Pierce Crist

building physical things, software, and companies.

Work

  • ContraryResearch Fellow · 2026–present

    Researching Arc Boats. research.contrary.com

  • GumGauge DentalTechnical Co-founder · 2026

    Designed the prototype PCB and housing in KiCad and Onshape for a full-mouth gum disease scanner. gumgaugedental.com

  • Urban Pulse MappingBusiness Development · Early 2026

    Web and mobile app development for urban infrastructure mapping. urbanpulsemapping.com

  • Optioning2026

    Stock-option financing tools for startup employees. On hold. optioning.ai

  • GoodWorksFounder · 2022–2024

    Sold used clothing at a local farmers market.

Experience

  • The Boring CompanyEngineering Intern · December 2025 · Bastrop, TX

    Researched and designed solutions for underground obstacle-avoidance systems. boringcompany.com

  • Princeton University Engineering / Tendo TechnologiesEngineering Intern · Summer 2024 · Princeton, NJ

    Created internal tools to optimize manufacturing and development. tendo.tech

  • ARA Capital PartnersIntern · Summer 2024 · Houston, TX

    Market and deal analysis on green tech companies. arapartners.com

  • GoodFairIntern · 2021–2023 · Houston, TX

    Optimized internal systems and sales strategy. goodfair.com

  • Arbe RoboticsIndependent Research · 2021–2023 · Houston & Tel Aviv

    Researched sensor technology. arberobotics.com

Projects

  • Modular Boat Drones

    Designing small modular boat drones.

  • FEE Hackathon2026

    3rd place.

  • Solar-Powered Airplane

    Designed and simulated in OpenVSP; flight-tested. 3rd place, Aerospace Engineering, SEFH.

  • Carbon-Fiber EDF Jet project gallery

    Designed in Onshape; simulated with Ansys CFD. 2nd place, Aerospace Engineering, SEFH.

  • 2008 Financial Crisis Thesis

    Year-long research project for Honors US History.

  • Early engineering projects

    Built an infrared line-follower robot, theremin, PID balance beam, and sensors for autonomous systems.

  • Jarvis

    Personal AI assistant for tools and workflows. In development.

Education

  • University of Austin (UATX)Sophomore, class of 2029

    Double major in Physics and Applied Engineering. Founding student; Lonsdale-Magaro Build Scholarship. UATX Applied AI Club founder; Nexus Society; Gentlemen's Society MoC; 2-Stepping Club VP.

  • St. John's High School, HoustonClass of 2025

    Led the Venture Capital Club and Science Olympiad; Young Entrepreneurs Organization. Tennis, swimming, and volleyball.