Established Direct AV Software to provide software consultancy services to the AV industry, accredited as a Crestron Service Provider as a mark of quality.Working closely with clients to design, write and implement software on a number of projects for educational and enterprise end-clients.Providing expertise on new technologies such as Crestron's Simpl#.Example projects include creating highly-secure video and audio conferencing facilities for a Fortune 500 listed aerospace manufacturer and fault-diagnosis of a hard to identify bug within legacy software.

Worked within a team of engineers during software development sprints and high-profile tight-timescale software installation and testing exercises.Deputised for the department manager: arranging departmental resources and liasing with internal and external clients to address high-priority concerns.Maintained and encouraged the culture of client confidentiality. Advised senior management during the early stages of ensuring GDPR compliance.Responsibilities included:Leading the development of new software features using C# and JavaScript.Testing and evaluating new hardware for use within systems.Auditing system designs and feeding back potential issues and improvements to the design team.Performing in-house training and providing professional guidance on technical procedures to colleagues.Producing documentation including internal communications regarding new product features and fault diagnosis reports circulated to clients and their representatives.Advocating advancement within the department:Redesigned the core user experience working closely with the in-house graphic designer.Upgraded the core software architecture from a legacy language to a C# based language.Implemented version control (Git) as well as bug tracking for software deployment (Jira/Trello).Introduced basic software development principles including peer-review, pair-programming and unit-testing.Highlights of this role included cultivating trusted relationships with high net-worth individuals where understanding of their needs and expected levels of formality was vital, being selected to represent the company at the Monaco Yacht Show, providing client-facing technical expertise in the sales process and taking a key role in the development of one of the finest software offerings used within high-end home automation.

Responsible for successful deployment and testing of home-automation solutions in various locations including London, France, Monaco and Morocco. This involved working directly with high net-worth individuals, property management providers and construction companies to ensure software was deployed within a pre-defined timeframe and to the expected high standard.Excelled in fault diagnosis utilising scarce system logs and anecdotal evidence. Diagnosed and resolved several high-profile recurring bugs.

Programmed and commissioned audio-video control systems for educational and commercial organisations.Quickly gained important certifications:AMX ACE Certified Programmer - demonstrating a solid ability in the use the AMX NetLinx programming language and associated tool-set.Infocomm CTS - demonstrating a good level of understanding of all aspects of AV (ranging from video resolution and projector light levels to acoustic design and cabling requirements).Role responsibilities included:Created user-friendly GUIs for enterprise clients and further education facilities.Proficiently using programmed Crestron, AMX and Extron control systems using their proprietary tools to create well-functioning AV systems as per the agreed design brief.Configuring audio processors (DSPs) manufactured by Extron, Polycom, Clearone and Biamp for use in lecture theatres and offices. Achieving a good configuration requires specialised technical skills, persistence and the ability to ability to work under high pressure due to the nature of the task.A personal highlight was taking the lead in developing and implementing a configurable software architecture for a high-value project. The software was built from the ground up and provided me with an excellent opportunity to build using novel tools and methodologies.Another highlight was developing strong working relationships with key clients, where my understanding of their expectations and methodologies allowed for fast and efficient sign-off of projects and repeated business.

Undertook training to become an Engineering Officer. The process included - Attending South Tyneside college to improve technical skills including workshop (machining), technical drawing and introduction to common mechanical parts of a ship.Completing various marine safety courses - firefighting, sea survival and first aid.Working aboard two cruise ships:The majority of time was working on watch - assisting the 2nd and 3rd engineers with running of the ship which entails carrying out pre-departure and pre-arrival checks, starting the main engines, firing the boiler and maintaining steam pressure, safety rounds and identifying and quick-fixing faults.Spent time assisting the 1st engineer in day work completing scheduled and emergency maintenance.Experience with electro-technical team in their day to day duties including lift maintenance, comms maintenance and engine room electrical maintenance.Spent time on the bridge assisting the 3rd officer with their duties.Participated in customer events such as welcome on board parties, dining with passengers, Captain's parties and P&Os 50th anniversary event.

Developed and enhanced a Windows-based software product providing material-testing data acquisition and processing as part of a team of experienced software engineers within the research and development department. Utilising C# (.NET 3.5 and .NET 4) and VB.NET to perform this function.I was introduced to the organisational software lifecycle (requirements capture, programming specification, software design, coding and test case development) as well as the principles of lean manufacturing.Worked closely with software testers to identify and refine bug reports and well as to improve use cases.

Managed the production of a manufacturing facility employing >30 staff. Maintained high levels of quality for finished products as part of the supply chain for household names in defense, aerospace, motorsport and hi-fi manufacturing.I took pride in the quality of the finished product and led investigations into quality assurance failures, resulting in the testing and implementation of alterations to the processing methodology with the assistance from the quality assurance teams, skilled factory operatives and the specialist chemist.A key achievement was successfully setting up and running a second manufacturing unit to ensure business continuity after a fault occurred within the main manufacturing base. As a result of this success I was invited and trusted to assist the senior management team with future business planning.Managerial responsibilities and achievements included:Prioritising and assigning daily manufacturing operations to create to a smooth workflow.Coordinating staff holiday and inducting new staff members. Maintaining a positive atmosphere and productive environment during challenging periods of time for the organisation.Providing a communications channel with key clients enabling high response times for manufacturing queries and lead time estimation.