Lakmal Weerasinghe

Experience

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  University of Moratuwa

  Apr 2017 - Oct 2018

  Research Assistant

  As a Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, I worked on my M.Sc. research project, which focused on designing and developing a robotic system. I designed a 5 DOF robotic arm using servo motors and mechanical gearboxes for precise control. To complement this, I designed a 2-jaw gripper, fabricated using CNC machining, to enable object manipulation.I also developed tactile sensor arrays based on the hall effect, which enhanced the system’s ability to sense and interact with objects. Additionally, I created a 3D vision system using two cameras and OpenCV to guide the gripper in real-time, enabling it to identify and grasp objects.As part of this project, I conducted characterization of the tactile sensors and published the research findings. This project allowed me to explore a range of technologies in robotics, sensor systems, and computer vision. Show less

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  Freelance

  Oct 2018 - Sept 2023

  As a freelance Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Engineer, I worked with clients on platforms such as Freelancer.com and Upwork.com, delivering high-quality 3D models and designs tailored to their specific needs. Using SOLIDWORKS as my primary tool, I transformed conceptual ideas into detailed models ready for production or prototyping.During my freelance tenure, I modeled a diverse range of products and parts, including:• Toys, enclosures, and mechanical parts optimized for 3D printing.• Mechanical parts designed for CNC machining, ensuring precision and manufacturability.• Complex mechanisms such as linkages and gearboxes, which required advanced design techniques and a thorough understanding of mechanical systems.• Custom designs for R&D scenarios, supporting innovation and product development.• Entire products, from concept to final production-ready designs, meeting industry standards and specifications.• Photorealistic renderings that provided clients with clear, visually compelling representations of their designs, perfect for proposals and marketing materials.This experience honed my ability to communicate effectively with clients, understand their requirements, and deliver functional, aesthetically pleasing, and manufacturable designs. My work spanned a variety of industries and applications, giving me a broad understanding of design for both prototyping and full-scale production. Show less As a freelance Electronic Engineer, I provided specialized services on Freelancer.com and Upwork.com, working with clients across various industries to design and implement custom electronic solutions. My work involved:• PCB design using industry-standard tools like Altium and Proteus, creating efficient and manufacturable boards for various applications.• PCB simulation using Proteus, ensuring the functionality and reliability of designs before production.• PIC/AVR programming using Microchip Studio, developing embedded firmware to meet client-specific requirements.• Arduino programming using both Arduino IDE and Visual Micro, bringing clients’ projects to life with rapid prototyping and system integration.This experience enabled me to deliver end-to-end electronic design services, from circuit and PCB design to embedded software development, ensuring clients received fully functional and reliable solutions. Show less

  • Computer Aided Design Engineer

    Feb 2020 - Sept 2023

  • Electronic Engineer

    Oct 2018 - Sept 2023
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  Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies

  Apr 2021 - Sept 2023

  As the Institutional Liaison for the National Instruments Database (NID) at the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT), I was responsible for coordinating the management of ACCIMT’s test equipment information within the national database. The NID is a comprehensive system that catalogs electronic, electrical, mechanical, and chemical testing equipment available across state and private sector institutions in Sri Lanka.In this role, I acted as the administrator for ACCIMT’s portion of the database, ensuring the accurate and up-to-date representation of the institute's equipment. I collaborated with internal departments to manage resource allocation, plan and execute database updates, and oversee maintenance tasks specific to ACCIMT’s contributions to the NID.Additionally, I served as the primary liaison between the National Science Foundation (NSF) NID staff and ACCIMT’s senior management, facilitating communication and ensuring alignment on database-related activities. My role involved coordinating between various stakeholders to streamline processes and support the effective integration of ACCIMT’s equipment into the broader NID system, contributing to the overall success of this national initiative. Show less As the Course Manager for the Siemens S7-200 and S7-1200 PLCs program, I was responsible for the comprehensive management of the course, including planning, coordination, delivery, and assessment. I collaborated with participants from various state and private sector organizations, ensuring they acquired the skills necessary to become proficient PLC programmers. My role encompassed designing and scheduling the curriculum, developing content delivery strategies, and leading the recruitment process through targeted outreach and advertising initiatives.In addition to course development, I trained internal staff to deliver high-quality instruction and hands-on demonstrations. I managed all logistics, including equipment allocation and preparation of course materials. Throughout the course, I conducted lectures and demonstrations, while also coordinating with other instructors to ensure smooth and effective execution. Furthermore, I handled key administrative responsibilities, including certificate preparation and distribution, as well as overseeing payments for lectures, demonstrations, and other course-related activities.Beyond the core instructional and administrative duties, I played an integral role in strategic planning, conflict resolution, and time management. I worked closely with departments such as Finance, HR, and Administration to facilitate smooth communication and effective resource allocation. Additionally, I managed HR-related matters, including scheduling and compensation for lecturers and staff, ensuring efficient course operation at every level.This role allowed me to combine my technical expertise in PLC programming with strong leadership and project management capabilities. Through my efforts, I successfully delivered a well-regarded and impactful PLC training program that supported the professional development of a diverse group of participants, contributing to both individual and organizational success. Show less During my time as a Research Engineer at the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) in the Industrial Services Division, I contributed to several key initiatives aimed at improving industrial automation and precision testing.I was involved in PLC/SCADA-based automation projects, supporting the implementation of control systems for industrial applications. My responsibilities also included working in the Light Measurements Systems (LMS) lab, where I tested and validated domestic LED light bulbs, as well as Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). This work ensured that the products met industry standards and contributed to the development of energy-efficient lighting solutions for residential use.Additionally, I handled the calibration of electronic test equipment, such as multimeters, clamp meters, and meggers, using advanced calibration tools to ensure accuracy and reliability. I also served as Project Manager for the accreditation of the calibration laboratory to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, guiding the process to align the lab's operations with international standards for testing and calibration (the process was ongoing during my tenure).Throughout this period, I focused on delivering high-quality results in both automation and calibration, contributing to ACCIMT’s mission of technological innovation and precision. Show less

  • Institutional Liaison - National Instruments Database

    Sept 2022 - Sept 2023

  • Course Manager - Programmable Logic Controllers

    Jan 2022 - Sept 2023

  • Research Engineer

    Apr 2021 - Sept 2023
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  HITEC Sensor Developments, Inc.

  Sept 2023 - now

  Electronic Engineer

  As an Electronic Engineer at Hitec, I manage a diverse set of responsibilities that span both hardware and software development, with a primary focus on embedded systems programming. My expertise in this area includes working with STM32 microcontrollers and utilizing communication protocols such as Modbus, CANBus, CANOpen, SPI, I2C, and USART. I develop firmware using C and C++ to ensure optimal performance and functionality of embedded devices, and I rely on tools like STM32CubeIDE and PlatformIO/VSCode for efficient development and testing processes.In addition to embedded systems, I am actively involved in electronic product development, where I design and develop multilayer PCBs using Altium. My work in this area focuses on creating high-performance, reliable hardware solutions that meet the demanding requirements of complex systems.I also manage a significant software development workload. I bring strong full-stack development skills, leveraging technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and C# to build responsive user interfaces and robust backend services. My expertise in the .NET ecosystem—including .NET Framework, .NET Core, ASP.NET Core, and Blazor—enables me to create scalable, efficient applications. I am proficient in SQL for database management and frequently use tools like Visual Studio, VS Code, and SQL Server Management Studio to streamline the software development lifecycle. My experience extends to developing APIs, creating worker services, and deploying web applications via IIS (Internet Information Services) to deliver enterprise-grade solutions.I work on IoT projects, utilizing platforms such as ESP32 and Arduino, and implementing MQTT for device communication. My IoT solutions are deployed on Windows Server and integrated with Microsoft SQL to provide secure, real-time data management. This diverse and all-rounded skill set allows me to deliver innovative and efficient solutions across a wide range of technological domains. Show less