, placing 1st locally and somehow managed to get on the global leaderboard 5 times!

Other skills/experience:

  • Over 4 years of OnShape CAD experience
  • Firmware development on AVR (bare-metal), RP2040, ESP32 and assorted ARM microcontrollers
  • Experience using Fusion 360 for CAM & CNC manufacturing

Please contact me at finn.tinkerneering@gmail.com for any inquiries, suggestions, or questions. I will try to get back to you as soon as possible :)