Brendan Thomas Rodriguez Experience

Work History

Chronological overview.

Summary

Brendan is a senior Computer Engineering student and emerging security-focused engineer whose experience
spans drones, post-quantum cryptography, cloud software, and hands-on systems work. He has led multiple
teams and projects, most recently serves as Senior Design SAR Project Tean Lead on a Lockheed Martin-sponsored
multi-drone system, where he drives hardware integration, MAVLink telemetry, and custom Python-based autonomous
flight software.

Experience

Senior Design SAR Project Team Lead — Lockheed Martin

Orlando, FL · Aug 2025 – Present
  • Spearhead hardware and telemetry integration for a multi-drone system; resolved critical incompatibility issues between inherited RFD900+ and RFD900x radios by standardizing telemetry firmware and cabling for Pixhawk 2.4.8 controllers.
  • Design and validate MAVLink-based communication between drone and ground station using autopilot software and ardupilot-based flight controllers to ensure robust telemetry links for reliable autonomous flight operations.
  • Develop customized agentic flight software in a Python-based environment.

Undergraduate Researcher — UCF DRACO Lab

Orlando, FL · Jan 2025 – Present
  • Engineer and enhance Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) GPU benchmarks by modifying and optimizing source code to enable more accurate measurements of performance and hardware workload intensity.
  • Develop workload detection methods using side-channel analysis and low-level hardware signals; implement Python, perf, NumPy, and Pandas for real-time profiling and anomaly detection across various compute architectures.
  • Integrate open-source tools (perf, HuggingFace, GitLab) for scalable benchmarking and model development pipelines.
  • Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary research team to deliver portable benchmarking pipelines and progress visualization tools.

Data Intensive Computing Project Team Lead — University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Aug 2024 – Dec 2024
  • Led development of a post-quantum secure messaging application using ML-KEM to ensure robust security and performance.
  • Performed evaluation of ML-KEM bit-length key set parameters (512, 768, 1024), demonstrating consistent operation times within 5–10 ms across mobile environments.
  • Authored technical report and contributed to IEEE-format research paper comparing ML-KEM with RSA, analyzing scalability in high-traffic systems.

Cybersecurity Architect Intern — Duke Energy

Charlotte, NC · May 2024 – Aug 2024
  • Analyzed 976 software review requests from diverse departments via Service Hub, TASR, and SRT systems, identifying a 32.6% completion rate and the need for process optimization.
  • Delivered strategic presentation to cybersecurity leadership on quantum computing threats and NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards.
  • Participated in weekly cybersecurity architecture meetings, assessing on-premises and cloud assets (AWS S3, WAF, Lambda, CloudFront) to evaluate data flows, usage patterns, and security controls across hybrid infrastructures.
  • Analyzed IT solution architecture proposals to ensure alignment with Minimum Security Baselines (MSBs), Minimum Security Configurations (MSCs), and compliance requirements like NERC-CIP.

Software Engineer Intern — Duke Energy

Charlotte, NC · May 2023 – Aug 2023
  • Implemented RESTful APIs using HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to enable efficient data handling.
  • Optimized API workflows using Postman for testing and validation.
  • Engineered internal web platform infrastructure using Terraform IaC, AWS provisioning (Lambda, S3, VPCs), and security group configurations, with Python scripts for permission management.
  • Architected and implemented CI/CD pipelines using Concourse, integrating with Bitbucket for version control and Terraform Enterprise for infrastructure provisioning.

Optics and Photonics Research Assistant — University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Dec 2022 – May 2023
  • Operated advanced polymer extrusion equipment to produce fiber optic cables and polymer-coated copper wires, maintaining consistent quality through monitoring and adjustments of speed, temperature, and tension.
  • Ensured cable diameter accuracy within ±0.01mm using real-time laser diameter measurement, contributing to quality control and minimizing product defects.
  • Recorded and analyzed data on extrusion parameters, polymer properties, and fiber thread characteristics for research reports and project documentation.

Live Digital Media Ingest Technician — Catapult Sports

Orlando, FL · Dec 2021 – Aug 2022
  • Digitally ingested live events and tapes, ensuring accurate and timely acquisition of media content while adhering to schedules and workflows.
  • Applied metadata tags to ingested content to capture event details and timestamps.
  • Monitored content arrival in the ingest workflow, maintaining comprehensive logs of assets and statuses.
  • Managed concurrent projects and adapted to evolving priorities to meet production needs.

Engineering Technician — PGA National Resort

Palm Beach Gardens, FL · Jan 2020 – Dec 2021
  • Led an initiative to restore the INNCOM Room Management System across a private internal network with physical network devices and sensor components.
  • Ordered and installed replacement sensors and components to maintain uninterrupted Building Management System (BMS) operations.
  • Assisted with routine maintenance and major repairs of hotel equipment including HVAC, plumbing, boilers, laundry, kitchen, and pool systems.
  • Checked electrical systems including lighting and HVAC controls, performing minor repairs or replacements as needed.

Systems Administrator — PGA National Resort

Palm Beach Gardens, FL · Jan 2017 – Dec 2020
  • Created and managed security access for new employees, ensuring appropriate access to systems and software.
  • Supported and managed VOIP systems and Active Directory services for property users and computers.
  • Diagnosed and troubleshot hardware, software, and network issues for resort staff and guests.
  • Administered and optimized Property Management Systems (PMS) and Point of Sale (POS) systems.
  • Communicated with employees and guests to understand and address IT needs during peak resort activity.