Software Engineer
June 2024 - Present
Building software and embedded tools for a fabrication environment where dependable data collection, equipment visibility, and fast diagnostics matter.
Software engineer for embedded systems and automation
Phelan Hobbs builds reliable tools where code meets hardware.
Graduate-trained computer engineer with hands-on experience creating diagnostics, backup automation, IoT monitoring, custom PCBs, and FPGA systems for research and fabrication environments.
Current role
Software Engineer, University of Utah Nanofab
Focus
Automation, diagnostics, embedded monitoring, research data systems
Education
MS and BS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah
Recent impact
Engineering work that reduces manual effort and speeds up decisions.
Log verification
Built diagnostic tooling that accelerates issue resolution by making log-file verification fast and repeatable.
Research data flow
Developed backup, retrieval, and PowerShell extraction workflows for critical fabrication and research data.
Cleanroom instrumentation
Integrated legacy equipment with custom PCBs and Raspberry Pi Pico controllers for remote health monitoring and data logging.
Selected projects
Proof across embedded communication and digital systems.
Built a public suite of Python tools for Nanofab workflows, including ALD pressure peak analysis, Denton DAT conversion and graphing, precious-metal usage reporting, parylene log review, particle sensor utilities, and Pico helper scripts.
PythonEngineered portable LoRa communication devices using Raspberry Pi Zero hardware, Blackberry keyboard input, LCD display management, persistent messages, adjustable brightness, usernames, font sizing, and power-conscious behavior.
LoRaDesigned a complete 16-bit FPGA computer in Verilog, including an ALU, custom ISA, registers, memory, I/O, NES controller input, VGA output, and a playable DoodleJump implementation.
FPGAProgrammed an STM32-based instrument that parses UART song instructions, maps notes to timing, drives two stepper motors through A4988 drivers, and uses DAC/LED output for visible debugging.
Embedded CTechnical range
Comfortable across software, firmware, tooling, and lab hardware.
Languages
Python, C, C++, Java, C#, Verilog, MIPS assembly, MATLAB, PowerShell
Systems
Windows, macOS, Linux, embedded controllers, FPGA development, data automation
Tools
VS Code, Visual Studio, Eclipse, ModelSim, Vim, Neovim, Intel Quartus Prime
Hardware and CAD
Autodesk EAGLE, Cadence EDA tools, custom PCBs, LoRa radios, Raspberry Pi platforms
Relevant academic foundation
NASA F Prime Workshop, Advanced Embedded Systems, Advanced Digital VLSI Design, Operating Systems, Machine Learning, Computer Design, Computer Architecture, Design Models of Computation, and Graphical Methods of Digital Signal Processing.
Available for employer conversations
Looking for software, embedded, or automation roles.
Reach out for roles that need practical engineering across code, hardware, diagnostics, and operational tooling.