Consulting software architect

Summary

Allen C Smith
Good karma is cost effective.
I am a creative system builder. I bring together advanced architecture, sound software engineering practices, and effective workflow techniques to deliver successful applications. I am a globally recognized innovator, adept at applying new concepts to reduce complexity and drive solutions. I inspire technical excellence in peers through example and mentorship.

I drove adoption of the Actor Framework by developing a complete developer tool suite, including automatic message generation, desktop execution trace toolkit support, and packed project library support. I wrote Actor-Oriented Design in LabVIEW, the official Actor Framework training course.

I modernized fire science research at Sandia National Laboratories by leading 5-person cross-functional team that developed, installed, tested, and commissioned the control software for the Thermal Test Complex. I designed the LabVIEW / TestStand architecture used on the operator stations and FieldPoint controllers. I developed the TestStand process model and operator interface, test sequences for 3 test cells, host and RT code for radiant heat tests and cooling, and host code for FieldPoint configuration and user validation.

My areas of expertise include:
  • Certified LabVIEW Architect
  • Certified TestStand Developer
  • Actor Framework
  • LabVIEW RT and FPGA
  • LabVIEW Object Oriented Programming
  • VI Scripting
  • Agile/Scrum Software Development


I am available for consulting engagements, and open to full time employment opportunities.

Timeline

  1. -
    Controls Engineer, Ktech Corporation

    Designed test and control systems using LabVIEW and TestStand. Led cross-functional teams to implement and deliver complete systems.

    Modernized fire science research at Sandia National Laboratories by leading 5-person cross-functional team that developed, installed, tested, and commissioned control software for Thermal Test Complex. Designed LabVIEW / TestStand architecture used on operator stations and FieldPoint controllers. Developed TestStand process model and operator interface, test sequences for 3 test cells, host and RT code for radiant heat tests and cooling, and host code for FieldPoint configuration and user validation.
    -

  2. -
    Senior Systems Engineer, National Instruments

    Empowered sales engineers by removing technical objections to sales. Assisted customers developing large, complex applications by guiding systems design efforts. Educated clients on development best practices, and identifying and mitigating specific technical challenges. Developed product features and training content in response to customer needs.

     

    Transformed Actor Framework from research concept to viable framework by developing complete developer tool suite, including automatic message generation, desktop execution trace toolkit support, and packed project library support.

    Drove customer adoption of and proficiency in Actor Framework by writing Actor-Oriented Design in LabVIEW, official Actor Framework training course.
    -

  3. -
    Consulting Software Architect, Driving engineering success with LabVIEW and TestStand

    As a National Instruments Alliance Partner, I use LabVIEW and TestStand to deliver robust solutions to complex engineering challenges. I provide a range of services, including design consultation, training and coaching, and systems integration. I am one of the most widely recognized experts on building systems in Actor Framework, and am skilled at creating productivity tools for LabVIEW developers. Whether I am training and coaching your team or developing a system for you, I can make your next LabVIEW project a success!

Proudest Accomplishment

As an Actor Framework evangelist, I helped change how people talk about writing LabVIEW code.

Education Highlights

  • Bachelor of Arts, Physics and Astrophysics
    University of California At Berkeley

Skills

  • AGILE/SCRUM
    8
  • OBJECT ORIENTED LABVIEW
    15
  • ACTOR fRAMEWORK
    20+
  • TESTSTAND
    9
  • aUTOMATION
    9
  • eMBEDDED SYSTEMS
    11
  • sOFTWARE eNGINEERING
    16
  • dATA aCQUISITION
    16
  • LABVIEW
    20+
  • Public Speaking
    10

Location

Georgetown, TX, USA