Simon Balfe

Utilized Swift & C++ to engineer an endpoint security product. Engineered multi-threaded solutions in a Unix environment to capture network and process data. Implemented GitLab CI/CD pipelines to efficiently test our product. Modernized a legacy Objective-C codebase to C++20. Employed SOLID principles to refactor a large codebase.

Modernized legacy Jenkins pipelines to be more efficient. Utilized Docker to reduce the friction of testing on different environments. Researched MSBuild and Visual Studio in depth to optimize a C++ testing pipeline. Engineered a variety of Python tools to speed up the testing process.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with honors. Focused on concurrent programming, operating systems, and software engineering principles. Developed strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and system design.

Developed a high-performance, asynchronous server framework using C++20 coroutines integrated with Linux's io_uring, enhancing efficiency in IO operations. Engineered an io_context component to effectively manage and schedule coroutines, enabling optimized execution of concurrent tasks on a single thread. Implemented network communication using Berkeley Sockets in Linux to parse and handle HTTP requests and responses dynamically.

Skills: C++20 · Networking · Async Programming

Dissertation project - A tool to aid game developers in producing diverse vegetation assets such as trees and plants through procedural content generation. Primarily utilizes an algorithm based on L-systems, which are founded on the principle of a basic string of symbols where each symbol has a rule for its subsequent expansion. This approach enables the software to emulate the recursive growth process of plants in the natural world. Renders generated vegetation assets using voxels, an innovative and unexplored approach at the time of development.

Skills: C++ · OpenGL · SDL · ImGui

A small, networked chat application using the Boost.Asio library. Users can join with a unique username and send messages to other clients over the TCP/IP protocol in an asynchronous manner. Built a basic interface using ImGui to view chat history and online users. Multiple threads run to separate GUI events from networked events using mutex locking to prevent data races.

Skills: C++ · STL · Boost.Asio · ImGui · Multithreading

Group coursework project - An application to assist food bank donations. Worked on the backend using TypeScript and Firebase to implement database and authentication requirements. Enables users to instantly view nearby food banks on an embedded map and see the exact items they are requesting with a severity level for each one. Provided full spectrum of an agile approach to developing an application with constant cooperation with stakeholders.

Skills: React Native · TypeScript · Firebase

Won first place in a Unity 2D game development hackathon. Built a complete 2D game with engaging gameplay mechanics, level design, and polished user interface within the competition timeframe.

Completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award program, demonstrating commitment to personal development, community service, and outdoor adventure activities.