RESUME


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Fred Koschara home: 781 / 874 - 9223
302 Boston Avenue Apt. 3 cellular: 617 / 792 - 4320
Medford, Massachusetts 02155 email: wfredk@wfredk.com
mail: P.O. Box 15571, Boston, MA 02215 personal Web page: http://wfredk.com

Document Sections:

 

Immediate Employment Objective
I am available for projects where my background and interests can quickly benefit the customer, with opportunities to expand my skills in additional or supporting work. I am interested in "conventional" software development: An ideal situation would be a "concept to completion" one involving in the entire development cycle, preferably a [robotic] hardware product as well as software. I am also interested in Internet and Web application development and integration positions where I could utilize my extensive recent experience with PHP and MySQL.

I am interested in contract work in the metro Boston area accessible by public transportation. I am also open to offsite/telecommuting work arrangements.

My most recent work is Web development (including e-Commerce) with interfaces to MySQL in PHP and C++ (Unix and Windows), C/C++ for Windows (desktop, CE), client/server (Windows/FreeBSD) application development in C++ including protocol design, PHP, C/C++, and Perl CGI scripts, HTML, JavaScript, and hardware design; my diverse background also includes other languages and operating systems. My expertise and interests are in user-interface design (GUI, graphics, mouse handling), real-time systems, image processing, controls and robotics, and hardware integration, diagnostics and debugging. I am experienced in start-to-finish system and software design: I developed several programs from idea through completed software, including installation and setup utilities (both with custom software, and using InstallShield), user manuals, and on-line Help systems; four are currently actively marketed on the Internet. I have also done Java tutoring; and have installed, configured, and managed PC network systems.

 

Microprocessor Software Design Expertise
Assembly languages: 80x86/Pentium, 8051, 8035, 8044, 8085, 6800, 6301, Z80/Z800/64180, Z8000, RT-11, PIC
High-Level Languages: C++, C, HTML, PHP, CGI, Perl, JavaScript, XML, Java, BASIC, PL/M-80, PL/M-86, TECO, FORTRAN, PASCAL
Development Packages: Microsoft MFC, Windows Help compiler, InstallShield, Notes C/C++ API, Greenleaf Comm++, zApp, Sequiter CodeBase 5.0, Magma Systems MEWEL library, Metagraphics MetaWINDOW library, Phar Lap 286-DOS Extender
Application Packages: MySQL, Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Word, Qcad, DesignCAD 3D, AutoCAD LT, Generic CADD, OrCAD, Caligari trueSpace 2 & 3, Corel Draw, FoxBASE+/dBase III, WordPerfect, Lotus Manuscript, Lotus Notes, Lotus Magellan, Lotus Express
Operating Systems & Environments: MS/PC-DOS through v.6.22, Windows 3.0/3.1/3.11/98 / NT 3.51/4.0 / 2000 / XP / CE (PocketPC 2002/2003), FreeBSD, Linux, Unix, OS/2 Warp, Lantastic network system, Tandy DeskMate, AmigaDOS, Macintosh, Novell networks (user), VAX/VMS (user)

 

Microprocessor Hardware Design Expertise
Microprocessors: Intel 80x86, 8051, 8085, 8035, 8344, Microchip PIC16F88*, Motorola 6800, 68000, Hitachi 6301, 64180, National NSC-800, Zilog Z8, Z80, Z800, Z8000
Technologies: Microprocessor system architecture, network controllers, ZigBee, USB, RS-232 communication system design, CMOS, TTL and ECL circuit design, memory system design, disk-, user-, and analog-interface techniques, in-circuit emulation and debugging, PC board design and power distribution, system packaging, hardware integration

 

Management/Financial Experience
Self-employed consultant, Owner/President of personal computer company, credit counselor and investment advisor, retail store manager, loan broker

 

Employment History
Note: Most of my work history is in contract and consulting positions.

L5 Software Development, Boston, MA. Software Developer, Consultant. 9/1995 - present.
Contract programming, commercial software development, Web site design and production, FreeBSD server hardware and software system setup, configuration, installation and maintenance, application integration to support marketing and administration, C/C++, MFC, PHP, MySQL, HTML, JavaScript, Perl, Cascading Style Sheets (css), CGI, Windows, MS-DOS, Linux, XML, in-house [NT] system administration, client-server development work.

Lotus Development Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. Development Manager, CI. 5/1999 - 12/1999. Analyze customer concept and requirements. Design and develop an NT console application to implement a multi-threaded data mining tool using Lotus Notes C/C++ API. Program reads search profiles from a Notes database, searches Web, newsgroup and Notes database sources; performs linguistics analysis; generates hit reports when search criteria match occurs and notifies profile owners via (Notes) email, network interfacing through WinInet and WinSock. Initial setup is done with a custom setup wizard, operating parameter [re]configuration supported by a property-page dialog window setup and administration utility, built with a complete online Help system. Debug supported by a dialog-based custom log viewer utility, also with a complete online Help system; thread selection is done using a "tree" display control, the dialog also includes field selection and trace level filtration controls.
approx. 39,000 lines of code as of 12/31/1999.

Sensitech, Inc., Beverly, MA. Program Architect. 4/1994 - 9/1995.
Full product design and development, concept through finished code: extensible multi-platform GUI application to interface environmental monitoring devices through serial ports, and to display, store and print retrieved data in graphic and text formats, including printer support, file format design and I/O code, and export to external applications. Develop diagnostic programs for design lab. Developed for Windows using zApp, Greenleaf Comm++, and Visual C++ 1.5 with MFC. Design objectives include support multiple versions (customer, distributor and in-house), and internationalization (early version sent to Japan for to NEC computer and operating system port, program text translated to French). Rewrote Help text to correct technical errors, support new features. Enhancements to Manufacturing Department software for product label generation.

KeySoft Corporation, Williamsville, NY. Programmer. 6/1993 - 4/1994.
Full product development from customer design through finished code: Windows appointment calendar system (Forget-Me-Nots, an advertising give-away) using Windows SDK and Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 with MFC, dBase compatibility provided by CodeBase; worked on porting the program to DOS using MEWEL & MetaWINDOW libraries and Phar Lap 286|DOS Extender. Wrote advertising development tools used by both KeySoft and their customers to customize the program. Made significant contributions to product design enhancements, wrote both DOS and Windows installation programs.

Lotus Development Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. Programmer. 5/1991 - 12/1991.
programming 8086 assembler, C, and Pascal product enhancements: 1-2-3 for DeskMate, Lotus Works. Implemented landscape printing and laser printers support for DeskMate, corrected several bugs. Lotus Works efforts included clipboard data system design and implementation; user interface and file system debug and enhancement; fixing spreadsheet code; and directory window file viewer code. Used Lotus Notes and Lotus Express for e-mail, reporting, and communications.

FKE, Computer Software Designs, Westborough, Mass. Product development partnership. 2/1991 - 5/1991.
Design and implement TSR database program for medical offices; supervise database development and verification; write user manual; manufacture serialized/copy-discouraged distribution disks. Marketing resulted in a few sales.

Lotus Development Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. Programmer. 6/1990 - 8/1990.
Write design specifications to port Lotus 1-2-3 to the Amiga computer system, adapting the existing Macintosh 68000 code. C language programming in a multitasking environment of prototype software.

Lotus Development Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. Programmer. 2/1989 - 10/1989.
C and 8086 assembler programming to port Lotus 1-2-3 to Tandy's DeskMate operating environment (graphical window-based user interface). Development of CASE tools used internally in the effort. Successfully completed in time for shipment of the finished program to Radio Shack stores for the Christmas buying season, which was a primary objective.

FKE, Boston, Mass., Mt. Morris, NY, Londonderry, NH. Consulting & product development work. 11/1985 to present.
I've written well over 300,000 lines of code (primarily C, C++ and assembler) in this time, in addition to work done in full-time contract positions. I am working on several projects, and plan to continue to do so in my spare time, including: DOS device driver for clock display and sound functions; DOS and Windows graphics image processing software; database tools and programs to support my Web and other businesses. My development work has also included:

General Instruments, Westwood, Mass. Test Support Engineer. 11/1986 to 12/1986.
PL/M-86 and 8086 assembly programming and debugging of multi-processor real-time SONAR signal processing system, including interface to VAX running VMS. Job entailed travel to Japan for shipboard testing.

Analogic/MEL, Inc., Danvers, Mass. Programmer. 8/1986 to 9/1986.
8344 [8051 assembly language] programming of protocol conversion board in SDLC-based medical system. (Unix programming environment).

United Computers of New England, Boston, Mass. Service Manager. 6/1986.
System integration, network configuration, installation and maintenance, fault analysis of customer microprocessor systems, design, development, and implementation of repair tracking system.

Ideas, Inc., Norfolk, Va. System Engineer. 5/1986.
PL/M-86 code development and analysis for FAX image processor system using the iRMX operating system and an 80286 based processor board.

Burroughs Corporation, Rochester, NY. Software Engineer. 4/1985 to 10/1985.
8051 assembly language programming. Design, implement and debug user interface unit as a real-time, multi-tasking system, using prototype hardware and ICE-51 for debugging. Design and implement RAM-based data recording system and report generator for 8051-based microprocessor for integration in product's software package. Design and implement inter-processor communication protocol. Software documentation and technical writing. Write production test software for system PC boards and components. Enhancements to ISIS operating system including program to interface Okidata printers (8085 assembly language). MDS-235 development system maintenance and installation. Installation of Winchester disk units into MDS systems.

General Railway Signal, Rochester, NY. Test Engineer. 6/1984 to 1/1985.
8085, 8086 assembly programming of real-time test code using VMS-based development tools, C programming on IBM PC/XT, design test hardware for microprocessor systems, technical writing.

Moscom Corporation, E. Rochester, NY. Programmer. 5/1984.
6301 assembly programming of telephone cost management system in a Unix/C environment, 68000 programming (C and assembly).

Xerox Corporation, Webster, NY. Engineer. 2/1983 to 1/1984.
engineering document scanner development, including high-speed digital system design; digital and analog video design analysis and debugging; system debugging and analysis using ICE-85, ICE-86, Tektronix DAS-9100; documentation; examining timing constraints; PL/M and assembly language programming of real-time user interface and machine control routines; computer-aided schematic drafting.

Geneseo Electronique, Geneseo, NY. President, Chief of Research & Development. 4/1982 to 1/1983.
This company originally started to build arcade-style video games. During two partnership changes, the target product was changed to a single-board computer, then to an inexpensive home computer. The home computer design was breadboarded and proceeded to the "search for funding" stage, but the company folded due to a lack of working capital.

Xerox Corporation, Henrietta, NY. System Design Analyst. 11/1981 to 4/1982.
Motorola 6800 disassembler, design analysis on laser printer system, technical writing: wrote a manual with theory of operation and detailed operating instructions, recommendations for future designs.

Trio-Tech International, Burbank, Calif. Software Engineer. 3/1980 to 9/1980.
flow charts, 8085 assembly language programming, hardware debugging, selection and use of Hewlett-Packard logic analyzer, reduced ROM requirements by 33% from original design through code compaction, test procedures, technical writing including contributions to user's manual and program documentation.

Techtran Industries, Rochester, NY. Junior Engineer. 8/1979 to 3/1980.
8085 assembly language programming, debugging with Tektronix emulator system, digital design, selection of and interface design for 20-column printer, breadboard and troubleshooting of A/D converter system, RT-11 assembly language programming, installation and maintenance of 10-Mbyte disk system in PDP-11 minicomputer system, TECO programming including routines for automatically updating software progress reports, inspection and correction of PC board artworks, schematic drafting, test technician in engineering and production.

W. H. Nichols Company, Waltham, Mass. Relay Logic Designer. 4/1979 to 6/1979.
design relay controls for automatic machine tools using ladder logic.
First shift, concurrent with Applicon job below.

Applicon, Inc., Burlington, Mass. Subassembly Test Technician. 4/1979 to 6/1979.
testing CAD system components.
Second shift, concurrent with W. H. Nichols position above.

G & S Systems, Inc., N. Billerica, Mass. Technician, Engineering Aide. 8/1977 to 4/1979.
installation and field service, troubleshooting and repair I/O boards, debugging computer interface and AN/UYK-7 computer simulator, tech writing, wire and parts list generation, electronics design, schematic drafting, wrote PC board design and manufacturing specifications, breadboard construction and checking, inspection and correction of PC board artworks, drawing and revision file maintenance, engineering-drafting department liaison, supervised equipment calibration, interfaced with vendors, rewrote quality control procedures to reflect current requirements.

Foxboro Corporation, Mansfield, Mass. Senior Wiring Technician. 5/1977 to 8/1977.

DeLaval Separator Company, Hyde Park, Mass. Expediter. 2/1977 to 5/1977.
part and materials expediting during plant closing. All machines were shipped before the scheduled closing date.

Northrup Corporation, Norwood, Mass. Assistant Production Control Manager. 11/1976 to 2/1977.

Data Printer Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. Mechanical Assembler. 3/1976 to 10/1976.

Rochester Instrument Systems, Rochester, NY. General Assembler. 5/1975 to 9/1975.

MIT Space Propulsion Lab, Cambridge, Mass. Research Assistant. 9/1973 to 5/1974.

 

Education
Geneseo Central High School, Geneseo, NY.
Graduated valedictorian 1973
studies included math, science, mechanical drawing, shop, typing, and programming

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.
fall 1973 - winter 1975.
Specified major: Aerospace Engineering. studies included electronics, solid-state chemistry, programming

Shawsheen Valley Technical School, N. Billerica, Mass.
fall 1978 - May 1979.
One year/nights, certificate in photography

School of Experience
spring 1975 to present
I started as an electronic assembler in 1975, and taught myself the industry, rising through the ranks to the level of engineer. My businesses and other life experiences gave me a solid understanding of business operations, many potential problems that may arise, and an awareness of how to develop solutions to them. I constantly study, at work and in my spare time, to keep my knowledge current, and to stay informed about relevant issues.

 

References
available on request

 

 


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RESUME / Webmaster / Last modified April 4, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
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