Kotara is currently managing Expertech’s IV&V team that supports the USAF on Test Program Set (TPS) development for the support of the AWACS (E3), RC-135, JSTARS, A10, F15, and C5 weapon systems and other airframes using the Benchtop Reconfigurable Automatic Tester (BRAT). Kotara has been supporting this effort in various capacities since 1998.

Before joining Expertech, Kotara was Senior Vice President of ESi, an engineering services company, where he was responsible for the technical operations of the company. In this capacity, he managed a team of engineers and technicians involved in projects in a variety of areas including the design and development of assembly lines for the manufacture of airbag assemblies; design and development of Test Program Sets (TPSs) for circuit card assemblies and power supplies; development of strategies and methodologies to upgrade computer systems and software on outdated equipment; redesign of a legacy test system using technology insertion to extent product life; and design of manufacturing test systems and circuit card assemblies. He also led the design and development of a document and test management information systems for the Air Force TPS BRAT program.

Kotara worked as a computer scientist on the Kelly AFB as a civil a servant. He led projects in the maintenance of embedded cryptographic systems. He designed, modified and developed, specialized software programming applications/operating systems. He led a team in the development of a peer review process to comply with CMM Level 3; and managed a technical team in the support of jet engine test cells that supported the F100, T56, and TF39 engines. He served as a member of a network design team to determine current and future network needs and policies. Kotara led efforts to increase the life of obsolete technical equipment through technology insertion, as such he integrated microprocessor/digital tester with an analog tester to allow for the testing of a greater variety of electronic equipment using existing resources. He also co-developed an innovative method for stripping miniature coax cable that became an Air Force standard.

Kotara has ample experience in Quality Control. He designed and developed multiple database systems to capture defect ticket data for lessons learned, allowing past experience to be used to solve new problems. He designed and developed an internal logistic database system used to track Air Force assets as they are routed thought the depot repair center. He developed test programs to test microprocessor based circuit cards and relay card. He significantly reduced the number of total deficiency reports generated on items repaired in the area under his control.

Kotara graduated with distinction with a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from St. Mary’s University. He graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Park College. He also holds an Associates Degree in Digital Electronics from St. Phillips College. At the Air Force, he competed with over 7,000 applicants for training as a Quality Assurance Specialist, and ranked in the top 1%. He was selected as one of 35 to enter the program and graduated first in his class. During his service with Air Force, he won multiple performance awards and a special act award. Kotara served in the Texas Air National Guard for six years.