Christopher R. Wirz, Developer in Washington, DC, United States
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Christopher R. Wirz

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Software Developer

Location
Washington, DC, United States
Toptal Member Since
May 1, 2013

Chris is a technical leader with over 15 years of industry experience. He is a patented inventor who worked for various companies, tools, and technologies. He has also worked for several early-stage startups. With a strong focus on API design and building maintainable software, Chris will help tailor your solution for the business outcome you desire.

Portfolio

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Java, TypeScript, JavaScript, Amazon Web Services (AWS), ECMAScript (ES6), APIs...
WirzBrothers Inc.
MySQL, MATLAB, Java, C#, JavaScript, C++, HTML, PHP, Full-stack, Bootstrap...
Booz Allen Hamilton
C#, C++, C, JavaScript 6, Agile Software Development, AWS CLI, Full-stack...

Experience

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Visual Studio, JetBrains, Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

The most amazing...

...I've built is a custom ML/CV collaborative human-machine-teaming system-of-system models designed for use at the tactical edge.

Work Experience

Software Development Engineer

2022 - 2023
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Led the design and implementation of the Amazon Security Lake resource-oriented API.
  • Executed a region build project for the rollout of Security Lake in Frankfurt, Paris, Canada, and Osaka.
  • Designed and built serverless components to upgrade customers from Hive to Iceberg parquet table format.
  • Authored 27+ on-call runbooks to enhance alarm triaging, minimizing impact on customers.
  • Served as rotational on-call primary, managing alerts, canaries, and integration tests to guarantee a high Service Level Agreement (SLA).
  • Designed and built an anti-entropy mechanism to reconcile discrepancies with other AWS services.
Technologies: Java, TypeScript, JavaScript, Amazon Web Services (AWS), ECMAScript (ES6), APIs, API Development, API Integration, AWS Certified Solution Architect

Co-founder

2008 - 2023
WirzBrothers Inc.
  • Developed web-based applications for collaborative environments related to property management activities.
  • Wrote web-scraping tools using C#, Python, PHP, and JavaScript to collect and aggregate data from APIs, WebSources, and other formats into relational SQL data for analysis and machine learning.
  • Developed numerical models to evaluate trends and rank investment opportunities within the real estate market using MATLAB.
  • Created applications using the .NET 2.0 framework for Windows, developing, in particular, Mobile 6 applications related to performance improvement, file management, and web-server communication.
  • Developed VBScript to forecast income based on historical data and current market trends in property management operations.
  • Developed C++ and C#-based numerical models for stock ranking and forecasting.
  • Customized WordPress installations, developed WordPress themes, and built WordPress plug-ins.
  • Wrote business plans, proprietary information agreements, and joint venture agreements for various projects, business studies, and technical investigations.
Technologies: MySQL, MATLAB, Java, C#, JavaScript, C++, HTML, PHP, Full-stack, Bootstrap, Real Estate, MongoDB, Node.js, Kubernetes, Docker, APIs, PayPal, API Development, API Integration

Lead Associate

2020 - 2022
Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Acted as a senior lead technologist for multi-disciplinary teams developing products such as mobile wireless network routing protocols, video processing and dissemination, network monitoring and anomaly detection, and high availability mission computing.
  • Served as project manager and supported proposal efforts for DevSecOps modernization, test automation, and emerging technology business development.
  • Designed and implemented secure cross-domain video and fixed-format processing capabilities on low-SWaP (Size Weight and Power) edge hardware such as NVIDIA Jetson Systems on Module (SOM) and embedded systems.
  • Rewrote legacy mission computer using high availability Kubernetes architecture and demonstrated rapid prototyping capabilities by substituting production containers with their development alternative.
  • Developed applications in various languages, including C#, C++, C, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, and Python, and libraries such as GStreamer, NVIDIA CUDA, FFmpeg, Electron, ASP.NET Core, Entity, React, Vue, GraphQL, Razor, WCF, and WPF.
  • Developed CI/CD DevSecOps workflows for software-based projects within the division.
  • Co-founded the Digital Thread team which provided cross-team bar-raising support in DevOps and software engineering best practices.
  • Managed career responsibilities for a diverse team, mainly comprising software engineers. This included tasks such as timecard approval, project placement, monthly feedback, career development, and onboarding.
Technologies: C#, C++, C, JavaScript 6, Agile Software Development, AWS CLI, Full-stack, Technical Leadership, Architecture, JavaScript, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Bootstrap, PostgreSQL, ECMAScript (ES6), Kubernetes, React, Docker, Vue, APIs, API Development, API Integration, AWS Certified Solution Architect, Solution Architecture

Senior Software Engineer

2016 - 2020
Northrop Grumman
  • Led the fundamental research team as deputy program manager, creating capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, GPU computing, imagery exploitation, and microservices architecture for edge and IoT devices.
  • Developed Weapon Planning 2.0 capability integrations into the Northrop Grumman Critical Abstraction Layer and Common Open Mission Systems Architecture.
  • Created the first C# version of the Northrop Grumman Enterprise Critical Abstraction Layer, integrating mission planning environments into the System of Services ecosystem in just four lines of code and a DLL reference.
  • Built C# .NET 4.6 WPF (MVVM), WCF, and product features in a hosted mission-planning environment.
  • Trained team to perform testing and debugging in a virtualized environment and developed related tools.
  • Completed 10 invention disclosures and assisted with the capture and deployment of Intellectual Property at the sector and corporate level.
  • Developed, documented, managed, and marketed emerging technologies to deliver 30x return on investment (ROI) for company-funded research efforts.
  • Created successful demonstration of human-machine-teaming with machine-reasoning AI at the tactical edge.
Technologies: C#, C++, C, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Full-stack, Technical Leadership, Architecture, JavaScript, Bootstrap, ECMAScript (ES6), Docker, APIs, API Development, API Integration

Senior Systems Engineer

2013 - 2015
Northrop Grumman
  • Developed big-data solutions for logistics support analysis and predictive analytics.
  • Performed research and simulation activities to assign maintenance guidance through automated parsing logic.
  • Built C# libraries to automate the correlation of document deliverables to military standard database deliverables.
  • Developed C# desktop applications to automate the creation of deliverables using local document (XML, JSON, MIL-STD) files and SQL connection services.
  • Created a C# reflection-based Object-relational Mapping (ORM) library capable of performing in a Windows XP .NET 2.0 environment (without a dependency on Linq).
  • Wrote a C# application to manage, reconcile, and correlate large sets of data across multiple databases and servers.
  • Established a fully integrated systems engineering pipeline from design to sustainment with complete feedback loop (using in-house developed software capabilities).
Technologies: C#.NET, C#, SQL

Software Application Engineer

2012 - 2013
Phoenix Integration
  • Built C# Component Object Model (COM)-based plug-in solutions for use in ModelCenter, interfacing with mainstream desktop tools, protocols, and even titles that were still in the "tech preview" stage.
  • Modified the current website codebase for Phoenix-maintained sections of the 2012 website overhaul.
  • Addressed technical support questions and issues through Phoenix Knowledge Base via phone.
  • Developed training materials to demonstrate the newest and most desired capabilities of ModelCenter and AnalysisServer.
  • Provided on-site training for customers using ModelCenter and AnalysisServer.
  • Provided customer support, documentation and training, consulting, services, and sales support.
Technologies: Java, C#, C#.NET

Co-founder

2012 - 2012
YouFolio LLC
  • Built tech previews and prototypes using PHP, Java, JavaScript, jQuery, CSS3, and HTLM5 for deployment on the cloud (AppEngine) or a Linux (LAMP) server.
  • Handled filing of US Patent 13851352. Filed trademarks for "YouFolio" (serial: 85/595-469).
  • Wrote first business plans and requirements analysis.
  • Filed for corporate status (wrote charter, received EIN, DUNS, and more).
Technologies: Java, MySQL, jQuery, HTML, PHP

Senior Aeronautical Engineer

2008 - 2011
Lockheed Martin
  • Managed projects.
  • Undertook performance prediction analysis.
  • Developed IADS Real-Time Station user interfaces to alert and report flight monitoring conditions and flight test continuation criteria.
  • Maintained databases to track and report program-level (earned value) metrics with respect to flight test execution and milestone completion.
  • Produced software to automatically generate graphical reports.
  • Developed Visual Basic software to automate the tracking and planning of test point execution, as well as forecast the effort required to meet desired metrics.
  • Built numerical models and graphical user interfaces for advanced thermal processes to understand energy usage, gas usage, measurement requirements, controller selection, batch processing, and equipment right-sizing to make recommendations on production transition and manufacturing for full-rate capacity needs.
Technologies: MATLAB, C#.NET

Mechanical Engineer

2006 - 2008
JNE Consulting
  • Performed P&ID, thermal analysis, and flexibility studies.
  • Verified design and construction compliance with ASME, customer, and internal code.
  • Checked and built deliverable calculations datasheets for heat transfer and structural concepts related to process piping, fluid flow, and piping support.
  • Worked with a team of professional engineers to design and analyze structural and piping schemes.
Technologies: Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

Multi-input Multi-output Modeling using Global-local Approximations with Sparsity Constraints

https://www.chriswirz.com/portfolio/MULTI-INPUT-MULTI-OUTPUT-MODELING-Thesis.pdf
This masters of Science degree thesis, under the direction of Dr. Puneet Singla, details a novel systems identification approach. In this project, a system with unknown dynamics utilizes a dictionary function to develop a prediction for future states. This principle is demonstrated using 1D functions, 2D functions, and n-D functions to model sensor input, terrain maps, and the stock market.

US Patent 20120318294

https://www.chriswirz.com/portfolio/US20120318294A1.pdf
This is a patented award while working at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. The core un-blocking roller brush is used to prepare low-observable aircraft sub-structures. This brush allows for the application of low-observable coatings as well as a composite layup.

US Patent 20120321800

https://www.chriswirz.com/portfolio/US20120321800A1.pdf
The Core Striping Mechanism applies a load line to a honeycomb core, an important sub-structure of low-observable aircraft. Using a series of nozzles guided along a rail, a line is easily developed, preventing the need for masking and excessive touch labor.

Languages

PHP, C#, C#.NET, JavaScript, Java, C++, ECMAScript (ES6), HTML, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Java 7, C, SQL, JavaScript 6, TypeScript, Python

Libraries/APIs

jQuery, API Development, Node.js, React, Vue

Platforms

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Docker, Windows Phone, Windows, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Kubernetes

Other

Full-stack, Software Design, APIs, Technical Leadership, Architecture, Real Estate, API Integration, AWS Certified Solution Architect, Solution Architecture, Research, US Patent Process, Business, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, PayPal

Frameworks

Bootstrap

Tools

JetBrains, MATLAB, PhpStorm, Visual Studio, Visual Studio 2010, Visual Studio 2015, AWS CLI

Paradigms

Agile Software Development

Storage

MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL

Industry Expertise

Cybersecurity

2017 - 2019

Master's Degree in Software Engineering

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA, USA

2013 - 2015

Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA)

University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Amherst, MA, USA

2003 - 2008

Master of Science Degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

University at Buffalo - Buffalo, NY, USA

MARCH 2022 - MARCH 2025

CSSLP - Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional

ISC2

MARCH 2022 - MARCH 2025

CISSP

ISC2

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