Home
45+ Years of Software & Systems Engineering
From PCB layout to embedded RTOS work to enterprise UNIX and Windows applications — decades of hands-on engineering at a single defense contractor, now available for consulting and part-time work as I ease into semi-retirement.
Background
I spent 45+ years at the same small defense contractor — starting as a design draftsman, moving into PCB layout, and by the early 1980s landing in software engineering (how that happened is probably its own blog post).
As a software engineer, I supported a multi-user application written in C running on a variant of BSD UNIX — everything from ongoing development to installations to end-user training. That meant a lot of domestic and international travel early in my career.
That application evolved right along with the hardware: from minicomputers, to Sun workstations, to Windows in the early 2000s. It gave me a solid grounding in C/C++ and application development across both UNIX/Linux and Windows environments. Along the way I also worked on embedded systems built on RTOSes like VxWorks, RT-Kernel, and FreeRTOS, as well as bare-metal microcontroller systems.
Somewhere in there I started consulting for other companies on the side — that’s where MVeng got its start, and it’s the base I’m building on now.
45+ Years, One Thread
From design draftsman to PCB layout to software engineer — continuous, hands-on engineering at one company.
Minicomputers to Windows
C/C++ application development spanning minicomputer, Sun/UNIX, Linux, and Windows platforms.
Embedded & Bare Metal
RTOS work with VxWorks, RT-Kernel, and FreeRTOS, plus bare-metal microcontroller systems.
Where I Am Now
I’m about three years past what would’ve been a traditional retirement date and easing into semi-retirement. I’ll keep working part-time with my current company and taking on consulting engagements — this site is home base for that next chapter.
Areas of Expertise
Software Development (C/C++)
Decades of hands-on development and maintenance of a multi-user C application.
- Multi-user application development
- UNIX/Linux and Windows platforms
- Long-term maintenance & modernization
Embedded Systems & RTOS
Embedded development across multiple real-time operating systems and bare metal.
- VxWorks, RT-Kernel, FreeRTOS
- Bare-metal microcontroller systems
- Hardware/software integration
UNIX/Linux & Windows Platforms
Cross-platform application experience from minicomputer-era UNIX through modern Windows.
- BSD UNIX & Linux
- Sun workstation to Windows migrations
- Platform ports & re-architecture
Installation, Support & Training
On-site installation and end-user training, domestic and international.
- Field installations
- End-user & operator training
- Ongoing customer support
Technical Documentation
Documentation written for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- User manuals & training materials
- Design & maintenance documentation
- Process & procedure write-ups
Contract & Part-Time Engineering
Flexible consulting engagements as I transition into semi-retirement.
- Part-time & contract work
- Legacy system support
- Independent technical review
From the Blog
Write-ups on past projects I’ve been part of, hobby projects, RVing and RV projects, and whatever else comes to mind — published on the MVeng blog.
Interested in Working Together?
I’m easing into semi-retirement, splitting time between part-time work at my current company and select consulting engagements. If you have a legacy system that needs support, an embedded project that needs real-world RTOS experience, or documentation and training needs, let’s talk.
Typical response time: 1–2 business days