The project involved leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team developing a Unity simulation platform with real sensor data for autonomous vehicle testing for Toyota. The project had a tight timeframe and was at risk due to the lead engineer’s maternity leave. The goal was to implement agile methods to turn the project around and meet delivery deadlines. The project ended with a prototype demonstration for Toyota executives who flew in from Japan.

Took over team leadership while balancing full-time studies

Introduced daily standups, Kanban visualization board, and scrum-inspired processes to critically increase team alignment

Coordinated cross-state roadway data collection, securing permissions from state transportation departments

Identified and removed blockers affecting team productivity and logistics

Developed and facilitated a highly efficient data pipeline through team empowerment and ownership of well-defined processes

Communicated clearly with external stakeholders and Toyota executives

Delivered working demo on-time despite initial setbacks

Improved team communication and reversed plummeting morale

Established processes that outlasted initial leadership transition