Sean Phillips, Ph.D.
Senior Mechanical Engineer & Technology Advisor

Sean Phillips

Ph.D. · Computer Engineering · UC Santa Cruz
AFRL · UNM  ·  Albuquerque, NM

Researcher at the Space Control Branch, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Research Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico. My research spans hybrid systems theory, robust and observer-based control, and multi-agent coordination, applied to autonomous satellite operations and trusted space autonomy.

Hybrid Systems Robust Control Multi-Agent Systems Aerospace Biological Modeling
65+
Publications
7+
Years at AFRL
2024
AFRL Early Career Award

Research Interests

Hybrid Systems

Modeling, stability analysis, and simulation of hybrid dynamical systems combining continuous and discrete behaviors.

Robust Control & Observers

Design of robust controllers and observer systems with formal stability guarantees for uncertain and nonlinear systems.

Multi-Agent Systems

Coordination, communication, and control of autonomous networked systems and distributed agents.

Aerospace & Space Systems

Control and dynamics applications for aerospace vehicles, spacecraft, and space domain awareness.

Biological Modeling

Applying hybrid systems theory and control frameworks to biological and physiological system models.

Communication Networks

Stability and control of networked systems with delays, packet loss, and intermittent communications.

Active Research

Ongoing research thrusts, each grounded in the most recent publications and preprints below.

Publications

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Education

Ph.D., Computer Engineering
University of California, Santa Cruz · Emphasis in Robotics and Control
2014 – 2018
M.S., Mechanical Engineering
University of Arizona · Dynamics and Controls
2011 – 2013
B.S., Mechanical Engineering
University of Arizona
2006 – 2011
Senior capstone: ASME Human Powered Vehicle Competition

Awards & Honors

2025
Director's Cup Senior Individual Award, Space Vehicles Directorate, AFRL
2024
AFRL Early Career Award, Air Force Research Laboratory
2024
Best Team Paper Award, Air Force Research Laboratory
2021
Mentorship Award, Space Control Branch, AFRL
2020
General Raymond A. Gilbert Junior Scientific Achievement Award, AFRL
2017
Jack Baskin and Peggy Downes-Baskin Fellowship, UCSC Baskin School of Engineering
2014
Best Presentation in Session, AACC American Control Conference, Portland, OR
2013
Best Presentation in Session, AACC American Control Conference, Washington, DC

Contact

Sean Phillips, Ph.D.

I am open to collaboration with academic and industry researchers in control systems, hybrid systems, and aerospace applications. Use the form to get in touch or find me through the links below.

Affiliations
Primary
Air Force Research Laboratory
Space Control Branch, Space Vehicles Directorate
Academic
University of New Mexico
Research Assistant Professor (LAT), Albuquerque, NM

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