David Beeler

Talented engineer and programmer passionate about solving problems, documentation and procedures, visualization, learning, and supporting my team.

Programming and Development Skills: Python, PHP, Unreal Engine, Unity, MATLAB, Visual Basic (VBA), HTML, CSS, JavaScript (and exposure to others)

Engineering Technologies / Methods: laser processing (nano, pico, and continuous-wave lasers), research in coating removal and additive manufacturing, robotics, metallography (prep and analysis)

Emerging Technologies Specialist

University of Dayton Libraries – Dayton, OH April 2022 – Present

• Led migration of legacy Microsoft Access databases to MariaDB (SQL), designing scalable schemas, and development of complex queries to provide multifaceted searchability. Developed custom web interfaces that incorporated DataTables and on-demand PDF generation.

  The Flyer

  News and Campus Report Index website is one such project.

• Built automated reporting pipelines using shell scripts (for workstation statistics), SQL, REST APIs, Apps Script, and Looker Studio, reducing manual data collection and repeat analysis. As an early project, this information was used to generate a workstation utilization heatmap using Python.
• Enhanced and streamlined our analytics stack with custom events in Google Tag Manager to understand how patrons use our exhibit displays and web projects.
• Supported faculty and staff by developing VBA, Apps Script, and web tools to automate tasks, visualize room availability, track equipment reservations, and create and track QR codes.
• Expanded our internal and external documentation for technologies throughout the library as well as workflow and SOP documentation.
• Increased patron engagement by designing and developing interactive displays (iPad and touchscreen TV) to convey information in a more visually appealing manner through the use of video editing and realistic rendering in Blender. 
• Promoted best practices for version control, linting, and software development life cycle.

Project Manager / Senior Software Developer

STI Technologies, Inc. – Dayton, OH April 2019 – January 2021

• Developed an internal tool and documentation for government-funded contracts, including a custom VBA-based Excel interface for financial report deliverables, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Led project planning, organized meetings, and tracked the progress of software development and marketing efforts for the Air Force Tech Connect program.
• Researched and authored Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals, demonstrating strong technical writing and critical thinking abilities.
• Served as the primary liaison between subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and project alignment.

Independent Contractor

Dayton, OH December 2017 – April 2019

• Automated lead intake and metrics reporting by integrating Excel, VBA, Zapier, and Salesforce.
• Improved efficiency of web store migration by developing Python scripts to transform large datasets.
• Debugged and troubleshot client WordPress websites, resolving issues with custom PHP and JavaScript code and third-party library integrations.

Software Developer

Mile Two LLC – Dayton, OH October 2016 – December 2017

• Designed and developed a marketing iPad application for Air Force Research Lab using the Unity game engine and incorporating 3D models of building exteriors and 360° images of lab interiors.
• Developed an iOS application for rudimentary concussion assessment by tracking pupil motion as the user followed a stimulus on screen.
• Hands-on engagement with clients throughout the development process from initial requirement gathering to final solution delivery, based on iterative, agile development.

Quality Engineer

Cincinnati Sub-Zero – Cincinnati, OH January 2014 – July 2014

Short-term role preceding an entrepreneurial venture focused on process improvement and automation that was ultimately not commercially successful.

• Developed a VBA macro to assist in qualitative data analysis by querying an MS Access inspection database and automatically generating Excel charts as part of our monthly quality trending analysis. This empowered quality engineers to focus on the analysis instead of the manual data collection process.
• Participated in Certified Quality Engineer courses (I left the role before taking the exam) and an internal assessment of our Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) workflow. As a member of the CAPA improvement team, I also designed an Excel dashboard to display our KPIs.
• As a member of the equipment team, I created, revised, and reviewed quality system documentation, engineering drawings, and first articles.

Research Scientist (2011 – 2014)

Laser Applications Engineer (2008 – 2010)

Mound Laser and Photonics Center, Inc. (now Resonetics) – Dayton, OH October 2008 – January 2014

• As a principal investigator, I managed efforts through progress and budgetary reporting, program reviews, presentations, and laboratory experimentation. My primary focus was on two projects:
  • AF093-120 – Innovative Methods for Automated Controlled Removal of Thermal Barrier Coatings:
    • Integration of FANUC manipulator arm, Spectra-Physics laser, and Dalsa BOA inspection camera to automate the spallation (removal) of ceramic coatings from metal substrates.
    • Master’s Thesis – Determination of Mechanism: literature review, data collection, high-speed video, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, numerical analysis, and thermal modeling.
  • AF121-130 – Computational Process Model Development for Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM):
    • Primary contributor on Phase I and Phase II proposals in conjunction with our subcontractor.
    • Topic: Predictive modeling for additive manufacturing of titanium and cobalt-chrome alloys with in-situ experimentation utilizing an internally designed additive manufacturing process cell.
    • Designed two additive manufacturing development cell iterations using SolidWorks.
• As an applications engineer, I:
  • Performed feasibility studies for commercial clients and developed production processes for select projects.
  • Improved processing efficiency through fixturing and software to visualize inspection results.
  • Ensured regular maintenance schedules were followed and maintained/replaced components.
  • Doubled the throughput of micromachined parts and reduced the scrap rate from 10% to <1%. 
  • Used MS Excel macros and formulas for data manipulation, quality analysis, and task automation.
  • Training: FANUC robotics, SolidWorks FEA and CFD simulation, and OGP SmartScope inspection.

Master of Science in Materials Science & Engineering, Wright State University, 2013

Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering, Wright State University, 2009