The Leader magazine--Fall 2007

Hot Careers for Computer and Software Engineers

Computer and Software Engineering Graduates
Discuss The Embry-Riddle Edge

Joe Butler
Staff Software Engineer,
Lockheed Martin
Embry-Riddle degrees: B.S., computer science, 1995; M.S., software engineering, 1997

What I do: I work as a software engineer across the company in yearly rotations. In my current assignment, I am a test engineer on a space-based infrared satellite system. In my previous rotation, I was the chief designer of safety algorithms for our nation’s next en route air traffic system.

Proud moments: Being a chief designer on an air traffic control system felt like an accumulation of everything I learned from Embry-Riddle about computer science, math, software engineering, and air traffic.

Embry-Riddle advantage: The software engineering program at Embry-Riddle prepared me for 95 percent of what I do. And taking advantage of other aviation studies helped me get that final five percent. In addition to Embry-Riddle’s focus on aviation and mission-critical systems, its balance between theory and practice in the software engineering program sets it apart. They listen and react to the industry’s needs and prepare their students to hit the ground running.

Edgar Orsi Jr.
Avionics Field Service Engineer,
Honeywell Aerospace
Embry-Riddle degrees: B.S., aerospace engineering, and B.S., computer engineering, 2003

What I do: Based in Brazil, I provide on-site engineering support to Honeywell’s business and general aviation customers in South America. I travel to the customer’s location to assist with issues on several different avionics platforms on small airplanes such as the Cessna 172 and big business jets such as the Gulfstream G550.

How I help people: I help Honeywell customers keep their aircraft safe for flight and always in order. I solve avionics problems involving autopilots, traffic alert and collision avoidance systems, terrain avoidance warning systems, flight management systems, and satellite communications.

Proud moment: M.S. degree in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech. I worked on several research projects under the guidance of Roger Simpson, president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Embry-Riddle advantage: Problem-solving and research skills. Embry-Riddle has a huge reputation in the aviation world. Its classes are small and professors are in direct contact with the industry and research institutions, so undergraduates can get involved in research projects. This complements the student’s portfolio.

Career opportunities: The aviation industry is growing fast, especially with the design of the new very light jets and personal business jets. Nowadays, avionics are pure computer and software engineering, and the market needs new, young engineers with fresh ideas.

Scott Burzawa
Software Engineer II,
United Space Alliance, prime contractor to NASA
Embry-Riddle degrees: B.S., computer engineering, 2004; M.S., software engineering, 2007

What I do: I maintain and upgrade the software for the record and playback subsystem of the space shuttle’s launch processing system. The systems I enjoy working with most are real-time embedded systems, because I get to work closely with hardware.

How I help people: Many of the problems I solve have to do with hardware and software obsolescence that requires upgrades to the system so it can support the space shuttle program until 2010. I also change or write new software that gives engineers easier access or different analysis of recorded data.

Proud moment: One of the most memorable is the Tile Step and Gap project, which precisely measures the distance between tiles on the orbiter. Each tile has different specifications. It’s always exciting to watch a safe space shuttle launch and land, knowing you did your part to make it happen.

Embry-Riddle advantage: Riddle’s programs focus on how to become a productive and contributing individual and team member in a true engineering environment. The programs give a good balance between being technically savvy and how to engineer good products. The professors are also very dedicated to helping you succeed.

Todd Sherman
Software Engineer,
Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support
Embry-Riddle degree: B.S., computer engineering, 2004

What I do: I started in the biometrics department on a fingerprint matching program similar to one Lockheed Martin developed for the FBI. I now work on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Autonomic Logistic Information System. Our teams work in an agile software development environment known as Scrum.

How I help people: My work is technical, but it’s part of an effort to provide the best product we can to our end users, the men and women of the armed forces.

Proud moment: People are willing to listen to my ideas, regardless of my age or experience level. I’ve filed for one patent, have another in the works, and a few other ideas for new business or products in varying stages of maturity. I’ve won a couple of technical excellence awards.

Embry-Riddle advantage: Besides the technical skills, Embry-Riddle’s focus on teamwork has served me well. The smaller class sizes at Embry-Riddle makes for a personal academic experience. There was never a time I couldn’t get in touch with a professor to ask a question or go over a difficult problem.

Tamela Trauth
Computer/Electrical Design Engineer,
Soneticom Inc.
Embry-Riddle degree: B.S., computer engineering, 2004

What I do: I design, implement, debug, and test printed circuit boards. Component selection and research of new technologies are frequent tasks, and software and hardware design integration is compulsory. I build and integrate custom Linux OS kernels for custom hardware designs. I write low-level software to interface custom hardware functionality. I write and modify high-level GUI (graphical user interface) apps and low-level firmware to add features. I’ve also written high-level Windows GUI applications for wireless handheld devices.
How I help people: We identify what the customer wants and make it happen.

Embry-Riddle advantage: I learned the skill of problem-solving, identifying the goal and requirements, and making sure that my solution meets and exceeds those needs. Embry-Riddle offers small class sizes and individual attention from real professors.

Dan Penny
Software Engineer, Commercial Systems,
Rockwell Collins
Embry-Riddle degrees: B.S., computer engineering, 2003; M.S., software engineering, 2005

What I do: I work on the configurable integrated surveillance system for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which combines the functions of the aircraft collision avoidance system (ACAS), terrain warning, transponder, and weather radar systems into a single unit. I’m responsible for software verification of the ACAS.

How I help people: The problems I solve are identifying tests to adequately and robustly cover requirements. I also organize the effort of the offshore team with local engineers to maximize the verification effort efficiency.

Proud moment: Recent development of the hardware/software interface for the ACAS and transponder. I’m proud of the software written due to my experiences as an undergraduate and lessons learned in my graduate studies about the organization, architecture, and implementation of the software.

Embry-Riddle advantage: Learning how hardware devices, such as field programmable gate arrays, work and interface with external memories helped me develop the hardware/software interface. In my graduate studies, the structured approach to developing requirements, designing software, and verification was invaluable. Embry-Riddle organizes the integration between software and computer engineering like a real-world project, so graduates are poised to take on greater challenges than most new hires from other colleges.

Kim Madler
Senior Manager, Engineering Escalation Manager, Global Team Leader,
Symantec Corp.
Embry-Riddle degrees: B.S., computer science, and M.S., software engineering, 2004

What I do: I have a team of six in various countries who work with technical support and the field to determine what is taking place and figure out a workaround or work with development to engineer a solution. My daily responsibilities include team management, technical triage, customer conferences, engineering review, and field support.

How I help people: I am responsible for solving problems of major customers around the globe. The problems are serious and impact normal business operations. I help people at some of the largest corporations in the world understand the nature of the issue and convey the technical information and solution to the highest levels.

Proud moments: I’ve worked as a developer. I’ve been involved in a project that came out of an acquisition. I’ve been involved in internal projects that affect the entire company – 17,000-plus users. And as a recent adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle, I’m now able to help others understand software engineering.

Embry-Riddle advantage: The advantages are numerous. Guaranteed employment upon graduation, a great salary, the ability to relocate anywhere and excel at any position in the industry. Confidence. I was able to smoothly transition from student to the workforce without ever feeling I would fail.

Eric Lund
Systems Engineer,
Andrews Space
Embry-Riddle degrees: B.S., aerospace engineering, and B.S., computer engineering, 2002.

What I do: I’m the go-to guy for trajectory and performance at Andrews. I am frequently involved in all aspects of proposals and concept feasibility studies, from document editing and content generation to artwork to binding and CD labels.

How I help people: Most of my problems involve trying to optimize a vehicle configuration and/or its trajectory, given constraints such as engines, propellants, weights, and cost. Proud moment: I have minor accomplishments every day when I solve a new problem. I cannot say much about major accomplishments, as they are competition-sensitive. I’ve been at Andrews over five years now and the company is five times larger.

Embry-Riddle advantage: MATLAB skills. I use concepts I first learned in the core engineering courses – “the gauntlet” – every day. Technical writing is important, too, as are presentation skills.

Career opportunities: The next 10-20 years will be exciting for private spaceflight. Lots of small companies need talented young engineers. One of the largest cost components of new aerospace vehicles is software, so there’s always a need for good software engineers with the right tools, management, and processes.