Andy Sottiaux
Aerospace Hardware | Production Software | Hardware to Code
Engineer & Founder building UAV systems at AVX Aircraft and shipping production apps at HatchingPoint. Bridging aerospace hardware, embedded systems, and full-stack software with a practical, fail fast mentality.
About Me
I'm an engineer and founder who builds across hardware and software. At AVX Aircraft, I've designed and manufactured full rotor systems and led our subscale UAV and early autonomy work, including CubePilot/CubeNode integration and ROS2-based test and control software.
I enjoy bridging mechanical design, embedded systems, and hands-on testing, and I bring a practical, fail fast mentality to moving ideas into real, working aerospace capabilities.
Beyond aerospace, I founded HatchingPoint where I've designed and developed 10+ production iPhone apps, built modern web applications, and architected robust back-end systems. I thrive at the intersection of hardware and software, always driven by making things that work.
2026 TCS New York City Marathon
Running for Team For Kids
Fundraising for free youth running programs across NYC
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What I'm Working On
Solar-Powered Smart Camera System
Designing a compact, self-contained surveillance system capable of true 24/7 recording using modular off-the-shelf components. By combining edge compute hardware with cellular connectivity and solar power, we can deliver always-on monitoring at a fraction of commercial system costs.
This approach eliminates vendor lock-in, reduces size and complexity compared to bulky trailer-based solutions, and provides full flexibility for AI analytics and cloud integration.
Experience
Senior Engineer-Program Manager I
Leading UAV and autonomy development efforts, coordinating mechanical, electrical, and software integration.
- Designed, manufactured, and tested complete rotor systems—including blades, hubs, grips, and fixtures for subscale and coaxial UAV platforms
- Built and managed the CubePilot/CubeNode flight-control architecture, integrating sensors, actuators, ESCs, and communication networks
- Developed full-stack test stand software for data acquisition, controls, and real-time telemetry to validate rotor and subsystem performance
- Implemented ROS2-based autonomy scaffolding to support navigation, perception, and health-monitoring prototypes across multiple platforms
- Drove cross-functional execution - design, fabrication, integration, troubleshooting, and test, maintaining program schedule, risks, and deliverables
Founder / Engineer
Founded and built a portfolio of mobile applications and web services focused on wellness and productivity.
- Designed and developed 10+ production iPhone apps in Swift, managing full UI/UX and App Store deployment
- Built modern web applications using React, JavaScript/TypeScript, focusing on component-driven architectures
- Architected back-end systems with MongoDB and Supabase, ensuring robust data modeling and real-time data flows
Rotor Systems Design Engineer
Designed and developed rotor systems for helicopter platforms, supporting manufacturing and fleet operations.
- Conducted thorough investigations into issues reported by supply chain, manufacturing centers, and fleet operations, ensuring robust resolutions
- Developed detailed technical data, including 2D and 3D CAD models and PLM software documentation, to support assembly and installation processes
- Enhanced product and process quality by supporting both upstream and downstream engineering activities, including manufacturing and testing
- Pioneered advancements in helicopter systems using CAD, GD&T, and 3D printing techniques, leading supplier meetings to define project specifications
Project Manager
Managed HVAC system design, installation, and maintenance projects for commercial clients.
- Developed and grew relationships with customers, contractors, project engineers and manufacturers
- Determined project requirements, constraints, and sales team responsibilities to meet customer expectations
- Investigated concerns, implemented corrective action and communicated with customers to maximize satisfaction
Due to the proprietary nature of aerospace programs, specific project details cannot be publicly disclosed. Happy to discuss my experience in appropriate contexts.
Skills & Expertise
Featured Projects
Robotics, computer vision, mobile applications, 3D printing, and CAD
Due to the proprietary nature of aerospace programs, specific project details cannot be publicly disclosed. Happy to discuss my experience in appropriate contexts.
Rot Dot
Block distracting apps with a physical tap. Place NFC stickers around your space and scan to instantly lock or unlock apps. Uses Apple Screen Time API for real-world friction against phone addiction.
WYZECAR
Vision-based autonomous RC car using YOLOv8 for real-time human detection and following. Features web-based WASD remote control, live video streaming, and PID-controlled smooth motion.
LevelUp+
Track your progress. Level up your life. A personal advancement tool enabling you to monitor improvements across various life areas.
AirMD+
Monitor your HVAC system with real-time temperature tracking. Full-stack iOS + custom hardware solution providing comprehensive climate control oversight.
Caffeine Rhythm
Optimize your caffeine timing for peak energy. Strategically plan your caffeine consumption for maximum alertness throughout the day.
Record+Transcribe
Capture voice recordings with real-time live transcription. Features AI-powered summaries that extract key points, decisions, and action items from meetings, lectures, and conversations.
Travel Agent AI
Your personal AI travel planning assistant. Get personalized trip recommendations, detailed itineraries, local insights, and smart booking suggestions tailored to your preferences.
DoorDot
NFC-powered privacy doorbell for iPhone. Visitors tap a sticker at your door to ring, and you get a push notification. No cameras, no cloud video, just simple, private alerts via iCloud.
AirPods Pro 3 Tesla Charger Mount
Custom-designed holder that positions AirPods Pro 3 at the correct height for Tesla wireless chargers. Free to download, print, and modify.
Education
Texas Tech University
August 2012 - May 2016 · Lubbock, TX
B.S., Mechanical Engineering|
Minor in Mathematics
Engineering Study Abroad Semester, Seville, Spain