Joey Jubas

Joey Jubas ’18YC graduated from Yeshiva College majoring in math and computer science with a minor in physics. He parlayed his academic experience into his first postgraduation role at Arch Production & Design NYC as a robotic engineer and programmer. In April 2019, he joined Easy Aerial as a drone engineer. YU News had the opportunity to catch up with Jubas and ask him just what does a drone engineer do.

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So, what is a Drone Engineer?

Drone engineers design and build drones based on their combined knowledge of aeronautical, electrical, mechanical and robotic engineering. A drone is technically any vehicle that can operate without a human pilot on board. I focus on quadcopters and hexacopters, which are four- or six-propellor autonomous vertical takeoff and landing drones. My workday is split between production, flight testing and research of new components to include on future drones.  

That is fascinating. How did you first get interested in Drone Technology?

I have always been interested in everything that moves from a young age. Cars, trains, construction vehicles and airplanes have all fascinated me. At the start of college, I initially focused on robotics and automation. In my advanced physics courses, I developed a strong curiosity for aeronautical concepts. Drones combine the excitement of creating something that can fly on its own using a combination of physics and coding. I bought a mini-indoor first-person view drone and headset and was immediately hooked.  

Tell us how you used your time at YU to set yourself up.

My time at Yeshiva University set me up for a career in drone engineering in a myriad of ways, including course choices, professor relationships and extracurricular activities. My courses and the professors who taught them helped me focus my interests and provided me with the critical knowledge and skills I would need in my career. My extracurricular activities, especially being vice president of the Yeshiva College Student Association, enabled me to hone my communication skills, conduct meetings, plan and execute events and collaborate with others to accomplish common goals. These academic, professional and personal opportunities helped me grow and develop as a person and an engineer.  

What would you recommend to students who want to get into a technology-based career?

Number one tip: find an engineering project or prepackaged engineering kit and dedicate some time to this activity because from it, you will learn what interests you the most, whether it’s the coding, mechanical assembly, electrical assembly, robotic processes or the design aspect. Additionally, projects give you great stories to discuss during job interviews since the bulk of engineering is troubleshooting in real-world situations, which you will experience in completing your project.  

What can students do to maximize their time in college?

Take as many courses as possible and learn not only about everything that interests you but also about things that push you out of your comfort zone—that’s a great way to learn about yourself as a person. I began college with the mindset of becoming a chemical engineer. Although I knew I truly enjoyed robotics, the thought of working with food or candy flavors as a career was incredibly enticing, so I took both general chemistry I and II before I accepted that heading in this direction was not for me. Switching to more courses in the physics and mathematics department reaffirmed my interest in these topics. College is the perfect time to give you a brief taste of what each career involves so that you can learn about what it is you enjoy.  

What are a few things that can aid students outside the classroom?

Aside from working on a project outside of school and trying out different courses, I recommend networking and getting involved in extracurricular activities on campus. Meeting other students and professionals is a great way to gain other perspectives about the world. Each person can teach you something that increases your awareness of current global or industry topics. Utilize the Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy and Professional Development’s resources for advice on how to clarify and implement your career goals. They are there to guide you and provide support. Take advantage of every opportunity to broaden your horizons and educate yourself, especially in the technology sector: stay up to date with emerging technologies and learn new skills/programs. These kinds of skills will not only take you far in your chosen career path but are also extremely valuable for living one’s life.