Annie LePage, an Embedded Software Engineer at SKYTRAC, always had a love for building things, but never expected that to take her into building avionics.
LePage has been a part of the SKYTRAC team since December of 2022 after her Autumn graduation from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Systems Design Engineering. She’s always been interested in building things but initially wasn’t sure what schooling would be best for her to pursue that passion. After some research, she thought the University of Waterloo looked to be the best fit.
“I went into the Systems Design Engineering program because of its emphasis on learning how to design systems. I enjoy building stuff, so it seemed interesting to me. I enjoyed school, but I found the hands-on, technical work to be most helpful in learning and applying skills.”
Joining SKYTRAC after university
While at university, LePage worked in healthcare through multiple co-op placements. These experiences were invaluable in learning how to work in a highly regulated safety environment.
LePage also got involved with the Waterloo Aerial Robotics Group (WARG), a student design team at the University of Waterloo that competes in the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada’s Student Competition. Being a part of this group, which focused on Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, introduced LePage to the aviation industry and avionics.
After graduating, LePage was looking for jobs in BC to be closer to home and was excited when an opening at SKYTRAC came up, though at first, she felt underqualified to apply for it.
“I saw the SKYTRAC job posting, and it originally had an application requirement of 5-10 years of experience in the industry. It felt like a long shot for me to apply, but they ended up giving me an opportunity to work with them as a full-time term employee. Eventually, I was offered a full-time permanent position, which I was incredibly happy about.”
Making a difference
A highlight for LePage has been working on our Autonomous Distress Tracking (ADT) solution that meets the new Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) regulations. This project captures aircraft parameters like position, altitude, and other critical system data to determine distress during flight and minimize aviation failures and disappearances. Backed by 35 years of experience in tracking and monitoring aircraft in some of the world’s most remote locations, SKYTRAC offers the premier solution for GADSS compliancy, and LePage played a key role in coding and documenting for the project’s second stage of certification.
“Each stage includes all the planning documents for a project before you begin coding, so it can take a long time to complete. I also helped restructure and improve the automated tracking that will be issued in the product launch.”
Creative endeavors
Outside of building systems and writing software at SKYTRAC, in her free time, LePage enjoys DIY projects and considers herself a jack of all trades.
“I love to make things. I have made a ton of things for my house, like a queen-sized futon couch bed for her living room, a shoe rack, multiple shelves, and a cat hammock. Up next is making a pots and pans shelf in my kitchen. I also enjoy painting landscapes and fantasy creatures and scenes and have painted many Christmas gifts for people.”
LePage loves her role within SKYTRAC and whether it’s writing software for life-saving avionics or building cozy furniture for pets, she is a creator who we are excited to see grow and expand her skills.
SKYTRAC’s #YoungTalent Series focuses on bright young minds who are just starting their aerospace careers. For career opportunities, please visit skytrac.ca/careers.
