Ben Brand-Cotti

Profile
Dedicated, Multi-Faceted Wireless Telecommunications Engineer

Widely experienced problem-solver, with a background in Product Engineering; Test, De-Bug and Development; and Technical Sales Support for a leading global, fixed wireless access hardware manufacturer/vendor.
An accountable, detail-orientated employee with proven team-management experience, with varied experience across a wide range of fields. Establishes firm working relationships and adapts readily to challenging situations. A clear communicator, equally at ease whether explaining complex technical issues to a colleague or to a less technical customer. A committed employee with an Army background ensuring flexibility: effective whether working autonomously; leading a team; or as a team member; or training colleagues. With excellent written skills and an analytical mind, has created training manuals of own roles for colleagues, as well as written support documentation for products. Results-driven, committed and always follows through.
A self-motivated individual who believes in continuous learning (eg currently studying for OU course towards BSc Technology) with ongoing excitement about technological advances.
Mature, well-travelled with a practical, hands-on approach. Able to maintain perspective even when pressurised, bred from encountering life-threatening situations.
A proactive contributor with an optimistic, ‘can do’ approach. Honest, trustworthy and loyal.

Objectives
• A Wireless Telecoms Engineer role that combines my current skills in testing, de-bug and customer service/presales support, along with the opportunity to advance beyond the roles held at CBNL (see Pg 2). To continue to expand my horizons and continue learning in a cutting edge, high-tech company with a strong, well-respected R&D team.
• To utilise my proven team-management skills moving into lower/middle management.

Ben Brand-Cotti’s Specialties:

Network architecture, IT Security, Linux, embedded systems, GSM, RF, digital radio, microwave systems. SDH, PDH, E1, OC3, PC architecture, test and debug environments, digital and RF test and debug, documentation. surface mount soldering.
Radio planning, 7 Layer ISO Model. fibre optic termination and splicing, Manufacturing test design, Technical documentation, ISO9001 implementation.

Ben Brand-Cotti’s Experience

Field Service Engineer

general dynamics uk limited

(Public Company; Defense & Space industry)

September 2009 — Present (3 months)

Self Employed fixed contract with General Dynamics UK. Supporting Field Upgrades and testing of Naval Telecoms systems.
Wireless Product Engineer

Cambridge Broadband Networks Limited

(Privately Held; Telecommunications industry)

February 2007 — January 2009 (2 years )

This Position was taken by internal promotion from manufacturing to engineering services.

Reporting to the head of engineering services, I'm now responsible for technically supporting all VectaStar products and software.

I am challenged daily by issues concerning embedded software, RF and everything in between.

I am additionally charged with giving 3rd line support to our manufacturing facilities worldwide.

In the past 6 years, I have developed a broad knowledge of VectaStar and am now building on that knowledge by working closely with the R&D team on various projects, including Cost Reduction and optimisation, as well as the introduction of our new 26&28GHz Ranges.
Senior Test and Debug Engineer

Cambridge Broadband Limited

(Privately Held; Telecommunications industry)

June 2006 — February 2007 (9 months)

I was Promoted into this position as a result of the company needing to start independent hardware manufacture.

Responsibilities were based around the day to day running of 2 production lines (manufacturing and testing digital microwave radio equipment). Tasked with providing training to all line staff, as well as debugging embedded systems to component level and carrying out surface mount soldering as required. liaising with the GM and logistics team to ensure deadlines were met in a timely manner. More recently responsible for the documentation detailing assembly instructions for our product range, leading on to test and debug guides for both colleagues and third party CEMs alike. All work is now procedure controlled to maintain ISO9001 certification. This role was challenging, but with 5+ years experience of this system, I often found myself taking on more external tasks.

Reason for leaving this position: Promoted to engineering services.
Manufacturing Rework and Debug Engineer

Cambridge Broadband Limited

(Privately Held; Telecommunications industry)

April 2005 — June 2006 (1 year 3 months)

Relied upon for knowledge of VectaStar and ancillary products.
Reworking and or modifying microwave radio equipment
Surface mount soldering.
Testing and debugging embedded Linux based hardware
Identifying and detailing any hardware problems and firmware/software bugs
Remained available for on-site customer support when required.
Rolled out the first 10.5GHz VectaStar equipment in Brussels (Aug 2005)
Visited BSNL in New Delhi to execute a large mixed 3.5GHz and 10.5GHz PMP multi service trial.
Network Support Engineer

Cambridge Broadband Limited

(Privately Held; Telecommunications industry)

December 2003 — June 2006 (2 years 7 months)

During this period I was working more closely with the software validation team whilst continuing duties with customer services and sales support
Reason for leaving this position - requirement for product knowledge in manufacturing department.
Network Support Engineer

Cambridge Broadband

(Privately Held; Telecommunications industry)

April 2001 — November 2003 (2 years 8 months)

1st Civilian position after leaving the Armed forces
On-site global customer support
Interfacing between customers and our own development and engineering teams.
Pre-sales and post-sales support
2nd and 3rd line technical support.
Global customer trials and demonstrations.
Mentored new team members.
Telecommunications Specialist

HM Forces

(Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Military industry)

September 1993 — March 2001 (7 years 7 months)

Basic and Trade Training (Royston/Catterick)
Served with 2 Signal Regiment (York) for 5 Years
Deployed to Croatia, The Falklands, Germany and Poland

Deployed to Northern Ireland (Joint Communications Unit)
Covert Ops Support.
Arranging site visits for covert camera maintenance and configuring a local Secure Radio Network in order to facilitate counter terrorist activity.

Ben Brand-Cotti’s Education

The Open University

BSc (Hons) , Technology , 2008 — 2010 (expected)

Distance learning modules

T175 Networked Living - Passed 73%
M150 Data, Computing and Information - Passed 83%
MST121 Using Mathematics - Current ends Sept 09

Certificate in Information, Technology and Computing
The University of Hull

Data Networks(TCP/IP), Mobile Telecommunications Engineering (GSM) 2000 — 2001

Military Funded BTEC Higher Awards in both Categories.
Passed both with distinction. 60 points each towards B Sc. Qualification.
Currently investigating available routes to an M Sc in Computer Science.
Boston College

GCSE , Enclish, Maths, Computer Studies, Biology , 1990 — 1991
William Llovell

GCSE , English, Maths, Biology, Physics, IT , 1985 — 1990