Benjamin Roorda, P.E. Email & Phone Number

Arlington, Va, Us

Arlington, Virginia, United States

Product Design ServicesI build turn key solutions for the development of client parts and products based upon their ideas and needs. Many customers successfully used the Hephestus Works process to take their ideas to market and pursue patents. The Hephestus Works methodology included the following components:• Conceptual Design generation, to identify necessary and desired product characteristics and form,• Detailed Design development, brings the idea to life with dimensions, tolerances, and modeling,• Physics Based Analysis (structural, vibratory, thermal),• Manufacturing using Rapid Prototyping methods, 3D printing (FFF & SLA) and laser cutting (CO2) In-house Sorting System DevelopmentWe developed an optically based sorting system utilizing Machine Vision and AI Deep Learning (CNN) methods to sort parts of varying sizes and optical characteristics. The primary sorting characteristic was color, but the methodology is visually agnostic. A sorting accuracy of 94% was achieved with 30 unique categories. The following technologies were implemented:• Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN),• Machine Vision with pixel analysis,• Python coding for: GUI's, Image collection, Webcam management, Serial Comms over USB, Motor controls, Multi-threading, • Microcontroller control for: DC motors, stepper motors, contact sensors, IR sensors and lighting

Arlington, Virginia, United States

At M42 I drive the technical development and deployment of data systems for our clients. These systems include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) as well as traditional data analytic systems. Our customers include health insurance and US defense related organizations. Responsibilities include:• Coordination of our internal technical team and contracted resources,• Coordination with remotely distributed team members,• Development and maintenance of the organization’s technical roadmap,• Participation in defense related business development Systems Built:• Cedalion – a universal input Neural Network modeler application capable of accepting text, numeric, or categorical data inputs from tabular data and generating classification and regression models. Built in capabilities include hyper-parameter search, sentiment analysis, decision forests and deep neural network creation. The post modeling analysis feature provides result explanation. A previously unknown correlation to suicide was identified through this application.• Xiphos – is a health insurance claim fraud detection tool capable of finding numerous health insurance fraud types. The application works as a SaaS platform with Big Data set inputs and Business Intelligence dashboard reporting. Through this work a massive drug ring in Texas was uncovered.Capabilities developed include:• Natural Language Processing (NLP) sentiment analyzers, (HuggingFace/roBERTa),• Input agnostic Neural Net modeler system (Python with Tensor Flow), • Client account manager with report generation, • Web-scrapping for database creation (Beautiful Soup),• Website overhaul, • Business Intelligence (BI) dashboards with Sisense and Power BI (Microsoft),• SQL and Python code-base integration

Gainesville, Florida

I provided project and outage support to all of GRU's electrical power generating assets, conventional steam, gas turbine, and combined cycle: JRK Plant (108MW GT Combined Cycle) Deerhaven Plant (232MW and 75MWconventional steam). My technical expertise benefits me in the diagnosis and remediation of complex issues while allowing me the opportunity to coordinate with many diverse groups.-Project management included the process of bid specifications, financial tracking, schedule adherence, and work oversight of all units annually.-Technical oversight of internal mechanics, operators, outside contractors, and vendors-Engineering design and coordination of internal projects-Leadership for planned and unplanned generating unit boiler outagesSelected Engineering Activities-High pressure part weld inspection and failure analysis according to ASME's Boiler Code-Analysis using NDE methods, Dye Pen (PT), Mag Particle (MT), X-Ray (RT), Ultrasound (UT), Infrared (IR), -Vibration analysis contract support of rotating machinery, pumps, motors, gearboxes-Boiler wall 3D scanning for internal steam jet erosion identification and mapping-Gas turbine (GE 7EA) load limiting lube oil temperature problem identification and resolution-Safety Committee's Engineering group representativeOutage Manger JR Kelly Generating Station Combined Cycle Unit #1 2014 The Kelly Plant outage included a Major Inspection of the combined cycle 7EA unit in addition to many other plant related activities. This required the coordination of schedules, resources, footprints, and communication of many groups and individuals. The communication of core values, safety being paramount, was essential for the success of the outage.-Developed and maintained the overall outage schedule-Lead daily outage coordination meetings-Technically supported the gas turbine Major Inspection work

As the Compressor Lead Engineer I was responsible for all aspects of the development of an Industrial Gas Turbine (IGT) compressor. This required coordination and management of the 6 compressor Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). • Technical oversight of the planning and execution of each IPT’s processes• Schedule aggregation and reporting for overall project management• Personnel management of 6 IPT leaders, 2 of whom are international• Reporting to the Chief Engineer’s Office and the Project TeamAs the Compressor Blade Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead Engineer I developed and managed the upgrade process for an existing set of compressor blades. My team included engineers, CAD technicians, draftsmen, and representatives from various specialist groups (structures, materials, aerodynamics, & instrumentation).• Analysis of blade root design• Management of the blade modeling and drafting efforts• Technical oversight of the blade structural analysis (steady stress, HCF, life)• Coordination of blade vibrational testing (Campbell diagrams, mode shapes, mistuning)• Instrumentation planning for verification testing

A significant portion of my tenure was on a team developing a measurement methodology known as a Non-Intrusive Stress Measurement System (NSMS) or Blade Tip Timing. This methodology uses externally mounted sensors to measure the vibration characteristics of rotating turbo-machinery blades, as an alternative to rotating strain gages.• Development of LASER and optical detection hardware• Development of data acquisition and analysis software• Implementation of NSMS systems at sites throughout the US and world on military and commercial aero gas turbines, power generation gas turbines, turbo-chargers, air compressors, and rocket pumps• Taught customer specific training sessions on AMS hardware and software• Prototyping hardware and optical sensors in the machine shop/labLead Test EngineerMy responsibilities at AMS also included the management of the day-to-day activities of junior engineers, engine test support, and equipment logistics• Customer point of contact• Budget monitoring and adherence• Shipping logistics: international, domestic, temporary, permanent, and Export Controlled• Directly responsible for two test engineers and a technician• Managed the training and integration of new engineers into the team• Began and oversaw the AMS safety program: LOTO, fall protection, confined space, etc.

Created and investigated Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models to determine stresses and deflections in gas turbine parts. Utilized Modal Cyclic Symmetry analysis to determine natural frequencies and mode shapes of bladed disks. Tested military turbo-machinery using strain gages and pressure sensors.

Palm Beach County, Florida, United States

I designed and marketed photo-voltaic (PV) solar systems for residential homes, including grid-tied and off-grid solutions.Certifications:- Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) Installing Photovoltaic Systems program graduate- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Certification

Compressor Development and Test

Power plant combined cycle re-powering transition team.

2003 Bachelors Degree, Mechanical Engineering; Business Administration

Education record