Richard Doell, Developer in Colorado Springs, CO, United States
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Richard Doell

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Software Developer

Location
Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Toptal Member Since
October 1, 2022

Richard has extensive experience working with software and the people who make it. He loves helping others with his comprehensive toolkit, sometimes a software algorithm, but more often problem-solving tools. Richard has worked in many domains, from computer vision and robotics to orbital modeling, digital signal processing, and cloud computing. He finds that, while details differ, underlying system engineering and architecture approaches remain the same.

Portfolio

Doelltech Industries
Rust, Welding, Coaching, Writing & Editing, Machining...
Cosmic AES
Rust, Python 3, Digital Signal Processing, Computer Science, Cloud...
The MITRE Corporation
Python, Testing, Digital Signal Processing...

Experience

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Linux, Rust, Python, Vim Text Editor, Docker

The most amazing...

...technique I've developed is a multi-modal semantic grounding approach that uses clustering to match speech and visual images.

Work Experience

Owner

2021 - PRESENT
Doelltech Industries
  • Created an original semantic networking system based on Zettelkasten and mind-mapping techniques in Rust.
  • Synthesized novel tools for antifragile life coaching and opportunity development.
  • Led a multidisciplinary working group for small-business development.
  • Fabricated commissioned metal sculptures using tensegrity and classic elements.
  • Designed and built model steam engines from raw materials.
Technologies: Rust, Welding, Coaching, Writing & Editing, Machining, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Small Business

Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Architect

2018 - 2021
Cosmic AES
  • Architected an orbital simulation and visualization tool with cloud-based processing.
  • Utilized Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques for orbital modeling and testing.
  • Implemented a complex 14-bit signal processing in Rust in real-time at ten mega samples per second.
  • Led the team in redesigning, rearchitecting, and implementing a signal processing system.
  • Acted as principal investigator for a Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I, which was extended to Phase III.
Technologies: Rust, Python 3, Digital Signal Processing, Computer Science, Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Distributed Systems, Grant Proposals, Systems Engineering, Software Architecture, Bayesian Statistics, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Algorithms, Testing, Leadership, Cost Accounting, Software-defined Radio (SDR), Linux, System Administration

Senior Software Systems Engineer

2016 - 2018
The MITRE Corporation
  • Led the team in creating a state-of-the-art automated testing and analysis platform for a digital communications system with software-defined radio, Python, and property-based testing.
  • Consulted and taught programs in Agile engineering and SAFe, accelerated release volume by a factor of ten, increased morale, and decreased launch defects for a program of over 150.
  • Contributed to several initiatives, including image processing, modeling and simulation, genetic algorithm optimization for steerable antennas, interference monitoring, NLP, and satellite reception systems.
  • Taught multiple highly-reviewed classes and seminars covering Agile and technology to groups of four to 45 people from varied backgrounds.
Technologies: Python, Testing, Digital Signal Processing, Natural Language Processing (NLP), GPT, Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), Aerospace & Defense, Business Proposals, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), Agile, DevOps, Scrum, Kanban, Classroom-based Instruction, Change Management, Antenna Design, Software-defined Radio (SDR), Image Processing, Linux, System Administration

Managing Partner

2015 - 2016
Go Servers
  • Developed software and automation systems for virtual private server hosting.
  • Managed projects, billing, marketing, and networking.
  • Designed a small business website and user interfaces.
Technologies: Virtual Private Servers, Server Administration, PHP, Virtualization, Quick EMUlator (QEMU), KVM/Qemu, Linux, Graphic Design

Proprietor

2014 - 2016
R. Doell Consulting
  • Consulted with clients on AI systems, including exploratory data analysis with Python and NLP to identify cybersecurity trends.
  • Visualized data from text corpora to provide insight into AI solutions.
  • Ran a small business, developed clients, and managed invoices.
Technologies: Python, Natural Language Processing (NLP), GPT, Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), Cybersecurity, Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis

Computer Science, Staff

2012 - 2013
The MITRE Corporation
  • Conducted research in embedded security using FPGA-automated fuzzing and semantic code understanding techniques.
  • Developed innovative challenges for and administrated MITRE STEM cybersecurity competition.
  • Taught classes on hardening security to site staff and created an automated Linux security hardening system.
Technologies: Cybersecurity, FPGA, Fuzz Testing, Linux, Testing, Aerospace & Defense, Classroom-based Instruction

Unsupervised Multi-modal Semantic Recognition

Developed a technique for symbol grounding across multiple modes, mainly audio and visual, in the form of speech and images while working on my graduate degree. The technique was created using unsupervised methods to find cluster centers between these two domains.

This bidirectional process recognized images and played and understood the associated and accumulated speech. This led to recovering the associated image, emulating how humans identify and correlate objects between different sensory modes.

Open-source Robotics Project

http://pysprings.org
Helped coordinate and led the development of an open-source, augmented reality robotics platform to enable lower-cost experimentation and learning. At the time, getting into robotics was expensive, mainly due to the price of sensors.

I worked with a local Python developers' group, Makerspace, and the Space Foundation Discovery Center. We built a simulation and augmented reality room, a target platform, and software to run robots and demonstrated the project at the Colorado Springs Mini Maker Fair.

Braincards

Designed and developed a Rust-based semantic network tool, a system for visualizing and processing the semantic database. Inspired by older semantic web concepts of labeled, understandable links, the tool is aimed more at data curation than application support.

As a tool that's part-database, it enables users to capture information about any domain and, with customizable links, network that information to the rest of their database. This mimics the way that memory works, especially recalling information that has a meaningful association. The benefit of the format is that it enables data exploration via techniques like Zettelkasten, as well as both statistical and traditional graph processing. This allows users to find new connections between elements of their web, leading to new ideas and inventions.
2012 - 2014

Master's Degree in Computer Science

University at Buffalo - Buffalo, NY, USA

2008 - 2012

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, and Mathematics

University at Buffalo - Buffalo, NY, USA

MARCH 2017 - MARCH 2018

SAFe 4 Program Consultant (SPC)

Scaled Agile

NOVEMBER 2016 - NOVEMBER 2019

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA

APRIL 2016 - APRIL 2026

Amateur Extra

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Tools

Vim Text Editor, KVM/Qemu

Languages

Python, Python 3, Rust, PHP

Paradigms

Testing, Agile, Scrum, DevOps, Kanban, Change Management, Fuzz Testing

Platforms

Linux, Docker, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Quick EMUlator (QEMU)

Storage

Databases

Frameworks

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

Industry Expertise

Cybersecurity

Other

Software Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Leadership, Coaching, Aerospace & Defense, Software-defined Radio (SDR), Server Administration, System Administration, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, Robotics, Digital Signal Processing, Systems Engineering, Software Architecture, Bayesian Statistics, Writing & Editing, Image Processing, Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Radio, Physics, Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Distributed Systems, Computer Architecture, Photonics, Cloud, Grant Proposals, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Algorithms, Cost Accounting, Welding, Machining, Small Business, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Business Proposals, Classroom-based Instruction, Antenna Design, Virtual Private Servers, Virtualization, Graphic Design, FPGA, Regulations, Computer Vision, Hardware, Graphs, Semantics, GPT, Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT)

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