My Other Sites
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Code Samples
A breadth-first archive of past code samples in self-contained examples. Includes code written for the web, ARM microcontrollers, Blender 3D, BSD Unix, and many more platforms. -
Personal Site
My most up-to-date site. I keep several blogs there, as well as ongoing documentation on my current engineering projects (current project: Desktop CNC Mill).
Job Status
I am currently working for Garmin International as an avionics embedded software engineer, in Olathe, KS.
Introduction
Direct Links
Technical Literature
This is the professional web site of Zachary "Zac" Hester. I am a recent graduate of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in computer engineering. I began my academic career in electrical engineering. I was repeatedly singled-out as a superior student in my technical communications courses, and enjoy writing (both technical, and non-technical). I have even been paid as a freelance author and technical editor.
My core interest in engineering is systematic problem-solving. While my degree focuses on electronic design engineering, I am more than competent in analog/RF design, I am an expert-level software developer in a wide array of environments, and I greatly enjoy mechanical design as a hobby. I believe my strongest ability in engineering is the design and construction of tools that help people do their job better, faster, cheaper, and with less effort.
I am a firm believer in the value of a well-rounded individual. I bring my energy and passion to all aspects of my life. Compared to most new engineers, I am well-read, and I have a far stronger interest in literature, history, sociology, etymology, philology, and theoretical science. I am a self-taught student of musical theory, and play the guitar (classical and rythm).
I am a physically active person who enjoys just about anything a person can do outdoors. I have been technical rock climbing for 19 years. I have climbed several mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation. I have competed in two sprint-distance triathlons (swimming, cycling, running). I am a PADI-certified SCUBA diver. I hike, mountain bike, backpack, ski, ice climb, golf, disc golf, play racquetball, footbag, fly kites, and walk to work every day.
My most important role, however, is dad. Six years ago, I married a cute science teacher, and we have a two-year-old who has made me happier than I could have imagined. Our second child is due in December.