Robert Richter

Systems Engineer | Systems & Controls Architect | Strategic Project Lead

Orlando, Florida, United States

About

Accomplished Senior Systems and Integration Engineer with a distinguished career spanning over a decade, specializing in the architecture, validation, and lifecycle management of high-complexity technical programs within the defense and industrial automation sectors. Proven expertise in orchestrating enterprise-scale software deployments, designing advanced automated validation frameworks, and ensuring mission-critical system readiness. Adept at navigating the technical intersection of hardware and software interfaces, with a robust command of the Universal Armament Interface (UAI) and LabVIEW-driven control architectures. Recognized for high-level technical governance, strategic risk mitigation, and a demonstrated ability to harmonize multidisciplinary engineering teams toward the achievement of rigorous operational objectives.

Experience

  • System Engineer at Lockheed Martin
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

    Systems Engineer 2023 – Present * Strategic Interface Governance: Exercise technical authority over the UAI and comprehensive mission planning systems, ensuring architectural alignment across enterprise software deployments. * Program Readiness: Orchestrated validation and automation strategies for multiple major program releases, guaranteeing 100% adherence to technical standards and delivery schedules. * Automation Framework Architecture: Designed and deployed the UAI TestComplete Automation framework; authored dynamic pathing code that reduced manual reporting overhead by 40% while ensuring strict requirement verification. * Stakeholder Engagement: Lead high-stakes technical demonstrations for Customer, Quality, and DCMA representatives to validate system readiness and architectural integrity. * Process Modernization: Streamlined daily operations and workflows, improving the efficiency and reliability of the UAI and UPC system interfaces through software updates and detailed environment setup documentation.

  • System Integration / Test Engineer at Lockheed Martin
    2021 - 2023 · 2 yrs

    * Testing Reliability: Maintained technical responsibility for Accelerated Environmental Stress Testing (ESS) on major components to ensure mission-critical reliability for airborne targeting systems. * Platform Modernization: Directed a high-priority migration of mechanical test station architectures to modern operating systems, significantly increasing deployment speed and system reliability. * Tool Development: Engineered custom automated validation tools using NI TestStand, LabVIEW, CVI, and MATLAB * Analytical Root Cause Investigation: Conducted deep-dive failure analysis into hardware/software interface issues, developing long-term corrective actions to minimize production downtime. * Technical Baseline Capture: Spearheaded the capture of electrical packages and configuration documentation, establishing a high-fidelity baseline for future system scalability.

  • Controls Engineer at Performance Designs
    Aug 2016 - Mar 2021 · 4 yrs 8 mos

    * End-to-End Project Execution: Managed the full project lifecycle for custom automation systems, from initial concept and architecture development to global deployment and validation. * Data Analytics & Reporting: Architected data-driven reporting platforms using SQL and LabVIEW, providing real-time system performance insights and reducing data processing latency by 75%. * Motion Control Engineering: Engineered sophisticated control solutions including Hydraulic Tensile Failure Testers and Automated Line Measuring Machines using Omron PMAC CNC controllers. * Operational Impact: Reduced manual manufacturing run times from 4 hours to 10 minutes through the implementation of automated assisted measuring systems. * Mechatronic Prototyping: Headed multidisciplinary teams to prototype and execute automated solutions integrating ZigBee wireless protocols, servo-driven actuators, and PID balancing logic.

  • Integration Engineer at CLX Engineering
    Jan 2016 - Jul 2016 · 7 mos

    * Infrastructure Systems Integration: Engineered electrical control systems and built UL-rated panels for complex theme park attractions and airport baggage handling systems (BHS). * Field Leadership: Directed field integration, wiring, and commissioning for major industrial installations, including water pump control stations for Universal Studios and motor protections for Orlando International Airport. * Design Documentation: Authored comprehensive electrical drawing packages using AutoCAD to support large-scale infrastructure projects.

  • Electrical Engineer at Kingspan Insulated Panels, UK & Ireland
    Jun 2014 - Dec 2015 · 1 yr 7 mos

    * Manufacturing Enhancement: Managed automation enhancements for industrial manufacturing lines, including Siemens Step 7 PLC programming for large-scale weather testing instrumentation. * Energy Governance: Championed a facility-wide energy plan by implementing Smart Energy Metering systems to monitor and optimize manufacturing power consumption. * Fiscal Oversight: Analyzed and tracked fiscal budgets for new system installations, modifications, and upgrades, ensuring cost-effective project delivery.