Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Modeling as a Third Career.

Actually, that is as a computer modeling technician. What does that mean? You can use a computer to model the characteristics (physical, thermal, electrical, fluidics) of just about anything. And it is cheaper and faster than building and testing the real deal. So, that makes it possible to test, refine, and narrow down design possibilities before building physical models to test. It seems everything at HP is now "faster, lighter, cheaper". Well, not lighter, unless you are talking about head count. In the recent round of restructuring we just sweated through, most groups lost positions, while the computer simulation group gained positions, me being one of them. I hope that is a good sign.

If you consider my 20's in the Navy as my first career, lasting twelve years, and my 30's at HP in chemistry as a second career, lasting twelve years, then this will be my third career. Let's hope it last as long as the others. It is interesting to note that most of the job requirements for this new position were met by either hobby interests (linux, embedded electronics, and programming) or secondary (and voluntary) job experience (database management and web applications). I guess that just points out the need to keep learning at things you enjoy.

P.S. The image is the visualization of a computer model of a bat in flight. Geeky can be cool. I'm not sure if they had any modifications in mind or went on to test the real deal.

6 comments:

Eldon and Janeil Olsen said...

You're a good example of succeeding because you've kept on learning. We're happy that you have this new and interesting career. Good luck in it.

Imagitext said...

Being a dad to four girls counts right?

Ken said...

Being a dad to four girls sometimes seems like entertainment, and sometimes like punishment. Mostly I think it counts as "continuing education".

Sweet Polly Purebred said...

I always knew you were hot! ;)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! Sounds like a sweet gig. Any pointers on landing a job in Oregon? Do I need to put in seven more years here first? -Carl

velvetelement said...

Congrats Ken, that sounds like a fun and interesting job. Hey I read an article about shoes that allow you to feel like you are going barefoot with the protection you don't have going barefoot. Here is the website if you want to check it out...
www.vibramfivefingers.com
They look cool, kind of like those socks with the individual toes only with rubber on the bottom. Good luck with the job and working on strengthening your feet!