Nicholas Kellar

I am a versatile professional with 20+ years of success in multiple aspects of Software Engineering and Fiscal Analytics. With expertise in Technical Writing, Agile Methodologies, Functional Testing, Mobile Testing, User Acceptance Testing, API's, C++, and Java, I am proficient at reporting bugs and providing detailed explanations with graphics. I contribute effectively to high-performing project teams and independent work, ensuring product readiness.

Hands-on expertise supporting C++ and Java development environments, enterprise application modernization, debugging, testing, and cross-functional Agile delivery for large-scale federal technology programs.

Software Engineer at AIT – Applied Integrated Tech (2024-07 – 2026-03)

DOT-FAA Contract. The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for upgrading air traffic control safety management, as at times 50,000+ flights must be managed simultaneously within a limited airspace. Maintenance and enhancement of existing airports need to be managed. The evolution of technologies is scheduled to continue through NextGen Wrap-up to NSIP 2025. Budget cuts in 2025-2026, which unexpectedly continued, led to staff losses.

• Integration of Synthesia AI with existing PowerPoint for interactive upper-level presentations
• Support of the Chief Architect's assignments on the FAA cloud, starting to utilize LLM AI
• Introduction of agile methodology for more efficient utilization of ongoing tasks
• Enhanced the public user interface with Adobe tools and Java Development Kit
• Began implementation plan of the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS)

System Engineer at PPT Solutions, Inc (2023-01 – 2023-08)

FEMA Contract. New upgrading requirements had brought me on board with a DHS/FEMA API project, the Enterprise Data and Analytics Modernization Initiative (EDAMI). This project involves creating the FEMA Data Exchange (FEMADex), a modernized data analytics platform to replace the outdated Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW).

• FEMADex is a project to integrate visualization tools and reports to FEMA by 2027
• Knowledge transfer for fellow contractors using JIRA and Tableau is needed
• Weekly and monthly reporting provided to track workload of C++ on Linux
• Monitor development and Confluence records, verifying environment transition in User Test scenarios

System Consultant at REI Systems (2022-01 – 2022-05)

FDA SIRCE Contract. The Food and Drug Administration required assistance with quality assurance during the upgrade of current platforms. The first year included Regression Testing as Developers finalized release for beta testing. Four years of testing were scheduled after the first release, including 508 compliance. Staff redundancies led to job loss.

• Utilized JIRA for regression testing using ALM for the test cases management 2-week sprints
• Authored tests when provided with the story functionality in bi-weekly preparation meetings
• Data was verified in SQL queries and Power BI or Tableau for regular imports to the new platform(s)
• Reporting in ALM Quality Center via Technical Writing documentation for future reference

Systems Integration Specialist at EastBanc Technologies (2019-07 – 2020-12)

WMATA Contract. Assisted with iOS and Android Near Field Communication fare system for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). I also worked with weekly lab methods. iOS was released in Sept 2020. This platform includes physical hardware, smartphone applications, and a Java web portal. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced immediate demand and caused job loss.

• Managed issues using JIRA, TestRail, and Confluence with screenshots, videos, and step-by-step reproduction, including in-person demonstrations and guidance within the user interface design
• Conducted platform testing within active web pages that orchestrated the rendering of analysis tables and visualizations using functional Tableau tools
• Required SQL knowledge in an Oracle system for the SmarTrip Mobile Pay
• Executed simulated and automated testing on multiple devices using BrowserStack

Business System Analyst at Logi Analytics (2014-09 – 2018-12)

Designed and implemented tools and strategies for the Expert On Demand dashboard platform which utilizes Angular and Node.js with AI in backend data migration, marketed directly by Logi Analytics. Product creation involved Agile Methodology, including Scrum and Kanban processes, and daily standups, with 3-week sprints that required multitasking. JSON and ETL are used for dashboard visualizations via REST. After the platform went live, job was lost without warning.

• I tested and reported visual reports, dashboards, and KPI scorecards. Corresponding issues were documented in Postman, JIRA, TestRail, and Confluence, with screenshots, videos, step-by-step reproductions, in-person demonstrations, user interface feedback, and technical writing guidance
• Authored and conducted platform testing within active web pages that orchestrated the rendering of analysis tables and visualizations, including simultaneous interactions with multiple databases
• Prepared systems in SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Redshift, Vertica, AWS, and Snowflake. Conducting post-release / post-implementation testing
• Utilized knowledge of SQL, Spawner, HP ALM, REST API, and SDLC to excel at BA of Application Services and secondary tester of Data Services

Business Software Quality Assurance at Computer Sciences Corporation (2005-02 – 2014-09)

Within Financial Analysis Requirements and Reporting (FARR), tested multiple platforms for asset management and existing technologies, including Sunflower Asset Management and IBM Cognos BI. Provided Agile QA support on multiple IT initiatives, using interactive video, conferencing, internet, and onsite support to identify and resolve issues found in User Acceptance Testing.

• Performed testing on Sunflower Systems integration, asset systems, ensuring accurate configuration of tracking tools, including web database interface and hand-held scanner tool
• Worked on IBM Cognos BI ReportNet while migrating legacy system and reports, reporting bugs were discovered using detailed explanations and graphics in technical writing. FARR introduced me to dashboards, like Tableau
• Served on the QA team, in UAT and Agile methodologies while Subcontractor Tracking and Electronic Payment System designed roles in client interface to Deltek Costpoint database

Systems Analyst at Computer Sciences Corporation (2003-08 – 2005-02)

Quality assurance for domestic and international applications, conducting regression and functional testing to maintain portal stability from legacy Plumtree to WebSphere upgrade, while maintaining functionality. Prepared detailed documents of product testing, including scripts and bugs. Trained employees to operate and maintain CSC Portal by providing technical writing.

• Earned achievement awards (CSC Special Recognition Award, CSC Award of Excellence)
• Primary tester during Plumtree migration to WebSphere while verifying custom SiteMinder security
• International mediator with parties across multiple countries, including Italy, Germany, and India

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science & Engineering – University of Toledo