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Nick Shields

Computer Engineering - University of Waterloo

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About Me

Hi, I'm Nick Shields. I'm a Computer Engineering Student at the University of Waterloo. I'm particularly interested in high performance and high availability computing, as well as building, administrating and managing cloud-based applications. I also love automating everything that I can, as it allows me to better utilize my time. In my spare time, I explore different ways to connect various devices in my apartment to the internet. You can explore that further by taking a look at my projects below :)

Experience

Apple

Software Engineering Intern

    Contributed to Python test automation frameworks that automated TCP/IP stack testing on various Apple proprietary hardware targets.
    Defined and implemented Jenkins jobs using declarative pipelines to aid in Continuous Integration efforts.
    Built a hardware test lab relied on by various teams and automated MacOS/Linux host provisioning using ansible and bash scripting.
    Improved upon existing network test coverage through contributing well defined and thought out test cases.
    Conducted weekly Jira bug scrubs that improved overall team alignment and focus.

Ford

DevOps Intern

    Constructed an automation platform in Python that allowed for automated testing on Ford hardware.
    Updated internal Python device drivers and automation frameworks to provide compatibility with Ford’s latest hardware.
    Debugged hardware failures, worked closely with various Software Development Teams and developed software patches.

Oracle

DevOps Intern

    Worked on several infrastructure balancing projects that improved fault tolerance in the cloud.
    Assisted in the development of a Slackbot written in Node.js that answered developer questions and gave metrics on cloud infrastructure.
    Created and maintained Teamcity projects which automated various tasks, helping to improve overall development efficiency.
    Developed and improved upon existing monitoring infrastructure by leveraging Ruby, Chef and Sensu.
    Contributed to an in-house Sinatra web-application that served as a resource for enhancing self sufficiency in the organization.

Evertz Microsystems

Student Project Engineer

    Configured and maintained Media Asset Management and automation systems for broadcasting companies such as NBC and Globecast.
    Corrected database discrepancies by implementing JavaScript and Python scripts, utilizing in-house software APIs
    Commissioned proprietary software for NBC by remotely configuring Linux server environments with Evertz Software.

Evertz Microsystems

Student Design Engineer

    Developed device drivers used to interface between Evertz software and physical devices for AV applications using Python and Twisted.
    Practiced proper testing procedures and became familiar with development and team tracking software (Jira, Stash, Confluence, Git, Jenkins).
    Effectively used Linux and shell scripting to improve efficiency throughout various development tasks.

Education

University of Waterloo

Sept 2015 - Present

Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering

Courses that I've taken that you may find relevant: Embedded Microprocessor Systems, Operating Systems, Algorithms and Data Structures(C++), Engineering Design with Embedded Systems(Java, Android), Digital Computers

Projects

HomeDash.info

    Developed a Dockerized Rails application that provides metrics and the status of the various devices found in my apartment.
    The application interfaces with various devices, including a wireless router, phillips-hue smart lights, Arduino(via Serial Port), Television and TV Receiver, providing the status of the devices and available interactions.
    Created python scripts managed using cron that periodically provide metrics on internet connection speed.

View Project Demo

NodeRemote.me

    Utilized an Arduino configured with an IR LED and receiver to effectively send and capture IR commands to and from IR compatible devices.
    Deployed a Node.js application onto a Raspberry Pi and developed a simple web remote design using HTML, CSS, Bootstrap and jQuery.
    Interfaced the Pi with the Arduino via Serial to effectively use the node application to send IR commands to the configured devices.

View Project Demo

Automated Gardener

    Interfaced an ESP8266 Wifi module with several moisture sensors and relays to create an automated irrigation solution.
    Built a REST API to provide remote functionality and leveraged the DarkSky API to make informed decisions on when to irrigate
    This is my current ongoing project

Skills

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