David K. Tan

§ 01 — About

Engineering the software behind defense systems.

ROLESoftware Engineer

FOCUSDefense Software · M&S

STACKC++ · Python · Linux

DOMAINDefense / Aerospace

CLEARANCETS/SAP · Active Secret

I am a software engineer focused on building mission-critical industry. My experience spans C++ and Python development, object-oriented design, unit and integration testing, and Linux-based DevSecOps workflows, including GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, Kubernetes, and Docker.

I have delivered software across ICBM flight-dynamics modeling for LGM-35A Sentinel, ground-framework data processing for FORGE OPIR, and 6DOF missile simulation for LRPM. Across these efforts, I have translated technical requirements into software design, implementation, testing, and validated results that support high-consequence engineering missions.

§ 02 — Capabilities

My skills:

Programming

C++
Python
Java
Bash / Shell

Software Engineering

Object-Oriented Design
Agile / Scrum
Code Review
Requirements Translation

DevSecOps

GitLab CI/CD
Jenkins
Kubernetes
Docker

Platforms & Cloud

Linux / Unix
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
AWS

Testing & Validation

Unit Testing
Integration Testing
Debugging
Verification & Validation

Modeling & Simulation

6-DOF Flight Dynamics
Missile Simulation
Monte Carlo Analysis

§ 03 — Experience

My experiences:

Jun 2026 —
Present
Current

Software Design Engineer III

Torch Technologies

Develop C++ and Python model-development and simulation-execution features, integrating updates across 3 software components and improving debugging workflow for model validation.
Diagnose and resolve simulation defects in C++/Python using Linux, Visual Studio, Git, and unit/integration testing — reducing recurring issues by approximately 10%.
Convert requirements into design updates, code changes, and test documentation, helping reduce integration rework by approximately 15%.
Integrate model updates in collaboration with software, systems, and simulation engineers.

Mar 2026 —
Jun 2026

6-DOF Modeling & Simulation Engineer

i3

Designed, tested, and integrated C++11 autopilot control logic for the LRPM 6-DOF missile simulation on RHEL 8.
Developed four kinematic guidance models and validated behavior against guidance, sensor, and flight-dynamics components with 100% requirements traceability.
Executed V&V studies by translating requirements into testable simulation scenarios and Monte Carlo runs.

Sep 2024 —
Jan 2026

Software Engineer II

ALKU · Utah

Developed, reviewed, and tested C++11 6-DOF flight-dynamics models for LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM boost and post-boost performance, maintaining 100% traceability to flight-performance requirements.
Diagnosed and resolved simulation inconsistencies by analyzing flight behavior and refining underlying model assumptions — improving model fidelity and reducing downstream validation effort.

Jan 2023 —
Sep 2024

Software Engineer I

Space Dynamics Laboratory · Utah

Built and deployed C++/Python processing modules within the FORGE MDPAF ground framework, ingesting and transforming OPIR satellite mission data into operational warnings and alerts.
Designed modular FORGE MDPAF components for SBIRS and Next Gen OPIR mission-data processing.
Served as technical lead, advising Program Managers and government stakeholders on implementation status, risks, and technical tradeoffs.

§ 04 — Credentials

Education & Certifications.

Education 03 / 03

Georgia Institute of Technology

M.S. Computer Science

Expected Jul 2027

Louisiana State University

MBA, Master of Business Administration

Dec 2023

Valdosta State University

B.S. Computer Science

Dec 2022

Certifications 06 / 06

CISSP
PMP
AWS Solutions Architect
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
CompTIA Security+

Publications 02 / 02

Co-authored a peer-reviewed IEEE Pervasive Computing paper on detecting pandemic-themed Android malware using app permissions and machine learning, achieving over 90% detection accuracy.

View publication ↗

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

View publication ↗

§ 05 — Selected Work

Things I've built.

01 / FULL-STACK

Mission Planning Dashboard

Built a full-stack mission planning dashboard with role-based workflows, REST API endpoints, and audit logging — reducing planning data entry errors by 30%.

02 / SIMULATION

Missile Flight Dynamics Simulation

Built a standalone C++ 6-DOF missile simulation with autopilot control logic, guidance interfaces, and flight-dynamics behavior; validated model behavior through Monte Carlo analysis.

03 / V&V

Monte Carlo & Validation Workflows

Ran simulation studies to evaluate system performance, identify model discrepancies, validate expected behavior, and build confidence in mission-critical results across thousands of stochastic runs.

04 / DEVSECOPS

CI/CD & Engineering Tooling

Supported development workflows using GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and Linux/Unix environments — improving build reliability and iteration speed for engineering teams.

§ 06 — References

My references:

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

View full 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

View full 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

View full letter ↗

Engineering the software behind defense systems.

My skills:

My experiences:

Software Design Engineer III

6-DOF Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Software Engineer II

Software Engineer I

Education & Certifications.

Things I've built.

Mission Planning Dashboard

Missile Flight Dynamics Simulation

Monte Carlo & Validation Workflows

CI/CD & Engineering Tooling

My references:

Let's talk, here is my informations: