Electronics Engineer Packaging Machine

DAVID C. STEELE

— Senior Embedded Electronics Engineer —

R3

Lenoir, NC mobile: 828-***-**** email: ********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/DavidC-Steele

Open to move. Orlando Florida area preferred.

professional summary

Experienced, innovative, and meticulous Electronics Engineer with over 30+ years of broad-based experience, spanning across multiple industries.

•Detail-oriented: Possess a sharp eye for identifying errors and creating solutions to improve efficiency.

•Resourceful: Track record of identifying cost-saving opportunities, streamlining processes, and delivering projects.

•Adaptable: Proven to quickly learn new technologies and design innovative solutions to complex challenges.

•Give me an idea and I will deliver a product.

core competencies

Embedded Machine Control Microprocessor Design Software Program Design PLC Ladder Logic C C++ Python Linux Assembly Basic Arduino 900 Mhz One-Way Radio Transmitter Two-Way Frequency Hopping Radio Transceiver Printed Circuit Board Layout Printed Circuit Board Design Test and Evaluation Component Sourcing 3D Modeling UL and FCC Testing Labs

experience & impact

Automated Solutions, Inc Sawmills, NC

Consultant Electronics Engineer May 2022 – Present

•Evaluated the existing Ethernet multi-drop PLC control system to identify limitations and weaknesses.

•Designed and developed a new PLC-based control system for a bagging machine that produced upto four different diameter plastic bags with a programmable length for furniture. The bag maker could produce a large furniture bag in 12 seconds which saved time and money for the client.

•Selected appropriate PLC hardware, software, and peripherals and integrated them into a cohesive system.

•Wrote embedded software that monitored and controlled all aspects of the plastic bagging process, ensuring reliability and efficiency.

•Tested the bagging machine to ensure it met necessary requirements for producing high-quality plastic bags.

•Ensured the new control system was compatible with existing hardware and software.

•Wrote embedded software that replaced four 1990 vintage PLCs with a single Automation Direct P3000 PLC. The software was developed using Ladder Logic. Three video touch screens were driven by the system using an ethernet network. The system coordinated 4 driven rollers to be speed synchronized together.

•Maximized productivity and minimized downtime by implementing a robust and reliable control system.

•I am the only electronics engineer on staff with the responsibility of keeping all the production device electroncs running.

Elk Products, Inc. Hildebran, NC

Consultant Electronics Engineer March 2021 – April 2022

•Designed and built high-power electronic security sirens and power supplies, incorporating features such as programmable patterns, adjustable volume, and remote control functionality.

•Designed and built AC/DC converters for power supplies, ensuring voltage regulation, overcurrent protection, and temperature monitoring.

•Considered factors such as output power, frequency response, and acoustic characteristics when designing security sirens, as well as efficiency and size when designing power supplies.

•Applied a deep understanding of electronic circuit design and power electronics principles to create effective and reliable systems.

•Maintained knowledge of industry standards and regulations to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.

•Tested and validated designs to ensure they met customer requirements and delivered the intended performance.

•Provided consulting services and technical guidance to clients, sharing expertise in electronic system design and construction.

•Trained new engineers with my years of learned knowledge to help them produce a product quicker and more economical.

Automated Solutions, Inc. Sawmills, NC

Consultant Electronics Engineer March 2020 – March 2021

•Wrote C++ embedded linux for a video monitoring system which included a Raspberry Pi to measure the number of pixels in the width of a glue bead between rollers to determine when to add glue to the production equipment. This product saved the company thousands of dollars in glue and replaced a person that previously manned the station.

•Wrote embedded C++ embedded linux for a video system that determined the edge of plastic wrap that was being rolled up. The system found the edge of the plastic wrap and moved the edge guide platform to maintain an even edge on the roll. This project used a Raspberry Pi since it had video input capability. I designed the circuit board and and 3D printed the mounting enclosure.

•Designed and built machine controls using ARM microprocessors and Automation Direct PLCs.

•Retrofitted a foam extruder startup & control systems by creating circuit designs, schematic drawings, & PCB layouts.

•Developed embedded software designs in PLC Ladder logic, C, and C++ Embedded Linux languages.

•Produced efficient and reliable machine control systems with compact designs.

•Customized solutions to meet clients' specific needs.

•Demonstrated expertise in machine control systems across various programming languages.

•Ensured accuracy and speed of machine control system performance.

Preferred Technology Group of PA, Inc. (Cartell) Shippensburg,PA

Employee Chief Electronics Engineer September 2018 – March 2020

•Designed and wrote C++ embedded linux software for a wireless magnetometer vehicle sensing system, utilizing 915 mHz. LORA radio protocol for signal transmission. The system sensed a vehicle approaching and transmitted a signal to the premise where an annunciator informed the resident of an approaching vehicle. https://cartell.com/products/driveway-alarm/

•Developed a talking LORA radio receiver to provide user feedback using an ARM D21 processor.

•Packaged system mechanically, ensuring efficient and reliable manufacturing and assembly. Prototyped the housing using a 3D printer.

•Set up major component purchasing sources in China, achieving over $250,000 in savings for the company.

•Optimized component selection and relationships with suppliers, resulting in cost-effective and reliable production.

•Contributed to the company's competitive edge in the marketplace through successful system design and development.

•Demonstrated expertise in wireless communication protocols, mechanical design, and supply chain management.

•Interfaced with a FCC testing lab to help guide them through the certification process.

•As Chief Engineer I managed the other engineer and their projects to help build a cohesive enviroment and healthy workspace.

Automated Solutions, Inc. Sawmills, NC

Consultant Electronics Engineer March 2017 – September 2018

•Wrote C++ embedded linux software for several ARM D1 microprocessor-based machine controls including a LIDAR sensor to measure the glue level in a tank in order know when to add glue to the tank.

•Wrote C++ embedded linux software for a video-based book packaging machine to accurately position items for efficient and accurate packaging.

•Wrote C++ embedded linux software for an insulated bag builder control to create custom-sized insulated grocery bags.

•Optimized processes, increased efficiency, and improved product quality for clients through expertise in embedded microprocessor-based controls.

•I was the only electronics and software engineer on staff.

Elk Products, Inc. previous name Moose Products, Inc. Hildebran, NC / Hickory, NC

Employee - Chief Electronics Engineer 25 years prior to 2017

•Designed and built C/C++ software for microprocessor-based Security and Fire Alarm Control Systems including the ELK Products M1 Security And Fire Control and many of its peripherials for residential and commercial applications. https://www.elkproducts.com/m1-security-automation-controls/

•Designed and built C/C++ enbedded software for the ADT Security A910 Burglar and Fire Alarm Control. This design sold over 250,000 units.

•Designed and built C/C++ enbedded software for the ELK Products Passive Infrared Motion Detectors which detected human bodies moving and transmitted a signal to the ELK Products Security Control.

•Designed several versions of Smoke Detector Sensor interfaces. To detect products of combustion which sent a radio signal to the ELK Products M1 Security and Fire Control System.

•Designed and built C/C++ enbedded software for the ELK Products 900 Mhz 28 Channel Frequency Hopping two way radio system and most of its peripherials. https://www.elkproducts.com/two-way-wireless-for-m1-controls/

•Designed and built the ELK-120 4-Channel Voice and Siren Driver. https://www.elkproducts.com/product/4-channel-recordable-voice-and-siren-driver-120/

•Interfaced with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and FCC Testing Labs to guide them through the certification process.

•As Chief Engineer I managed the other engineers and their projects to help build a cohesive enviroment and healthy workspace.

previous experience

Security Electronic Engineering and Sales Steele Electronics, Inc. 1 Year

Cost Reduction Purchasing Systems Depot, Inc. 2+ Years

Chief Electronics Engineer Elk Products, Inc www.elkproducts.com 25+ Years

Developed a residential attic elevator system Stowaway Elevator, Inc. www.stolyft.com

education & credentials

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Mathematics Lenoir Rhyne University

Attended United States Air Force Academy

Radio Telephone License FCC

Private Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilots License FAA

RCA Radio Electronics Institute

Silicon Labs Micro Processor Training

patents & inventions

Invented Moose Products MPI-11 Electronic Siren.

Invented Moose Products MPI-20 Security Control.

Invented Moose Products MPI-21 Vending Machine Alarm.

Invented Moose Products MPI-22 Security Control.

Invented Moose Products MPI-23 Vending Machine Burglar Alarm Control.

Invented Moose Products MPI-25 Burglar Alarm Control.

Invented MPI-26 Burglar Alarm Control.

Invented Moose Products MPI-50 Burglar and Fire Control

Invented First Microprocessor Based Security Control.

Invented Z1100 Burglar and Fire Control, with programmable keypad and memory.

Privately designed "Dive Talker", talking scuba diving computer."

Designed ELK Products M1 security control.

Designed ELK Products 900 Mhz Frequency Hopping Radio.

Designed vehicle sensing magnetometer with LORA Two Way Radio.

PLC machine control designs.

Received patent for Moose Products Housing For A Security Control, 312,221.

Received patent for Sensor System For Protection Of Artworks And Other Valuable Objects. US 9569,569,942 B2.

Registered Trademark DIVETALKER. 1,692,655. Scuba diving computer.

additional information

Affiliations: Scout Master, Boy Scouts of America; Vice President and Treasurer of Lenoir Aviation Club, Living Hope Church, Lenoir, NC.

Interests: Private Multi-Engine Instrument Pilot with over 1000 Hours Logged, scuba diving

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