David K. Tan — Software Engineer
34.7304° N / 86.5861° W Huntsville, AL Active TS Clearance

David K. Tan

Software engineer building mission-critical defense systems — C++ and Python development, systems integration, automated testing, DevSecOps, and verification & validation for U.S. defense programs.

Currently at Torch Technologies · Open to conversations

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3+
YearsDefense software engineering
2
ProjectsMission planning · Flight simulation
6
CertificationsSecurity · Linux · Kubernetes · Systems
TS
ClearanceActive Top Secret
§ 01 — About

Engineering the software behind defense systems.

RoleSoftware Engineer
FocusDefense Software · Integration
StackC++ · Python · Linux
DomainDefense / Aerospace
ClearanceActive TS Clearance

I am a software engineer building mission-critical software for the defense and aerospace industry. My work spans C++ and Python development, object-oriented design, software architecture, unit and integration testing, and Linux-based DevSecOps workflows using GitLab, CI/CD, Git, Jenkins, Kubernetes, and Docker.

My experience includes C++ flight simulation for LGM-35A Sentinel, production data processing in FORGE MDPAF, and multi-component defense software at Torch Technologies. I take changes from requirements through implementation and testing, checking that the components work together and behave as expected.

I care most about the part of the work that is easy to skip — traceability, reproducible builds, and knowing exactly why a model behaves the way it does.

§ 02 — Capabilities

What I work with.

Programming
  • C++
  • Python
  • Java
  • Bash
Software Engineering
  • Object-oriented design
  • Software architecture
  • Agile / Scrum
DevSecOps
  • GitLab · CI/CD · Git
  • Jenkins
  • Kubernetes
  • Docker
Platforms & Cloud
  • Linux / Unix
  • AWS
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Quality
  • Unit & integration testing
  • Test automation
  • Static analysis
  • Debugging
Systems Engineering
  • Systems integration
  • Verification & validation
§ 03 — Experience

Where I've done the work.

Mar 2026 —
Present Current

Software Design Engineer III

Torch Technologies
C++ Python Linux GitLab CI/CD
  • Develop C++ and Python software across multi-component defense software applications, taking changes from requirements through testing to confirm the components work together.
  • Diagnose and fix complex software problems in Linux using debugging tools, Git, and automated tests, reducing recurring defects by approximately 10%.
  • Add automated C++ tests to check required behavior and catch problems earlier when software changes.
  • Support CI/CD and software delivery workflows using GitLab, containerized environments, and DevSecOps practices to improve build and test repeatability.
  • Improve C++ code and integration workflows, completing approximately 10% more simulation work per unit of time.
Sep 2024 —
Jan 2026

Software Engineer II

BAE Systems · Utah
C++ Flight Simulation Regression Testing LGM-35A Sentinel
  • Developed and tested C++ flight simulation software for the LGM-35A Sentinel program, linking every software change to its required flight-performance criteria.
  • Investigated unexpected results and corrected C++ flight models to improve accuracy and reduce later verification work.
  • Implemented regression tests and reviewed code against requirements to keep updated models reliable.
Jan 2023 —
Sep 2024

Software Engineer I

Space Dynamics Laboratory · Utah
C++ Python FORGE MDPAF Ground Software
  • Fixed defects and improved C++ and Python software in FORGE MDPAF to keep production data processing reliable.
  • Contributed software changes across shared modules and interfaces using version control, debugging, testing, and collaborative development practices.
Jun 2020 —
Aug 2022

Software Engineer Intern

Bowie State University
Network Simulation Threat Detection
  • Designed and simulated network attacks, improving threat-detection effectiveness by 28%.
§ 04 — Credentials

Education & certifications.

Education 02
Georgia Institute of Technology
M.S. Computer Science
Expected May 2027
Valdosta State University
B.S. Computer Science
Dec 2022
Certifications 06
  • CISSP
  • RHCSA
  • Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
  • Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
  • INCOSE CSEP
  • CompTIA Security+
Publications 01

Co-authored a peer-reviewed Springer paper on distributed fault-containment simulation using randomized scheduling, published in Advanced Communication and Intelligent Systems.

Read the paper
§ 05 — Selected Work

Things I've built.

Full-stack

Mission Planning Software

Designed and built a full-stack mission-planning application with role-based workflows, REST APIs, and audit logging — combining software engineering with operational mission needs and reducing planning data-entry errors by 30%.

REST · Role-based access · Audit logging
Simulation

Missile Flight Dynamics Simulation

Developed a standalone C++ 6-DOF missile simulation with guidance, autopilot control, and flight-dynamics modeling; evaluated system behavior and performance through Monte Carlo analysis.

C++ · 6-DOF · Autopilot · Monte Carlo
§ 06 — References

What others say.

Verified
Valdosta State University · College of Science & Mathematics
Clear in writing and effective in coding, David can communicate technical topics with ease.
Dr. Anurag Dasgupta
Associate Professor, Computer Science
January 21, 2022
Read the letter
Verified
Valdosta State University · Honors College
An exceptional student, motivated to excel in his discipline.
Michael P. Savoie
Dean, University Honors College
January 5, 2022
Read the letter
Verified
Valdosta State University · Office of Student Life
David completed the Leadership Certificate Program a full semester ahead of his cohort.
Elizabeth Cavender
Coordinator, Leadership Certificate Program
2022
Read the letter
§ 07 — Contact

Let's talk about what you're building.

Best reached by email. I reply to most messages within a day.

david.k.tan2@gmail.com (404) 452-8263
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