Jon Simonin - Engineer in the Making

What am I currently working on?

Currently I am working at The Hartford as a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET). Prior, I worked there as an intern in the same role. Throughout the summer I updated a legacy framework consisting of over 400 scripts and test cases; running each test case and diagnosing causes for failures and fixing them appropriately. I performed this using Eclipse (Java) with Selenium. Moreover, I practiced BDD with Gherkin, Cucumber, and Selenium with Eclipse to convert a legacy framework to an improved and updated BDD format. I successfully created modular Gherkin lines that spanned across several feature files; drastically saving development time and code amount. Currently I am still working at The Hartford as a full-time SDET. I am in the process of converting older frameworks to BDD format, while also finding ways to improve the department through a streamlined workflow to increase efficiency. Modularity and quality is quintessential for everything I do, something I always keep in mind while coding.

As a current side project, I have been working on a complete remake of my "map-app" I made for Sgt. Pepperoni. In the app, it will have functionality for campus and apartment navigation with re-drawn graphics to be released on the Google Play Store. Furthermore, I am enrolled in a game development course for RPGs (when I have time to dedicate towards it).

What am I up to?

As of summer 2019, I finished my studies at schoolwith two summer courses to recieve my degree. I am working full-time at The Hartford while still working part-time at The Beamer (which you can read more about below), and also pursuing some interests of my own. Recently, I just purchased a new car (CX-5 Signature) that I am picking up from the dealer soon and went on two vacations prior to starting full-time. I am currently dating my "college sweetheart" who you can check out here. Ironically, we have the same degree!

What do I do in college?

Essentially, I worked, I studied, I slept. From 2015-2019 I've been deeply involved with teaching myself and working. Back then, I worked for a few companies. In summer 2018 I interned for ISO New England as an OPTI Engineering Intern increasing efficiency throughout the company. At ISO New England I created tools for automation and overhauling existing tools to expand their functionality and usability. Moreover, I've been maintaining and adding to a database I created at Carling Technologies. I also interned for Carling Technologies developing extensive databases. Most recently I began a new database project that will completely overhaul tool management, part number creation, and process documentation. Moreover, I worked for The Beamer LLC creating AI or implementing gameplay aspects, and have been from 2017 to now. During the school year I also worked for Sgt. Pepperoni delivering pizza to college drunks or study buddies until 3AM every Friday and Saturday, every weekend. Note that at any one time, I'm working at least two of these jobs. My life consists of the following: sleep → work/school → work/homework → eating → sleep.

In my senior year of college I had a senior design project where I worked for RFS Meriden performing predictive maintenance on their manufacturing lines through machine learning. With the use of Python, Power BI, and MYSQL, we accurately predicted downtime 7/7 times for the duration of the project. You can check out the poster we had for the project here. Moreover, we won second place for Senior Design in CSE. If you would like to check out the senior design booklet, click here. If you would like to check out the winners, click here.