Drexel University 08/2011 - Present Philadelphia, PA United States Hours per week: 2 Adjunct

Developed a Systems Engineering graduate level class for Drexel, currently Chair of the course. Moved course to Drexel online learning platform. When requested, provide presentations and information relative to systems engineering activities at Drexel.

L-3 Communications 04/2000 - 03/2012 1 Federal Street Camden, NJ United States Hours per week: 40 Lead Member Engineering Staff Supervisor: Contact Personnel (856-338-3000) Systems lead, test lead, test director for multiple certified products. Wrote test plans, procedures, reports, coordinated teams, protected and led formal processes especially requirements changes and defect findings in highly stressed situations.

Authored system, segment, hardware, software specifications using MIL-STD-490, 2167A, and formats I have defined. Performed planning and analysis and authored documents such as System Engineering Management Plans (SEMP), Test Plans, Test Procedures, Architecture Study Documents, Fail Safe Design Analysis Documents (FSDA) with detailed Fault Tree Analysis using tools like Relex, Theory of Device Operations (TDO), Theory of equipment Operations (TEO), manuals, training material. Performed planning using informal methods and Earned Value Management System (EVMS), led small development teams formally and informally, and technically contributed to projects and products from initial system concept to final formal test and functional and physical configuration audit.

Developed process, methods, and built tools to prove (verify) requirements in highly secure devices targeted for certification by NSA. It is based on System Requirements Database (SRDB) implemented in tools like DOORS, traditional specification trees, and a custom Web Server / PERL based tool (I developed) that ties front end engineering to back end test products (this is the unique part). Full traceability to lines of code was achieved and proven on several NSA certified programs (have become product lines with ongoing certifications). Requirements range from 1,000 to 5,000+ requirements. Supported ASIC cryptographic engine development. ASIC certified by NSA using the above process, methods, and tools. ASIC used automated script based testing and other techniques.

Supported cryptographic development. Devices are a combination of FPGA, Flash, and processors like ARM. They are also certified by NSA using the above process, methods, and tools. The cryptographic devices support Ipv4, Ipv6, Voice Telephony, and Digital POTS (Plain old telephone system).

Created Security Systems Engineering process descriptions based on this work (received formal CMMI training, which was a refresher of work performed in early 80's at Hughes for FAA AAS program). Providing senior level guidance to new staff members (mentor, communicating processes, methods, practices, and culture).

University Activities while at L-3:

1. For 3 years I was advising senior systems engineering students at University of Pennsylvania.

2. I am currently an Adjunct professor at Drexel University and Course Chair for a graduate level systems engineering course I developed. Note: I have been placed on layoff notice at L-3 March 12, 2012.

University of Pennsylvania 08/2008 - 06/2011 Philadelphia, PA United States Hours per week: 2 Student Adviser

Advised undergraduate senior systems engineering projects. Sustainability is the focus and the projects have included alternative national power, alternative automobile fuels, health care, and sustainable villages. Coordinated 11 projects to-date with 40 students. One project won a cash award for the students and another was given honorable mention.

Stopped the activity to support Drexel request to develop course content.

2008 – 2009: 8 students

1. EESOM: Electrical Energy Sourcing Optimization Model, 4 students, started as a project to develop a sustainable power generation (won a cash award)
2. Sustainable Village in Ghana, 4 students, started as a project to build a sustainable city 

2009 – 2010: 15 students
3. Sustainable Health Care Model: Improving a Hospital’s Resource Allocation, 4 students, started as a project to develop a sustainable health care system
4. EMRfindr - Planning Tool for Electronic Medical Record Adoption, 3 students, started as a project to develop a sustainable health care system 
5. System4Life a web portal to encourage healthy eating, 2 students, started a project to develop as a sustainable health care system (won an award) 
6. Automotive Fuel Sustainability, 4 students, started as a project to develop alternative personal transportation system 

2010 – 2011: 19 students

7. GREENGINEERING a tool used to model urban wind power approaches, 4 students, started as a project to develop an urban wind power system 
8. PENN Cap And Trade, a system for encouraging carbon trading within University or Pennsylvania, 4 students, supported students and external advisor at their request 
9. StreetSolutions a web portal to encourage a clean healthy community, 4 students, started as a project to monitor Gulf Oil wells for potential leaks
10. Sustainable Rainforest Solutions, 4 students, supported students and external advisor at their request
11. Wind’s Up! A model for an ocean wind based power system off the coast of New Jersey, 3 students 

MITRE 07/1999 - 04/2000 7515 Colshire Drive

Mclean, VA 22102 United States Hours per week: 40 Member of The Technical Staff Supervisor: Contact Personnel (703-883-6000)

Supported FAA URET and NEXCOM programs. Developed Web / PERL based tool to mine / reduce DART log data from URET and log files from NEXCOM.

L-3 Communications 10/1995 - 07/1999 1 Federal Street

Camden, NJ 08103 United States Hours per week: 40 Lead Member Engineering Staff Supervisor: Contact Personnel (856-338-3000)

System Engineer supported a cryptographic key generation and distribution program (Tier 1). Performed Structured System Analysis (SSA) and transitioned to (Object Oriented Design) OOD on Tier 1 program. Maintained System Requirements Database (SRDB) in a tool (called RDD, a UNIX tool similar to DOORS). Authored various operational concepts and created requirements. Established and performed testing of the Key Generator a Tier 1 subsystem. Learned much about cryptographic systems, secure systems, and key management while providing senior process direction and executing the processes. Realized similarities to ATC in terms of fault tolerance and safety.

Nielsen Media Research 09/1994 - 08/1995 Dunedin, FL United States Hours per week: 40 Consultant

Supervisor: Contact Personnel (000-000-0000) Supported the development of next generation TV monitoring equipment based on digital signal processing techniques. Identified, defined, and developed audio signature feature extraction algorithms and matching algorithms that correlate audio signatures from multiple audio sources in real time and batch modes. Implemented and tested these algorithms using C and C++ in a real time prototype system based on multiple networked target system PC's, analog to digital converter, and sound blaster boards. Identified various performance metrics and performed sensitivity testing. Implemented real time LAN communications mechanism transferring signatures to central correlation computer. Attended seminars / classes on TI signal processors and tools, Internet, and threads programming. Prepared patent application. Worked with Internet and investigated various commercial subscription databases to support patent searching and other information needs. Investigated Internet video conferencing.

Contraves (now L-3 Communications) 10/1991 - 04/1994 Tampa, FL United States

Hours per week: 40

Senior Systems Engineer Supervisor: Contact Personnel (412-967-7700) Company Location Closed - Pittsburg was Main Location:

L-3 Brashear 615 Epsilon Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

(412) 967-7700 Contraves Inc 615 Epsilon Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

(412) 967-7016 Contraves Simulation Systems Inc 5902 Breckenridge Pkwy Tampa, FL 33610

Developed various Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Air Weapons Control Training system architectures. Some of the systems replaced traditional man in the loop positions (pseudo pilots) with voice recognition and synthesis. Identified strengths and weaknesses of the product line and developed an evolving road map for future product development which was successfully applied and lead to client server product line solutions for the Army (Tower Trainer), Navy (ASR / PAR Trainer), and Air Force (Simulated TAOC-85 Air Weapons Control Trainer). Moved existing product line from a closed to a more “open” architecture based on TCP/IP, X-Windows, and MOTIF. The Tower trainer was based on Silicon Graphics for the image generation. Performed requirements analysis, concept development, white paper submissions to Navy and FAA, timing and sizing analysis including empirical data collection, prototype development using X-Windows, contract monitoring, and vendor evaluations. Introduced rapid prototyping concepts and successfully applied to programs. Introduced incremental development with string testing and applied to Air Force program. Wrote specifications, manuals, product descriptions, test plans and test procedures. Provided training class on voice recognition based ATC trainer. Supported winning of Air Force Proposal with key proposal input and development of 6 man demonstration of proposed solution at customer site using 6 workstations. Wrote, priced, and supported several in and out of country proposals. Developed cost and schedule estimates for various proposals, internal research and development (IRAD), and project products.

E-Systems (now Raytheon) 01/1987 - 08/1991 1501 72nd Street North

Saint Petersburg, FL 33710 United States Hours per week: 40 Senior Principal Engineer Supervisor: Contact Personnel (727-302-2000)

Project Engineer developed several proposed UNIX client server air defense system solutions using in/out country team of 3-6 people. System(s) based on RISC workstations (DEC 3100, DEC 5000 and SUN SPARC 2), UNIX, and Prototyping tools (Intermaphics and products from Paradigm). Developed communication architecture approach supporting many diverse protocols for these air defense systems (VME based). Extensive marketing support, in/out of country travel pursuing various programs. Published since 1988. Developed and presented to ATC community new digital communications concept that addressed evolving operational requirement for air ground data link services, integrated avionics, and new ground networks; Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN). Paper published at 1989 ATCA convention. White papers submitted to FAA. Its being build now. Supported pursuit of Navy Key Distribution System (NKDS).

Hughes Aircraft (now Raytheon) 12/1981 - 12/1986 Fullerton, CA 92633 United States

Hours per week: 40 Senior Systems Engineer Level 5 Studied the FAA Brown Book, NAS MD series, studies from IBM, MITRE, OTA, etc and briefed senior management on the FAA programs. Supported the FAA Advanced Automation System (AAS) program, studied existing Enroute and TRACON architectures and also briefed senior management. Developed Hughes AAS architecture where I suggested allocating the tracking functions to the common console level. This architecture came from my FAATC (NAFEC) work on the Sanders consoles with their embedded PDP-11 computers and the RADAR data recorder which recorded RADAR data based on range azimuth settings. This allocation was driven by the goal of achieving six 9's availability - I allocated to the lowest common denominator (the console) and filtered the incoming RADAR data into each console using logic like in the RADAR Data Recorder.

Authored system, segment, hardware and, software specifications using MIL-STD-490, 2167A and, formats that I have defined. Performed analysis and authored documents such as Architecture Study Documents, white papers, statements of work (SOW) for subcontractors.

Was introduced to systems engineering of very large systems. Executed many different systems engineering practices while supporting air defense and air traffic control work at Hughes.

Became somewhat of a process and tool specialist, especially as related to systems and software engineering. I have called myself a systems engineer and occasionally an architect since that time. Became very familiar with the computer processing functions of air traffic control and air defense. Studied and developed appreciation for algorithms that convert a range azimuth return to a track symbol with data blocks on the display (slant range correction, coordinate conversion, correlation, tracking). This includes track position errors from RADAR to time in storage, track establishment and track loss conditions. Studied flight data processing and its role in providing flight plan aided tracking. Studied conflict alert and minimum safe altitude warning system (MSAW) and developed appreciation for minimizing false alarms while still offering an effective aid. Studied the common console and the role of display resolution, size, color and functions like display filtering on a controllers ability to process the information and their fatigue. Studied Automated En Route ATC (AERA) and developed an appreciation for automation impacts and the need to build machines that do not make mistakes. I have taken these and other themes with me as I have supported other projects and programs.

FAA Technical Center (NAFEC) 06/1979 - 12/1981

Atlantic City, NJ 08405 United States

Hours per week: 40

Series: 0855 Pay Plan: GS Grade: 11 Electronics Engineer GS-855 (This is a federal job)

Supported the development of an interface for new on the fly text generators for the pseudo pilot subsystem. It interfaced the text generators to mini computers and the text generators interfaced with the pilot CRT keyboard terminals in the pilot lab.

Supported the upgrade of the ATCSF, which I think became the TGF / RDCC a human factors lab at the FAATC. This included the development of the Sanders ATC color consoles and the introduction of the SEL computers. Monitored Sanders contract with periodic visits and provided assessment to my section head.

Prior to this worked as co-op at various times initially on the Radar Data Recorder (Interfaced to Common Digitizer to record target data on range azimuth basis) and Discrete Address Beacon System (DABS) now Mode-s.

Education: Drexel University Philadelphia, PA United States Bachelor's Degree 06/1979

Major: Electrical Engineering

Job Related 1980: I have some VFR flight time which included 2 cross-countries. I was also placed Training: under a hood for instrument and flew via instruments.

1996: (1) TCP/IP Networking 11/95, (2) UNIX and Open Systems 12/95, (3) Fundamentals of GPS 1/96, (4) Client/Server Technology 2/96, (5) CORBA as Object Middleware 3/96, (6) Cryptography, Security, and Privacy for Networks and Distributed Systems 4/96. (7) ISDN Technology and Applications 7/96. 

1997: (1) Symmetric Replication Overview. (2) Methodologies of Object Oriented Analysis and Design. (3) Introduction To Java. (4) An Introduction to C++ for C Programmers. (4) Structured Information and Object Oriented Software Engineering. (5) RF Circuit Fundamentals I.

1998: (1) Proctor for Introduction to Telecommunications, Baker. (2) Previewed Code Inspection: Building Quality Software. (3) Previewed Introduction To Cryptography. (4) Microwave Transmission Lines and their Physical Realizations. (5) RF/MW Transistor Amplifier Design. (6) Oscillator Design Principals. (7) Principals of telecommunications. (8) Introduction to Signals and Switching. (9) Telecommunications Transmission Systems (2/5 complete). (10) Videoconferencing. (11) Data Communications Transmission and Switching. 2004: Effective Team Leadership

2011: Blackboard vista, Camtasia

Affiliations:

International Council On Systems Systems Engineering (INCOSE) - Past President, active board member

Professional Books:

1. Walter Sobkiw, Sustainable Development Possible with Creative System Engineering, June 2008, ISBN 978-0615216300

2. Walter Sobkiw, Systems Practices as Common Sense, June 2011, ISBN 978-0983253082

Publications as Author or Co-Author since 1988: 

Topics include Ada, System Engineering, Air Ground Data Link / GPS, Rapid Prototyping, and Simulation.

1. Sobkiw, W. "Systems Practices for Sustainability." The 21st Annual INCOSE International Symposium, Jun 2011. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

2. Sobkiw, W. "Automated Specification Analysis." The International Council on Systems Engineering Region V Spring 09 Conference, April 2009. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

3. Sobkiw, W; Chen, TL. "Design For Fault Tolerance And Performance In A DOD-STD-2167 Ada Project." Proceedings of The Sixth National Conference On Ada Technology March 14-18, 1988. (Mar 1998). Peer-Reviewed (Published).

4. Sobkiw, W. "Approaches To Air Traffic Control/Air Defense Workstation Simulation And Training." Thirteenth Interservice / Industry Training Systems Conference (ITSC) Fall 1991. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

5. Sobkiw, W. "Prototyping Air Surveillance Displays (Three Prototyping Display Activities)." 36th Annual Air Traffic Control Association Conference Proceedings Sepetmber 29 - October 3, 1991. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

6. Sobkiw, W. "The Potential Use Of Over­The­Horizon (OTH) Sensors For Oceanic Air Traffic Control." 35th Annual Air Traffic Control Association Conference Proceedings Sepetmber 16-20, 1990. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

7. Sobkiw,W; Payne,P,R. "Integration Of Air Ground Data Links." 40th IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference May 6-9, 1990. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

8. Sobkiw, W; Chen, T,L. "Binding As A Mechanism To Support Reusability In A Distributed Ada Communications System." Proceedings of the Sixth Washington Ada Symposium June 26 ­ 29, 1989. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

9. Sobkiw, W; Chen, T,L. "Reusable Subsystems From A High Performance Ada Communication System." Proceedings of The Seventh Annual National Conference On Ada Technology March 13-16 1989. Peer-Reviewed (Published).

10. Sobkiw,W; Payne,P,R. "Integration Of Air Ground Data Links." 34th Annual Air Traffic Control Association Conference Proceedings ATCA October 30 ­ November 2, 1989. Peer-Reviewed (Published). 

Additional Information:

Clearance: DOD Top Secret – Active

Website: 

Maintain website (www.cassbeth.com) and small entity (CassBeth) to house professional interests including selling personally developed software. Software is a specification analysis tool that uses PERL, Apache, and a browser. Can be shutdown if needed as condition for employment.

Awards:

1. Outstanding Performance, FAA, 79-80 
2. Quality Performance, FAA, 79-80 
3. Presidents Award (L-3 Camden) 2001, various cash awards for project performance

Patent: Fire Fighter Training United States Patent 5518402

Misc:

1. Developed and provided training class at L-3 Camden on building effective Web sites. 
2. Presented at INCOSE local chapter - Various Topics 
3. Active with INCOSE for several years, President 2011, currently board member.