In general, I'm pretty good with computers and I like to leverage that. Anything based on UNIX (to include MacOS X and Linux) I either know already or could come up to speed on pretty quick. I have experience with programming on Suns and Linux platforms, mainly in C/C++ and perl+Perl/Tk and I'm perfectly at home in a heavily networked UNIX environment.
At the moment I'm currently working at CalTech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in support of several of NASA's deep-space exploration projects. I'm mostly a fire putter-outer in the NOC there (in the historic SFOF building), but when not fixing things I pass the time writing C and perl code to monitor and automate the things we (the Data Systems Operation Team) do. I also generate and help maintain written procedures, and train new personnel. Right now our team operates and monitors - in realtime - computers for the Voyager, Ulysses, Galileo, Mars Global Surveyer, Cassini, Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Odyssey, Genesis, and Stardust projects. To date I've also worked with Lunar Prospector, Magellan, Mars Observer, and Mars Pathfinder, among many others.Since I enjoy it, I prefer doing something with emphasis on coding (HTML, C, perl, whatever). I would consider a sysadmin-type job if it led to (or grew into) something more development-oriented. Flexible hours would be good too so I can go back to school and I'm also looking for more time to persue my own projects. I might even consider part-time work.
On the other hand, I do like the realtime and research aspects of what I'm currently doing. Though it can get hectic at times I enjoy learning new things and I think it's fun never really knowing what's going to happen next (at least it keeps me on my toes). I do think I'd go nuts just pushing paper around.
One thing I really would like to avoid though.. I don't have a problem with shiftwork or overtime in general but 12 hours at a time all the time is Bad. I did that for years and now that I'm not doing it any more I realize just how bad that was. I would be extremely reluctant to revert to that practice.
If you're hiring and the above sounds compatable with your requirements, check out my resume. If you have any job offers, or any questions not answered here or on the resume, please, feel free to
Last updated: Sat Aug 21 234-01:01:49 GMT 2004