Employment
This page contains links to a history of my employers, resume, work training, and work related achievements. I have predominantly spent my time working in the electrical industry but have a diverse background and have been involved in many projects-each a chance to learn something new and unique. I currently work for National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, an Eco-Tourism ship operator. I make sure electrical maintenance is done properly and on time whenever and wherever a ship may need it. Interfacing with the crew and helping solve their problems gives me great satisfaction.
Before this was Vigor Fab. This large facility on Harbor Island in Seattle gives me the opportunity work hands on with the electrical designs for many ships, including tugs, fireboats, and the new Washington state ferries. It is a real privilege to see the way my work has helped impact the identity of this region.
Working for Northern Lights Generators, we manufactured durable marine power generation systems which had an excellent reputation in a tough market. Northern Lights offered fully customized and integrated systems to meet the challenges of a marine environment. I worked to design genset electrical controls and distribution systems, a skill set which benefits me in my current role.
Prior to Northern Lights I designed panel boards and switch gear for Eltech Electric, with a primary focus on marine power distribution. I produced diagrams and arrangements to facilitate the installation of various marine electrical systems.
I spent time with Turnure Telecom as a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Engineer. After assessing site conditions, I worked to improve RF cell phone coverage inside large buildings. This gave me a back stage pass to a lot of interesting buildings in the area.
I also worked as an Electrical Engineer for Kvichak Marine, the premier aluminum shipbuilder. I designed power distribution systems for new boats and ensured proper integration of the various other electrical systems. Seeing my designs come to life on the shop floor gave me a great deal of pride.
Prior to Kvichak, I worked as an Electrical Design Engineer with a focus in AutoCAD design support for Koam Engineering Services, a new branch in Gig Harbor, WA. This company primarily contracted with the Navy for the overhaul and modernization of shipboard networking systems. I produced drawing packages to support this effort. It was exciting and rewarding being at the ground floor as new processes were defined and refined.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (formally Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News) was my first role in engineering. I worked there for 6 years and had a broad range of experiences. I began my technical career in submarine ventilation design, and I finished working as an Electrical Engineer in the newly created Ohio Replacement Program. This program is aimed at replacing the nation's current fleet of ballistic submarines.
Education
This section contains a listing of my school achievements, test scores, GPA, diplomas, and classes taken. I started with an Associate's Degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design. I have always had an interest in electronics, so while working in the design field I returned to school and earned an Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. This was a stepping stone to my next achievement, my Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University in December of 2010. I have entertained thoughts of a masters in Industrial Design or Industrial Engineering. I just completed a certificate in BIM (Building Inventory Modeling), and plan on returning to my Private Pilots lessons as time permits.
Projects
For most of my career, my work has been sensitive in nature or proprietary so I don't have examples of on the job projects. Consequently, this page contains several examples of my independent work, school projects, and papers. Over the past couple of years I have gotten into auto repair. This has given me an opportunity to put my work skills into practice. I'm always about upgrading and making things better, so I've included some of my plans for upgrading my vehicle's electrical system. There are also some examples of my AutoCAD work, Inventor solid models, a few renders, and other miscellaneous documents. As time permits, I am updating this area with newer work. Some of my current pursuits involve learning Google's Sketchup and improving my PLC/HMI programming skills. To broaden my design skills, I am learning to use PCB layout software to produce a double sided through-hole version of my frequency generator.
Pursuits
This page contains information on a few of my extracurricular pursuits. I am doing volunteer work to try and give back, while participating in activities that will aid me in my future career development. Because I value and enjoy hands on experience, I take random derelict devices apart. Doing this gives me a broad overview of how things are put together, and how they function. Who knows when something I've taken apart will have some relevance for a future project. Check my Youtube page for some of my teardowns. Also, I enjoy vintage electronics, but have to be careful because my house can turn into a museum very quickly! I recently picked up a Rigol DS1052 oscilloscope, and enjoy getting to know it a little better. Currently, my largest time expenditure is rehabbing a Volvo 780 Bertone, an Italian styled Swedish brick! It's the perfect model to try and upgrade the fuel injection ECU with a new home-built megasquirt. I looking forward to the opportunity to become for acquainted with engine management.