Tyler Garr

Military Helicopter Avionics Project

Role: Lead Software Engineer

Worked on a mission-critical embedded software project for a military helicopter platform, focusing on compliance with DO-178C DAL A safety certification standards. Responsibilities included the design, development, and verification of real-time software modules integrated into the aircraft’s avionics and networking systems.

• Developed and maintained low-level C/C++ software for ARM-based embedded processors used in flight control and mission systems.
• Implemented robust communication protocols (ARINC 429, Ethernet) for reliable data exchange between avionics subsystems.
• Executed requirements-based testing and traceability analysis to meet DO-178C objectives and support FAA DER audits.
• Contributed to networked architecture ensuring deterministic behavior and fault tolerance in high-reliability environments.
• Collaborated with systems engineers, test teams, and certification authorities throughout the SDLC.

This project demanded formal development discipline, deep embedded systems knowledge, and high attention to detail to ensure flight safety and mission success.

On-Orbit Reprogrammable Digital Waveform Generator

Role: Embedded Software Architect

Contributed to a satellite communications system focused on the design, development, and qualification of embedded software for advanced GPS message handling and waveform configuration. This effort spanned the entire development life cycle, from initial system architecture through formal test qualification.

• Designed and implemented embedded software for parsing, generating, and validating GPS navigation messages.
• Configured and managed custom RF waveforms for satellite uplink/downlink communication within constrained environments.
• Owned key aspects of the development life cycle, including requirements analysis, architecture design, unit and integration testing, and qualification support.
• Implemented interprocess communication (IPC) mechanisms for efficient, reliable data exchange between flight software components.
• Collaborated with systems engineering, RF hardware, and test teams to validate performance in simulated and hardware-in-the-loop environments.

The project required deep domain knowledge of satellite protocols and embedded communication systems, as well as a strong focus on reliability, timing precision, and system integration.

Sentinel SDR: Tactical Combat Survival Radio

Role: Embedded Software Engineer

Engineered critical embedded software for a next-generation Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform designed for military personnel in high-risk combat environments. The system provided secure, adaptable communications as part of a broader Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) solution suite.

• Developed firmware and signal processing modules for dynamic waveform switching, encryption, and adaptive modulation.
• Enabled real-time mission reconfigurability, ensuring operability in GPS-denied, jammed, or degraded environments.
• Integrated survival beacon protocols, including support for emergency frequency transmissions and situational awareness signals.
• Worked across cross-domain teams to verify RF performance and timing constraints under ruggedized, battlefield conditions.
• Performed end-to-end validation, from software design to over-the-air testing, contributing to MIL-STD compliance and deployment readiness.

The project demanded high-reliability software with low power and latency constraints, tailored for handheld form factors and high-threat scenarios where communication is mission-critical.