Bruce W. Lowther
| brucelowther@gmail.com | |
| Mastodon | Mastodon |
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewlowther/ | |
| Gitlab | https://gitlab.com/osunderdog |
| Blog | http://www.wafermovement.com/ |
Introduction
Veteran software engineer with recent experience in big data, REST API, and ETL technologies. Comfortable with DevOps and Agile methodology. Holds an Masters of Science in Computer Science. Worked on large and small teams to develop, deploy and support industrial grade software systems that run 24x7 in semiconductor manufacturing sites around the world. Traveled internationally to support systems and people in Taiwan, Singapore & Japan.
Motivated by a fundamental desire to make and sustain products, systems and processes that exceed the needs of my customers. Understands that there are many different approaches to solving a problem and a collaborative team is more likely to succeed where an individual may not. A clear measurable goal shared by a team enables them to succeed where individuals may fail.
Explored many different software development methods and tools. I continue to develop my understanding of software systems so that I am able to identify which tools are better adapted to the work at hand.
Current working tools
- Python
- FastAPI
- Pydantic
- Docker
- Redis
- okd/OpenShift
- OpenFaas
- PHP
- Jenkins
- Ansible
- Artifactory
- SQL (snowflake, mssql, BigQuery)
- C/C++
- Semiconductor Communication APIs (SECS/HSMS)
- Automated Material Handling
- Neo4j
- Nifi
Background
Architect; Enterprise Analytics & Data; Micron Technology; 2017 - Present
Big Data Middle Layer
Working with an international team to provide rest apis and a rest api framework to internal analytics and
data scientist customers. The data supplied through this api enables our customers to identify engineering,
and manufacturing process performance opportunities within our network of Semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
I have been involved in all aspects of the inception, development, monitoring and support of the system.
It is providing approximately 250k rest api results per hour. The second major version of the product is written in
Python, FastAPI, using k8s for scaling and load balancing.
Tracing and Logging
Performed research and Proof of concepts around adding instrumentation for a rest api framework. Chose OpenTelemetry and implemented the code needed to include it in the framework. Exported telemetry data to google cloud trace and exports to BigQuery for deeper data investigations.
System performance enhancements
Investigated performance bottlenecks in a critical information security layer. Identified a potential performance improvement by replacing a list data structure with a set data structure. Observed pytest benchmark improvements of 5x using the new api.
Pytest infrastructure
Guided a team of software engineers on the development of unit tests and integration tests. Provided on demand training to the team. Demonstrated how to implement tests, the advantages of tests and how to use testing framework to improve overall code quality during development of V2 of a rest api framework. Provided examples of benchmark tests in pytest and demonstrated how to use benchmarks to measurably improve code speed.
Other Work
- Technical Career Ladder Mentor: Actively mentor others at the company to help them identify their desired next step. Set goals with them and meet regularly to track progress toward those goals.
- Solution Architect Interviewer: Participate in Architect level technical interviews to fill team vacancies in our organization and other support organizations.
Dremio POC
The same team has deployed and implemented enhancements to the Dremio-oss code base to implement Dremio plugin JDBC driver for Snowflake database.
Big Data ETL Quality Program
Working with US and Taiwan teams to develop and deploy Big Data ETL quality assurance program. Developed a ReST API for tracking +8k data feeds. Project involved collecting reporting and future notifications. Enables ETL support teams and customers to identify when their feeds are compromised. Implemented Python-Flask, Docker, OpenShift. Initial backend implemented with included Microsoft SQL & Neo4j with Time Series data collected into InfluxDB. Eventually landed on backend implemented with Splunk using the Splunk Event Collector(HEC) to collect events into a Splunk index in JSON format
Implemented initial prototype of system to perform metric measurements between source and target tables. Collecting data over 8k feeds over time to establish a baseline ETL row count movement pace per feed and feed data forward to identify feeds that are suspected as not behaving as expected.
Product Owner; Manufacturing Operational Improvement; Micron Technology 2016 — 2017
Represent manufacturing production customers in an Agile team. Dedicated to the improvement of semiconductor processing cycle time across all company Fabs. My software development and management background enables me to work closely with IT agile team members. My passion and experience in operation improvement and industrial engineering enables me to work closely with manufacturing customers to articulate their needs.
WW Operations Improvement Manager; Micron Technology; 2015 — 2016
Responsible for coordinating and prioritizing world wide Industrial Engineering system enhancements. Develop and maintain communication within the fab operations improvement teams. Promote business alignment on AMHS (automated material handling system) and FAB scheduling operations systems. Provide information systems architecture and data analysis recommendations to support real time manufacturing.
Operations Improvement System Manger; Micron Technology; 2014 — 2015
Responsible for planning and scheduling operational improvement and performance for fab operations at FAB6 in Manassas, VA. Worked with a staff of 8 Industrial Engineers improving line linearity, area level optimizations, lot selection, lot execution in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.
Operational Improvement Systems Lead; Micron Technology; 2012 — 2014
Responsible for managing a team of Industrial Engineers to improve performance and throughput at FAB6 Micron 300mm.
Earlier
Various; Micron Technology; 2011 - 2006
Software Engineer; CSC; 2005 - 2006
CIO; Startup Failure; 2005
Various; Micron Technology;1993 - 2005
Education
- University of Idaho — MSCS, Computer Science
- University of Idaho — BSCS
Areas of Interest
I enjoy working and making things. Currently I am exploring:
