At Circle Optics, we are an eclectic group of deeply curious individuals committed to advancing immersive technology in aerospace, robotics, and entertainment. As we move from prototype to product, our work requires precision, adaptability, and a willingness to take on complex problems from multiple angles. That’s exactly what Pavel Peshkovsky, our Mechanical Engineering Co-op from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), brings to the team.
Peshkovsky joins Circle with hands-on experience in agriculture, ultrasonic systems, and automotive engineering. He’s worked on everything from timing components at BorgWarner to building physical infrastructure on a working farm. His approach is grounded, thoughtful, and structured—a strong match for our fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
Between the Borough and the Barn: Adapting to Velocity
Peshkovsky spent the first 14 years of his life in New York City before moving to a farm, where he’s lived ever since. Experiencing both urban intensity and rural rigor shaped his mindset and work ethic. City life instilled in him a sense of urgency and the ability to make quick decisions in fast-moving environments. The farm, by contrast, taught him perseverance through long hours of physically demanding work and a hands-on, self-reliant approach to problem-solving.
When asked whether Circle Optics feels more like the farm or the city, he didn’t hesitate: “The city. Things move swiftly here—there’s a rhythm, and you have to keep up.”
That ability to adjust quickly makes him a strong fit for Circle’s startup environment, where priorities shift rapidly and projects evolve in real time. He brings both the discipline of manual labor and the responsiveness needed for high-tempo engineering work.
Outside of Circle, Peshkovsky continues to build and explore. He works on personal engineering projects like repairing motorcycles and creating electric skateboards. He also plays guitar and harmonica and enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. His hands-on mindset extends beyond the workplace, reinforcing his drive to understand how things work—and how they can be improve
A Strong Foundation in Both Theory and Practice
Circle Optics’ Senior Mechanical Engineer Carlos Terrero had already worked with Peshkovsky before extending the internship offer—through an academic connection that gave him an early window into his capabilities.
“I first got to know Pavel from working with him closely when he served as my Teaching Assistant at Rochester Institute of Technology,” said Terrero. “He was an exceptional student and an invaluable asset to the course, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Pavel was instrumental in redesigning the student project, making it more fun and hands-on while still preserving the academic challenge. Through this collaboration, I saw his ability to blend practical implementation with deeper research, which made me eager to bring him on as an intern at Circle Optics.”
Peshkovsky takes a balanced approach to design, combining technical structure with creative exploration. “The technical aspect sets the parameters—material properties, geometries, engineering limits,” he shared. “But I always try to let the creative side roam. Every once in a while, you find an unconventional solution that wouldn’t surface through technical thinking alone.”
This mindset aligns with Circle Optics’ own approach to innovation—where constraints are seen not as limitations, but as frameworks for invention. Whether prototyping camera assemblies or contributing to design reviews, Peshkovsky brings forward ideas that are both grounded and imaginative.
Engineering Integrity and Problem-Solving in Real Time
For Peshkovsky, engineering isn’t about ego—it’s about owning responsibility. “Engineering integrity means acknowledging your responsibilities and producing the best result possible. If a project is beyond your current knowledge, pride shouldn’t get in the way of asking for help,” he explains.
Whether working independently or on a team, he sees accountability as central to good engineering. “In a solo setting, it’s about recognizing that any failure is yours to fix. In a team, it’s about making sure others can rely on your contributions.”
When asked about his process during technical challenges, he focuses on structure and reflection: “My strategy is to record what I’ve done, take a step back, breathe, and if needed, shift gears briefly. Coming back with research and a fresh perspective usually helps.”
Peshkovsky is experienced with a wide range of standard mechanical tools, test instruments, and CAD platforms. While comfortable in the machine shop, he’s quick to note that overconfidence with tools can be risky. “There’s always more to learn. I approach machines with respect.”
He hopes to deepen his understanding of kinematic systems during his time at Circle and contribute to both optical and mechanical assemblies—especially those relevant to drone imaging and collision-avoidance technology.
Aligning with the Circle Optics Mission
Aligning with the Circle Optics Mission
Circle Optics is pioneering low-parallax, high-resolution imaging systems such as Hydra and Pegasus, which eliminate stitching artifacts and distortion common in conventional fisheye or multi-camera solutions. These systems are essential for real-time situational awareness in aerospace, robotics, and entertainment applications.
Though new to the field of optics, Peshkovsky is excited to contribute. “I’ve been doing a lot of research, but nothing compares to working directly with systems that integrate optics and mechanical engineering. It makes the learning much richer.”
He’s especially interested in the role of geometry and kinematics in shaping visual systems—a key factor in the design of Pegasus, Circle’s cylindrical camera array for drone-based detect-and-avoid.
Peshkovsky’s curiosity doesn’t stop at work. His free time is filled with hands-on projects and creative outlets. Whether restoring an old motorcycle, designing functional gadgets, or experimenting with music, he brings the same thoughtful, iterative mindset to personal pursuits as he does to engineering challenges.
That consistency makes him a valuable part of Circle Optics. As we continue to iterate on our technology and prepare for field deployments, we depend on people who bring both technical rigor and creative thinking to every task.
Welcome, Peshkovsky. We’re glad to have you on the team.
