# Edwin Z. > Principal Software Engineer Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/edwinz I am a Software, Systems & Data Infrastructure Engineer with over a decade of experience solving a singular challenge: How do we make complex data systems reliable, scalable, and modern?My career has spanned high-stakes environments where "zero-failure" isn't a goal—it’s a requirement. From architecting high-integrity backend systems for global financial transactions to modernizing mission-critical manufacturing data pipelines for HAMR wafer production, I specialize in transforming legacy bottlenecks into streamlined, automated infrastructure.What I bring to the table:Modernization Specialist: I have a proven track record of migrating brittle, legacy environments (ASP/JavaScript) into robust, standalone Python solutions that drive production efficiency.Data Pipeline Architect: I build the "brains" behind the factory floor—engineering systems like the Spec DB to handle complex data disposition, test simulation, and real-time ingestion.Infrastructure; DevOps: I leverage Docker, and GitHub Actions to ensure that software isn't just "built," but is resilient, observable, and ready for mass-scale deployment.I am driven by the intersection of software engineering and physical production. Whether resolving critical issues or improving wafer pass rates by 76% through algorithmic optimization, I focus on delivering measurable engineering impact.Core Tech Stack: Python, C#, Java, MATLAB, SQL, DB2, SQL Server, Oracle, Docker, AWS, GitHub Actions, API Integration, and Test Automation. ## Work Experience ### Principal Software Engineer @ Western Digital Jan 2020 – Present | San Francisco Bay Area • Manufacturing Data Infrastructure (Python, DB2, ASP/JS) - Architected and Spearheaded the end-to-end migration of the Spec DB System, a mission-critical platform for wafer automation test simulation and execution. - Reconstructed core system logic via "black-box" reverse-engineering of client-side JavaScript, successfully decoupling logic from an inaccessible ASP server environment. - Engineered a Windows application that integrated directly with a remote DB2 production server, eliminating server-side bottlenecks and enhancing UI responsiveness. • Pipeline Optimization: Designed and deployed a 2D alignment algorithm in C#/.NET for optical testing, achieving a 76.5% increase in pass rates and a 90% reduction in linear loss in production. Performed test data analysis using Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Scipy, Seaborn to validate improvements. • System Integration & APIs: Facilitated real-time manufacturing data flow by integrating legacy systems (Visual C++, C#) with CAMSTAR (MES) via API, supporting end-to-end data ingestion for production operations. • Infrastructure Reliability: Owned full-stack (software/hardware) health monitoring for High Field and HAMR Probe Systems. Developed code simulations to reduce dependency on physical hardware during initial HAMR DOE tests, minimizing real-world test runs while addressing critical accuracy challenges. Implemented comprehensive logging that enabled identification and resolution of drift and mapping errors, ensuring continuous operational stability and test accuracy. Performed test data analysis using Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib to help to find the issues and validate improvements. • Automation & Analysis: Developed two suites of data processing programs in C# and Matlab for two kinds of testers. • Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborated with hardware and process teams to coordinate test software design for new wafer head developments, providing technical guidance on best practices for test execution. ### Sr. Software Engineer, QA Lead @ S&C Electric Company Jan 2013 – Jan 2020 • Automated Validation Infrastructure: Developed comprehensive test automation frameworks using Python, Java (TWIN/TestNG), and Sikuli, improving software validation efficiency by 80%. • Production Line Support: Provided on-site engineering support during the initial production ramp of TripSaver® II systems; resolved early-deployment software-hardware integration challenges in a live factory environment. • Industrial Tooling: Authored technical test plans and validated the Laser Etching System, ensuring precision standards for automated marking on the assembly line. ### Sr. Software QA Engineer, QA Lead @ Blackhawk Network Jan 2011 – Jan 2013 • Cloud Backend Validation: Conducted end-to-end API and backend testing within AWS environments using Java and SQL ensuring the reliability of high-volume financial transaction workflows. • Asynchronous Systems Management: Managed data integrity for a complex Settlement System involving real-time modules and scheduled batch processes. ### Consulting Data Analyst / Contract QA /Developer @ ADDS, Intuit(Homestead) Jan 2009 – Jan 2010 • Clinical Data Analysis & Programming. • Web Application Development and Testing. ### Sr. Software Engineer / Software Engineer @ Comverse Technology, Inc. Jan 2005 – Jan 2008 • Middleware Engineering: Implemented multi-tier billing middleware APIs using Java and Python, ensuring seamless cross-platform interoperability and high-integrity data movement. • Internal Tool Development: Developed custom automation tools for ClientSDK and EJBs using Java, XML, and SOAP, accelerating internal developer workflows and system-level API testing. ## Education ### Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science Carleton University ### Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Wuhan University of Technology ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/edwin-z-9292bb9 --- Source: https://flows.cv/edwinz JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/edwinz/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-12