Looking for a job

Derek Bla

@derekbla

Message

I am a Software Engineer with a passion for building secure, reliable systems. I emphasize creating elegant solutions.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

To expand my skillset while providing value to a team on a project that’s worth working on

I am a Software Engineer with a passion for building secure, reliable systems. I emphasize creating elegant solutions whether I'm debugging complex game mechanics in Unreal Engine 4, engineering malware sandbox environments for cybersecurity education, or streamlining workflows through automation. My experience spans game development at Highwire Games, where I collaborated with teams throughout the software lifecycle, and cybersecurity research, where I've developed expertise in malware analysis and penetration testing.

Outside of work I am passionate about continuous learning and competitive strategy games. I play Magic: The Gathering professionally and study poker, both of which have sharpened my analytical thinking and decision-making under pressure. I firmly believe that the strategic thinking and risk assessment these pursuits require. Whether analyzing APT behaviors or calculating optimal play lines both make me a better engineer. I'm actively seeking opportunities where I can contribute my technical skills in software development, cybersecurity, or quality assurance while continuing to grow and tackle challenging problems.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Malware Simulation Developer

Independent Project

Sep 2024 - Jun 2025 (9 months)

Built a virtual sandbox simulating advanced persistent threats using C++ and Python with VM-based isolation and AI-driven behavioral modeling to replicate rootkit activity for controlled analysis. Produced technical documentation to support instructor and student adoption.

C++Python Virtualization Behavioral Modeling Security Analysis Documentation Data Collection

Privacy Policy Researcher

Independent Project

Feb 2025 - May 2025 (3 months)

Analyzed financial app privacy policies with OECD guidelines and formal security assessments, combining policy review and qualitative interviews to surface misconceptions and recommend clearer language. Linked technical literacy to privacy skepticism to inform communication improvements.

Policy Reviews Qualitative Research Atlas.Ti Overleaf Interviewing Technical Writing

Junior Developer and QA

highwire games

Jun 2023 - Jan 2025 (1 year 7 months)

Optimized performance through profiling and iterative debugging, reducing crash frequency and improving frame
rate consistency.
Logged, tracked, and resolved gameplay and system bugs in ClickUp, delivering clear reproduction steps and technical details.

Junior Developer & QA

Highwire Games

Jun 2023 - Jan 2025 (1 year 7 months)

Collaborated with designers, engineers, and artists to validate gameplay systems and stability; developed C++ test scripts and debugging tools, reducing crash frequency and improving frame-rate consistency. Created QA automation macros that cut repetitive testing time by 25% and managed bug tracking in ClickUp.

C++QA Automation Debugging Performance Profiling ClickUp Unreal Engine 4 Git Github

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Western Washington University

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

2022 - 2025

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with coursework in game development, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, databases, statistics, linear algebra, and human-computer interaction.