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Mohd Iskandar
Putra Azahar

Embedded Software Engineer & Researcher

Batu Kawan, Penang, Malaysia
Embedded Software Engineer with comprehensive expertise in real-time systems development and advanced control theory. Currently developing multi-threaded robotics firmware, with doctoral research background in control systems engineering (PhD, UMPSA). Specialized in architecting deterministic embedded solutions using C/C++ and Zephyr/Free RTOS, implementing sophisticated control algorithms for precision motion systems, and designing robust hardware abstraction layers for industrial applications. Proven track record of translating complex control theory into production-ready embedded firmware, with demonstrated capability in system-level integration and performance optimization. Core expertise spans embedded software architecture, real-time operating systems, closed-loop control implementation, and comprehensive firmware validation methodologies.
Professional Experience
Pingspace Robotics

Pingspace Robotics

Embedded Software Engineer
FULL-TIME
Feb 2023 - Present
3 yrs 6 mos
Batu Kawan, Penang, MY
  • Architecting multi-threaded firmware on Zephyr RTOS for coordinated robotics, utilizing advanced thread prioritization, inter-thread communication, and deterministic timing for mission-critical reliability.
  • Developing robust device driver frameworks and hardware abstraction layers for peripherals (UART, CAN/FD, I2C, SPI, ADC, PWM, Encoders), optimizing resource management and system communication.
  • Engineering closed-loop control systems with precision trajectory generation, cascaded control architectures, and synchronization algorithms for coordinated multi-axis motion control.
  • Establishing modular software architectures and clean code principles for maintainability. Creating reusable firmware components to accelerate development, supported by comprehensive technical documentation to ensure project continuity.
  • Implementing firmware validation frameworks with multi-stage protocols (functional, burn-in, stress testing) to systematically verify reliability, fault-tolerance, and performance boundaries.
  • Utilizing Python-based analysis for performance profiling. Implementing CI/CD pipelines via GitHub Actions to automate testing and streamlined deployment, ensuring code quality and reliable release cycles.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve complex multi-disciplinary integration challenges.
ISZLAB Technologies

ISZLAB Technologies

Consultant & Trainer
PART-TIME
Jul 2020 - Feb 2023
2 yrs 8 mos
Penang, MY
  • Delivering technical consulting and custom embedded development for educational institutions, providing expertise in control theory and embedded implementation.
  • Designing technical training programs and hands-on workshops covering embedded development and control fundamentals for diverse technical audiences.
  • Operating as technical solutions provider for educational institutions, managing equipment procurement and resources for research labs in embedded systems and control engineering.
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)

Research Assistant
CONTRACT
Sep 2018 - Feb 2023
4 yrs 6 mos
Pekan, Pahang, MY
  • Authoring peer-reviewed publications and conference presentationson control systems theory and pneumatic actuation.
  • Developing advanced control algorithms (SMC, Fuzzy Logic, Prescribed Performance Control) to address system nonlinearities in servopneumatic applications.
  • Designing experimental validation platforms and data acquisition systemsfor rigorous testing against real-world conditions.
  • Conducting literature reviews and comparative analyses to identify research gaps and innovate solutions for nonlinear control challenges.
Public Works Department Malaysia (JKR)

Public Works Department Malaysia (JKR)

Internship Trainee
INTERN
Jun 2017 - Sep 2017
4 mos
Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, MY
  • Acquiring practical experience in engineering documentation standards and industry practices, contributing to the preparation of technical drawings and project specifications under professional supervision in civil engineering projects.
  • Participating in site inspections and technical coordination meetings, supporting data collection and documentation activities while developing practical understanding of project execution workflows and engineering best practices.
Education
PhD, Instrumentation & Control Engineering

PhD, Instrumentation & Control Engineering

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
GRAD
Oct 2020 - Jan 2026
Part-time
Pekan, Pahang, MY
  • Doctoral research focusing on the development of novel prescribed performance control methodologies for servopneumatic actuation systems with applications in robotic gripping and manipulation.
  • Formulated multiple advanced control frameworks including Finite-Time Prescribed Performance Control (FT-PPC), Variable Convergence Rate Prescribed Performance Control (VCR-PPC), and two novel impedance control architectures: Variable Convergence Rate Prescribed Impedance Control (VCR-PPIC) and Dynamic Error Prescribed Impedance Control (DE-PPIC).
  • Designed and constructed experimental validation platforms incorporating custom force/position sensing systems and external force estimation algorithms for precise fingertip contact force measurement and characterization.
  • Implemented control algorithms using STM32 microcontrollers for real-time execution, utilizing Matlab/Simulink Embedded Coder for model-based design and automatic code generation, enabling rapid prototyping while ensuring deterministic performance on resource-constrained embedded platforms.
  • Conducted rigorous experimental validation incorporating comprehensive data acquisition and statistical analysis to verify controller robustness and performance consistency across diverse operating conditions. This integrated approach demonstrates improved precision, efficiency, and reliability of pneumatic gripping systems in dynamic operational environments.
Verified · MOHE National Registry

Listed in Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education registry of Doctorate Degree Holders (Doktor Falsafah, UMPSA, 2026).

MSc, Instrumentation and Control Engineering

MSc, Instrumentation and Control Engineering

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
GRAD
Oct 2018 - Sep 2020
Full-time
Pekan, Pahang, MY
  • Master's research focused on developing high-fidelity mathematical models of servopneumatic actuation systems, incorporating complex nonlinear phenomena including dead zone characteristics, hysteresis effects, Stribeck friction models, and valve flow nonlinearities.
  • Conducted comprehensive comparative analysis of advanced control methodologies including Sliding Mode Control (SMC), PID-based Hybrid Control, and Fuzzy Logic Control frameworks. Applied metaheuristic optimization algorithms including Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for systematic parameter tuning, achieving quantifiable improvements in transient response characteristics and steady-state tracking accuracy.
B.Eng (Hons), Electrical Engineering

B.Eng (Hons), Electrical Engineering

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
GRAD
Oct 2014 - Jul 2018
Full-time
Pekan, Pahang, MY
  • Established comprehensive foundational knowledge in electrical engineering disciplines with specialization in power systems engineering. Curriculum encompassed diverse technical domains including circuit analysis, control systems fundamentals, electrical machine theory, power electronics, and related engineering disciplines. This multidisciplinary education provided essential analytical competencies and theoretical foundations subsequently applied in specialized work involving embedded systems development and advanced control engineering applications.
Professional Memberships
Board of Engineering Malaysia (BEM)

Board of Engineering Malaysia (BEM)

Graduate Engineer

G118601A
Malaysia Board of Technologist (MBOT)

Malaysia Board of Technologist (MBOT)

Graduate Technologist

GT20110728
Core Competencies & Skills
  • Embedded Software Engineering: Embedded Systems, Firmware, C/C++, Microcontrollers
  • Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Embedded Systems, Firmware, Real-Time, RTOS, Microcontrollers
  • Control Systems & Robotics: Control Systems, Robotics, Algorithms, Real-Time, Simulation
  • Software Design & Architecture: Software Architecture, System Design, Embedded Systems
  • Programming Languages: C/C++, Python, Algorithms, Simulation, Web Development
  • Full-Stack Web Development: Web Development, Full-Stack, Backend, System Design
  • Backend Architecture & Databases: Backend, Full-Stack, System Design, Software Architecture
  • DevOps & Infrastructure: DevOps, Full-Stack, Linux, System Design
  • Algorithm Design & Optimization: Algorithms, C/C++, Python, Real-Time
  • Tools & Development Environment: Linux, DevOps, C/C++, Microcontrollers
  • Communication Protocols: Communication Protocols, Embedded Systems, Real-Time, Microcontrollers, CAN
  • Testing & Validation: Testing, Embedded Systems, Robotics, Software Architecture
  • Research & Scientific Communication: Research, Data Analysis, Python, Control Systems