You've safely landed on the biographical and professional introduction web site for Zachary "Zac" Hester of Colorado Springs, CO.
I am a graduate of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in computer engineering. I began my academic career in electrical engineering. I was repeatedly singled-out as a superior student in my technical communications courses, and enjoy writing (both technical, and non-technical). I have also been contracted as a freelance author and technical editor.
I work for Armaments Research Company as a director of engineering overseeing 22 engineers; the entirety of the product development team.
Previously, I worked for Parsons Corporation as an engineering manager. I led teams of engineers to build and sustain capabilities for multiple government customers including the Air Force Research Laboratory, DARPA, and others.
I was formerly employed as an aviation software engineer at Garmin International. At Garmin, I specialized in low-level interfaces to peripherals (drivers), high-speed data buses, and real-time digital signal processing.
I have been an adjunct professor in the CSIT (computer science and information technology) department at Johnson County Community College.
I am a small business owner serving the educational needs of thousands of people in my community.
My core interest in engineering is systematic problem-solving. While my degree focuses on electronic design engineering, I am more than competent in analog/RF design, I am an expert-level software developer in a wide array of environments, and I greatly enjoy mechanical design as a hobby. I believe my strongest ability in engineering is the design and construction of tools that help people do their job better, faster, cheaper, and with less effort.
I realize some people place a lot of emphasis on very specific skills like the various programming languages or applications they use professionally. As an engineer, the actual tool I use is just whatever is most appropriate for the job. That said, here are a few of the tools I've used a lot.
While software engineering pays the bills, I'm formally trained in digital hardware design. I can write VHDL for FPGAs, route traces on circuit boards, design power supplies, drive inductive loads, and implement ADCs and DACs in a digital signal processing system. I enjoy working with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, arbitrary waveform generators, and soldering irons. Building software-defined radios and cheap solid state radars are hobbies.
I am a professional machinist in that I've been able to make money performing precision metalwork and metal fabrication for numerous customers throughout the years. I am also familiar with mechanical design engineering and mechanical and thermal stress analysis.
For an engineer, I've also spent a lot of time learning graphical design and consider myself an advanced user of Blender 3D, Inkscape, and the GIMP.
I am a firm believer in the value of a well-rounded individual. I bring my energy and passion to all aspects of my life. Compared to most new engineers, I am well-read, and I have a far stronger interest in literature, history, sociology, etymology, philology, and theoretical science. I am a self-taught student of musical theory, and play the guitar.
I am a physically active person who enjoys just about anything a person can do outdoors.
My most important role, however, is dad. I married a cute science teacher 2004. We have two crazy kids who have made me happier than I ever could have imagined.