Hello RESUME_EXPERT:

It has been several years since I last posted.  I love the resume you helped me create.  In fact the only real change I have made was because of a comment during a recent phone interview that made me realize a major strength that I wanted to bring to light in my summary section.  This phone interview has led to an on-site interview to happen June 13.  And it has given me hope.

However, things have been morbid the last several years, and this next interview will be only the third on-site interview in four-and-a-half years.  I stopped searching for the last couple years because it was so depressing.  But because of this recent success and failures at my other endeavors, I have begun searching again and making a plan to allow me to persue the engineering job hunt with more fervour.

I have been seeking interviewing advice, particularly regarding the job application, which will prove to be a huge obstacle.  But I figured I might as well post this for the benefit of others, as you and the RESUME_ADVISOR commented on it numerous times, and to see if there is any advice you can give me.  I know that it has been a tough market for engineers, maybe for everyone.  And the lack of a proper "match" between me and an employer and position can't be fixed with a resume alone.  But maybe there is something else I can do?  And if this resume is no longer good, I guess I better fix it.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

 

PatrioticAmerican's Personal Information Block

SUMMARY
Entry/Mid-level MSME with accomplishments in research, development, modeling, simulation, automation, control, algorithm and software development, analysis, mathematical derivation, signal processing and data acquisition.  Innovative, observant and astute "out-of-the-box" thinker.  Motivated and enthusiastic, with a passion for technology.  Proven record of adapting, learning quickly and contributing immediately.  Avid programmer, performing "wizardry" with numerous languages on several platforms.  Dedicated to ongoing technical and professional development.  Extensive and in-depth education. Obtained BS/MS in ME, having studied Math/CS for several years.  Education has been solidified with several industry "assignments", including undergraduate internships performing "hands on" component-level vibration tests, thesis research developing modeling and simulation algorithms for vibration dynamics of multibody systems, military civil service conducting missile system integration and test, and contract experience enhancing modeling, simulation and control capabilities for gas and steam turbine power generation systems.

EDUCATION
University of Illinois at Chicago
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering-May 2000
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering-December 1998

THESIS
Development and Application of Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Algorithms for 6D Multibody Damped Vibrations

ADVANCED SUBJECTS
Vibration Analysis of Discrete, Multidimensional and Continuous Systems
Computer Aided Dynamic Analysis of Rigid and Flexible Multibody Systems
Modeling, Simulation, Classical and Modern Control of Multidomain Dynamic Systems
Complex Integral and Matrix Calculus, Numerical Methods, Linear Algebra, Formal Logic

SOFTWARE
EASY5
Beacon7
Simulink
Mathematica
MATLAB
FORTRAN
C/Visual C++
Tcl/Tk
Perl
Visual Basic for Applications
Visual Basic
HP VEE
LabVIEW
STAR Modal System
ME'Scope
Mechanical Desktop
Pro/ENGINEER

EXPERIENCE
G. E. Power Systems, Controls and Accessories Systems Engineering, Schenectady, NY
Simulation and Control Engineer (Contractor), January to October 2002
Enhanced world's largest physics-based EASY5 model and improved modeling and simulation capabilities for next-generation gas and steam turbine combined cycle power generation plant control systems. Incorporated and updated hundreds of BEACON modules that control and monitor plant processes and protect systems such as the gas and steam turbines, compressor, combustor, generator, super heaters, hot recirculated steam generator, gas turbine cooling steam, cooled cooling air, gas saturator, and every pump, valve, accessory and auxiliary unit, mathematically calculating over one-hundred-thousand variables such as pressures, temperatures, flows, clearances, tolerances, structural dynamics, thermal stresses, fuel efficiency, emissions and much more. Refined control algorithms and strategies with simulations to include normal, abnormal and emergency conditions, with one model accommodating all phases of operation from startup to shutdown.
· Performed simulation studies for design reviews by efficiently utilizing resources of up to five workstations at one time running all requested alternative simultaneously.
· Developed and improved custom automation tools utilizing Perl, Tcl/Tk, other shell scripts and UNIX tricks, as well as created and enhanced major Visual Basic macros.
· Successfully coded, debugged and incorporated complex formulas for combustor firing temperature estimation, eliminating the need for unreliable temperature sensors inside the combustor.
· Identified an obscure EASY5 limitation, resulting in a custom software patch.

Air Force Flight Test Center, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, CA
Armament/Aerospace Engineer (DoD Civilian), August 2000 to February 2001
Conducted developmental test and evaluation of advanced weapons integration onto the B-52, such as the Joint-Air-to-Surface-Standoff-Missile and Conventional-Air-Launched-Cruise-Missile. Defined mission requirements, developed requirements verification plans, evaluated test hazards, determined flight safety procedures, set schedules and documented final results. Resolved and negotiated technical issues, scheduling conflicts and safety and operational concerns. Supported test missions and evaluated system performance.
· Maintained schedules despite increasingly aggressive project timelines in a hectic, fast-paced environment by innovatively rearranging and combining schedules and objectives.
· Having lead several meetings alone, directed an enormous team consisting of military, civilian and contractor personnel representing over twenty organizations.
· Personally determined instrumentation problems outside of direct responsibility, ending standstills and additional, unnecessary testing.

Argonne National Laboratory, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne IL
Research Associate (DoE Laboratory-Graduate Research Appointment), June 1998 to July 2000
Thesis Research: Advanced parametric design capabilities for nano-scale high-precision optical positioning systems and servo actuators for high-brilliance X-ray synchrotron radiation facility. Developed theory, algorithms and Mathematica program for modeling, analysis and animation of damped vibrations of 6D multibody systems. Applied analysis to Double-Multilayer Monochromator and validated algorithms by comparing with previous theoretical and experimental results.