Kareem Alhwamdeh

Professional Experience

My journey through education and industry experiences

Thorlabs Quantum Electronics - Software Engineering Intern

Developed a fully automated testing pipeline for planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), introducing this technology to Thorlabs for the first time. Created a Python-based control system that interfaced with stepper and piezoelectric motors across 6 axes using .NET framework and PyVISA, while controlling laser diode drivers and power meters via SCPI protocols to coordinate real-time measurements.

Working directly with the engineering team, I implemented comprehensive testing solutions for early-stage quality control, resolving hardware-software synchronization issues including motor calibration challenges. Data analysis was performed using NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib with Gaussian fitting techniques, significantly reducing costs and improving product reliability.

Python NumPy Pandas Matplotlib Jupyter Notebook PyVISA .NET OOP

University of Maryland Fiber Optics - Research Assistant

Assembled and programmed a laser profilometer system to automate micron-level surface scanning, integrating Arduino-controlled stepper motors with a high-resolution USB camera for synchronized image capture. Achieved precise motion control for etched glass surface profiling with real-time imaging capabilities.

Developed a comprehensive software pipeline using Python with OpenCV and MATLAB to generate surface depth maps and detect light intensity variations. This enabled artifact detection and power diagnostics through computer vision techniques, providing critical data for the lab's advanced optical measurement research.

Python OpenCV C/C++ Arduino MATLAB Hardware

Featured Projects & Lab Reports

Selected technical work showcasing my engineering skills

Thorlabs: Automated Planar Lightwave Circuit Testing

Comprehensive implementation of PLC testing automation with detailed code, equations, and visualization components

View Project Report

Silicon Wafer Fabrication Lab

Complete fabrication process of a 4-inch p-type silicon wafer, including photolithography, doping, and testing