STEM Career Advancement Takes Center Stage: Embracing Lifelong Learning

Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are playing an increasingly critical role in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that take place across complex landscapes around the globe. Whether the ISR mission is a military operation or an effort by border control agents or search-and-rescue teams, UAVs increase the situational awareness that leads to timely and effective decision-making in situations where the stakes are high. What makes uncrewed systems such a crucial tool for achieving an in-field advantage? Developed to carry a wide variety of payloads, UAVs facilitate the gathering and transmission of accurate data to key human actors in real or near-real time for a distinct in-field advantage.

Optical gimbal cameras are often the payload of choice for ISR missions. With a multitude of sensors (color and IR), laser pointers and range finders, geolocation capabilities, image stabilization, optical and digital zoom, and real-time data transmission, these cameras are ideal for a real-time data exchange that provides critical information to decision-makers in the field.  

Automated Tracking to Support the Operator and the Mission

Endurance flight times for small UAV can reach upwards of 20 hours, which means long shifts for the operator to monitor live footage—a mentally taxing endeavor. Two real-time data transmission features that can ease this burden and support those leading the mission are Moving Target Indicator and Object Tracking.

A Moving Target Indicator (MTI) is a comprehensive software function that uses onboarding image processing for data that is transmitted to the ground control station. By clearly differentiating between a moving target and background clutter, MTI provides the human decision-maker with clearer and more actionable intel. When using this feature, the operator is able to select modes such as “large object MTI” or “small object MTI” to more easily spot objects of varying sizes during an ISR mission. In either mode, these objects will not drift out of the UAV’s sights even when the angle or loitering position changes.

Large object MTI specifically helps the operator detect vehicles, drones, planes, and human targets. During a fast-paced mission, this data gives the operator a vital edge. User friendly and quick to respond, large object MTI can be easily switched to “tracking mode” on the indicated object while also continuing to observe and track other moving objects in the frame. This unique ability to toggle between multiple objects allows the operator to focus on the main target without losing coverage on additional moving objects that may provide essential intelligence.

 Small object MTI, on the other hand, assists the operator in challenging environments where the terrain is homogenous (for example, a dense forest), thus making it more difficult for a human operator to detect small or slow-moving targets. This feature automatically extracts valuable intelligence from the video stream in real time, allowing the operator to locate objects in a landscape that is complex or otherwise challenging. Small object MTI helps the operator review images at a much faster rate, allowing for swift yet accurate judgment calls that are crucial to mission success. This feature is especially beneficial in search-and-rescue missions where every passing second could be the difference between life and death. Once the target is located, the operator can zoom in to activate automatic object tracking and relay critical information to the rest of the team.

Whether the ISR  objective is executing military surveillance, locating missing persons during a natural disaster, or monitoring suspicious activity on a national border, payload cameras with Moving Target Indicator and Object Tracking features are not merely the human operator’s “eyes in the sky”—they are an advanced tool that improves situational awareness and accurate data transmission at a speed that can save lives and increase the likelihood of mission success. Edge Autonomy is committed to robust innovations that allow teams to share data and communicate more effectively, thereby improving the outcome of ISR missions in a variety of environments. Interested in the advanced optical gimbal cameras in Edge Autonomy’s Octopus line of ISR systems? Learn more about our cutting-edge solutions here.

Spotlight on Continuing Education and Career Opportunities

Careers and education in STEM fields have come into sharper focus in recent years, with employment in STEM occupations growing 79% since 19901. Additionally, the number of STEM jobs is projected to grow 8% through 2029—a higher rate than non-STEM jobs—with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way2.

While many STEM initiatives are concentrated on the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, it is also important to foster engagement with individuals who are looking to change careers or take steps to upskill through education and training. With an estimated 3.5 million STEM jobs that will need to be filled in the United States by 20253, encouraging STEM growth within the existing workforce is just as important as encouraging young scholars.

Community Involvement

Headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, Edge Autonomy not only puts a high priority on building state-of-the-art small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS), but also on fostering career growth within the company and within the community. We have an active partnership with SLO Partners, an economic development initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. By working with local employers and those within the community who want to change their career trajectory, SLO Partners designs specific fast-tracked bootcamp training programs to teach in-demand skills. Through this model, employees and local companies are able to grow together, benefiting the community and the overall health of the local STEM arena.

At a recent Modern Manufacturing bootcamp, Edge Autonomy employees were able to address students at SLO Partners about the innovative work the company does and the exciting opportunities we have in San Luis Obispo. Liam Limon, an alumnus of the SLO Partners boot camp program and Electronics Production Supervisor for Edge Autonomy, helped to lead the eight-week program as students built and flew quad copter drones.

“I connected with Edge Autonomy because of their work with SLO Partners,” said Liam. “When I went through the boot camp they brought in a VXE-30 aircraft and assembled it in the class. When the course ended I got in touch with the company about local electronics positions and have been with Edge Autonomy ever since.”

Eileen Faley, Senior HR Generalist with Edge Autonomy in San Luis Obispo, presented students with additional information about the company and the work we do across production, engineering, and manufacturing.

“Choosing a career in a STEM field can be a transformative decision with many benefits,” said Eileen. “These are high-demand jobs both within Edge Autonomy and throughout the industry as a whole. I’ve found that these students are interested in continual intellectual and personal growth, and I really enjoy working with them as they learn about emerging technologies and opportunities.”

STEM educators play a crucial role in nurturing our nation’s innovators, thinkers, and leaders, and Edge Autonomy employees are paying it forward through their work with SLO Partners. By actively encouraging and supporting those pursuing STEM fields, continuing education unlocks potential, ignites curiosity, and empowers a brighter future.

“I am always interested in meeting people who are interested in the same things I’m interested in, and it’s been really rewarding to talk to the students at SLO Partners,” said Liam. “I get to share my knowledge. I really enjoy teaching people and passing along the knowledge I’ve gained to help them as they further their careers.”

Paula Mathias-Fryer, Senior Director of SLO Partners, has seen a great benefit in giving local residents new skills to help place them in ever-evolving industries.

“Upskilling can expand skills to address gaps and build talent,” said Paula. “Developing advanced skills can also help the local economy as residents and businesses thrive together. We have seen a 30% average salary increase for employees after completing our program, and the companies we partner with develop a more robust and diverse talent pipeline with local, pre-vetted workers.”

STEM is an ongoing journey of discovery and lifelong learning. As long as we prioritize actively supporting continuing education, mentoring aspiring learners, and creating opportunities to thrive in these fields we will continue to see innovation and growth.

1 https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/01/09/diversity-in-the-stem-workforce-varies-widely-across-jobs/#:~:text=Since%201990%20STEM%20employment%20has,have%20grown%20more%20than%20others.

2 https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-10/why-computer-occupations-are-behind-strong-stem-employment-growth.htm#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Bureau%20of%20Labor,3.7%20percent%20for%20all%20occupations.

3 https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/summer2019/pages/the-u.s.-needs-to-prepare-workers-for-stem-jobs.aspx

Apply for an Opportunity

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
In which country you are interested to work in?(Required)
Please indicate which position you're applying for:
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 50 MB.
    Consent(Required)
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.