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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.
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