Mark Dahl

(503) 645-2319                                                                   www.dahlnet.us                             mark (use "at" symbol here) dahlnet.us

 

HARDWARE / SOFTWARE ENGINEER

 

Extensive experience in system control, test & measurement instrumentation and test system programming.  Projects range from an embedded Linux server for focused ion beam control to semiconductor tester calibration systems.  System design tasks included custom mixed signal instrument hardware, specialized test fixtures and control software spanning drivers to applications.  Demonstrated ability to work independently or as an integral member of team.  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

 

Languages: C, C++, C#, Python, Verilog, HTML (and solder)

Tools: Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, National Instruments Labview, LabWindows/CVI, Mentor Design Architect, Xilinx ISE, Synplicity, SolidWorks, Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, Expression Web, FrontPage, Framemaker, Clearcase, Visual SourceSafe,  Subversion.

OS / Platforms:  Windows, Linux, Solaris, Sun OS, MS-DOS

Interface Standards: GPIB, RS-232, VME, VXI, I2C, PCI, JTAG

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

LTX-CREDENCE, Hillsboro, OR                                                          April 2008 - Jan 2009

System Performance Engineer, Principal

 

Designed and implemented timing calibration software for semiconductor ATE system.

·         Rehired as remotely located senior member of calibration methodology design team.

·         Developed software design specifications, utilized peer reviews to focus requirements.

·         Coded, debugged and tested timing calibration software according to specifications.

·         Performed measured evaluation of results including developing new tools for the task.

 

SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, Beaverton, OR                                  2006 - 2008

Sr. Hardware / Software Engineer

 

Designed and implemented embedded Linux server software for nanotechnology tool supplier.

·         Worked on-site as a member of the client’s engineering team, the sole software engineer supporting four hardware developers.

·         Configured Linux on system controller and developed PCI device driver for proprietary FPGA.

·         Ported an earlier product’s Windows COM based implementation to Linux.

·         Wrote Windows .NET based C# user interface applications incorporating Python as scripting language.

 

Developed a distributed audio annunciator system for heavy truck manufacturing assembly line.

·         Modified commercial network based audio playback device to broadcast pre-recorded messages as triggered by an existing manufacturing line’s programmed logic controller.

·         Wrote code for PLC module bridging its ladder logic program and the networked audio devices.

·         Created .NET C# application to manage audio messages and distribute them for remote playback.

·         Generated project hardware BOM, cabinet design, user documentation, etc.

 

 

Mark Dahl -- Page 2

 

CREDENCE SYSTEMS, Hillsboro, OR                                                                    1991 - 2006

System Performance Engineer, Principal (2001 – 2006)

 

Project leader, system architect and primary implementer of calibration system for mixed signal semiconductor test system.  

 

·         Design resulted in improved tester accuracy and a 50% reduction in execution time.

·         Designed a custom VXI instrument accelerating data acquisition using multiple FPGAs and thermoelectric temperature stabilization.  

·         Created detailed design specifications for hardware, software and engineering verification test.

·         Wrote FPGA Verilog code and all C language software including low level drivers, robot control API and application software running under Solaris. 

·         Developed bring up tools and engineering verification tests using NI Lab Windows/CVI. 

·         Managed specification and out-sourced development of robotic XY prober.

·         Designed interface cabling and circuit boards including prototype fabrication.

·         Specified purchased GPIB instrumentation and mechanical design of system rack.

·         Worked with vendors to successfully resolve bugs and quality issues discovered in components as simple as a pogo pin and as complex as a $35K time interval analyzer.

·         Spearheaded the project through all phases of the design, new product introduction and release to manufacturing process.

·         Designed and fabricated mechanical interface adapter for prober docking and ported C based calibration system software to C++ in order to adapt calibration system to a newly developed Linux based tester.

 

System Performance Engineer, Sr. Staff (1991 – 2000)

 

Participated in the development, prototype debug and performance evaluation of multiple generations of semiconductor ATE systems.

 

·         Wrote calibration software for all these products and was the calibration expert resource for our system design engineering group and instruments developed by outside contractors.

·         Designed test fixtures featuring high bandwidth relay switching, low distortion passive filters and NIST traceable reference standards. 

·         Supported manufacturing and field service as needed including infrequent travel to customer facilities.

 

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Software / Hardware Engineer II & III, Tektronix Inc.  Beaverton, OR

Functional Test Equipment Technician, Lockheed Missiles & Space, Sunnyvale, CA

 

EDUCATION

Associate of Applied Science Electronics Technology

Spokane Community College, Spokane, WA

 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

US Patent # 6,330,197 – System for Linearizing a Programmable Delay Circuit

Closed Loop Error Correction – International Test Conference paper publication and presentation

VICA US Skills Olympics Silver Medalist