I am Ron DeSpain, a seasoned engineer and scientist transitioning to work-from-home opportunities due to mobility issues. I am seeking remote or hybrid roles focused on signal and image processing, NLP, and rapid algorithm prototyping using Matlab, ImageJ, C, or Java. I have extensive experience turning data into actionable knowledge and building AI/ML tools for real-world decision support. Over five decades, I have designed and implemented AI/ML, image analysis, 3D imaging, remote sensing, and GEOINT solutions across aerospace, medical imaging, and defense domains. I hold TS/SCI Poly clearance and have led data analytics, sensor fusion, and machine vision projects, delivering insights and robust software solutions for complex environments.

Ron DeSpain

I am Ron DeSpain, a seasoned engineer and scientist transitioning to work-from-home opportunities due to mobility issues. I am seeking remote or hybrid roles focused on signal and image processing, NLP, and rapid algorithm prototyping using Matlab, ImageJ, C, or Java. I have extensive experience turning data into actionable knowledge and building AI/ML tools for real-world decision support. Over five decades, I have designed and implemented AI/ML, image analysis, 3D imaging, remote sensing, and GEOINT solutions across aerospace, medical imaging, and defense domains. I hold TS/SCI Poly clearance and have led data analytics, sensor fusion, and machine vision projects, delivering insights and robust software solutions for complex environments.

Available to hire

I am Ron DeSpain, a seasoned engineer and scientist transitioning to work-from-home opportunities due to mobility issues. I am seeking remote or hybrid roles focused on signal and image processing, NLP, and rapid algorithm prototyping using Matlab, ImageJ, C, or Java. I have extensive experience turning data into actionable knowledge and building AI/ML tools for real-world decision support.

Over five decades, I have designed and implemented AI/ML, image analysis, 3D imaging, remote sensing, and GEOINT solutions across aerospace, medical imaging, and defense domains. I hold TS/SCI Poly clearance and have led data analytics, sensor fusion, and machine vision projects, delivering insights and robust software solutions for complex environments.

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Skills

Experience Level

Expert
Expert

Language

Kannada
Intermediate
Amharic
Advanced
Javanese
Advanced

Work Experience

ImageJ algorithm Developer
September 1, 2024 - Present
Self-employed/independent contractor focusing on image processing and signal processing algorithm prototyping using ImageJ; seeking remote/hybrid opportunities in Melbourne, FL.
Software Engineer at S2 Technologies
December 1, 2023 - September 1, 2024
Machine Learning model optimizer for database search; Audibility Geo-Mapper producing Google Earth overlays from aircraft data; development of advanced HPC analytical methods; MASINT data analysis.
SETA Technical Advisor at Castalia Technologies
December 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023
Fielded: Support and operation of fielded quantum RF hardware; high-frequency spectrometer applications; Nyquist zone2 signal detection; 3D spectrogram with AI target recognition; development of advanced AI/ML analytical methods; MASINT data analysis.
Scientist at L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems
July 1, 2021 - December 1, 2022
Heuristic time-domain analysis to locate targets from hand-held radios; development of AI analytics for images, text and signals; neuromorphic and reinforcement learning; transfer learning via TensorFlow and PyTorch.
AI/ML/IP/UI SME at Zel Technologies
July 1, 2018 - July 1, 2021
AI/ML application for novel record detection in large databases; 3D ocean wave visualization; FFT-based wave direction; AI/ML target recognition for objects on the ocean surface from satellite/flight imagery; data analytics, data mining, exploratory analysis, predictive analysis; development of tools to automate processes for the Critical Point program; Nuclear Proliferation Monitoring Algorithm Development for AFTC.
Application Development - Consultant at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
June 1, 2017 - July 1, 2018
97% accurate AI/ML disease identification from otoscope imagery; mapping disease trajectory; design and code decision-support tools for medical diagnostics including ML-based segmentation.
SME - Consultant at Kegman Inc.
December 1, 2014 - July 1, 2015
Subject matter expert in scientific data analysis and systems engineering; technical lead on weather prediction and visualization system bids.
Scientific Data Analyst - Consultant at Riverside Research Institute
November 1, 2012 - December 1, 2014
Subject matter expertise and guidance on remotely sensed data analysis; proposal technical lead for SIGINT bids.
Computer Application Developer at All Points Logistics
October 1, 2012 - November 1, 2012
Designed, coded, and presented web sites; integrated PC-based databases with Unix servers for collaborative use.
Scientist IV/Signals Analyst at BAE Systems
March 1, 2009 - September 1, 2011
Advanced data modeling and analysis for acoustic, optical, IR and RF devices; developed data ‘quick-look’ models; designed and deployed mission software and imaging algorithms; integrated mission data with hardware and mission stakeholders.
Systems Engineer -- Imagery Analysis at Harris Corporation
October 1, 2003 - March 1, 2009
Matlab and BASH algorithm development; image texture measures, shadow segmentation, elastic image registration, sensor fusion, hyperspectral change detection and material recognition; development of NITF/Geo formats processing and DPPDB image deployment; automatic target detection/recognition.
Consulting Scientist, Software Engineering & Data Analyst at Self-Employed (Drofware)
March 1, 2003 - September 1, 2003
Developed databases for local businesses; Visual Basic and VBA; contributed to software and data solutions.
Principal Systems Engineer at Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp
January 1, 2002 - March 1, 2003
GEOS/HES Phase B System design and optimization of spectral bands used in the spectrometer.
Engineering Manager at Raytheon Missile Systems
August 1, 1999 - February 1, 2002
Managed projects in data mining, defect reduction, DOI, SPC and simulation for missiles; RAM, EKV target detection, tracking and discrimination; developed imaging sensor algorithms and missions.
System Integrator at Northrop Grumman
April 1, 1997 - August 1, 1999
Concept-to-production development and integration of E/O automated test equipment, optics and laser design modifications; software algorithms for smart missile target detection/recognition; image processing tools.
Chief Engineer, Video Systems at Costar Company, LTD
November 1, 1995 - April 1, 1997
Video applications engineering; camera/optics selection and implementation of vision systems; system installations and technical support.
Engineering Manager R&D Project – Robotics, AI, NDT, Stealth, Video at McDonnell Douglas
July 1, 1984 - November 1, 1995
Led R&D projects in robotics, AI, nondestructive testing, stealth, and video; integrated machine vision lab and robotics for Space Shuttle input; built a nationwide study for Space Station projects; managed four Knowledge Engineers.
Laser System Product Manager at Compulaser, Inc.
July 1, 1980 - February 1, 1981
Designed ruby and YAG lasers, holocameras; managed production and testing of laser systems; supervised R&D lab.

Education

BS at University of Hawaii
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1971

Qualifications

ASNT Level III Certified In Non-Destructive Testing
January 11, 2030 - January 5, 2026
Machine Vision Engineer, SME Certification
January 11, 2030 - January 5, 2026
Six Sigma Black Belt
January 11, 2030 - January 5, 2026
Microsoft Application Developer Certification for .NET
January 11, 2030 - January 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Government, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Computers & Electronics, Media & Entertainment