Brian M. Sandler
SW++
[at] briansandler.com
San Diego, California 
LinkedIn
TL;DR
Hi there! I'm a software engineer transforming ideas into production systems. At Plato, I lead the integration of diverse software systems and contribute to the design, development, and deployment of backend cloud software, improving efficiency for some of the world's top electronics manufacturers. I have also developed and optimized pipelines to run concurrent real-time data capture, AI, and multi-object tracking workloads powering a distributed fleet of proprietary multi-sensor perception systems running on embedded Linux. At ShadowMaps, I built and deployed services from the ground up for GPS location enhancement algorithms—developing applications and infrastructure before scaling it post-acquisition at Uber to improve rider pickup accuracy worldwide.
With hands-on experience in system design, software development, and deployment, I've worked across cloud infrastructure (AWS) and embedded Linux (NVIDIA Jetson) environments. Wherever I find myself on the stack, I thrive on moving fast, collaborating with others, and building efficient solutions that drive real-world positive impact.
Professional Experience
Led software design and system integration for a team of 5 engineers, while developing and deploying backend cloud software to deliver a B2B SaaS platform that improves production efficiency for leading electronics manufacturers (EMS) through metrics and real-time alerts. Drove the integration of all platform components — across data capture from heterogeneous customer sources and a fleet of proprietary AI-powered radar/camera sensor-fusion systems (embedded Linux), analytics pipelines (Databricks), and a cloud backend (AWS) — adapting end-to-end functionality to evolving product requirements.
Built a backend cloud platform on AWS, enabling top electronics manufacturers to improve production efficiency. Designed, developed, and optimized a real-time software pipeline for a distributed fleet of radar and camera sensor-fusion systems running on embedded Linux and custom hardware. Engineered and optimized pipelines for high-performance data capture, AI/ML inference, and cloud integration, providing physical spatial awareness to the platform. Established software development practices, contributed to hiring, and handled various development tasks to support the growing engineering needs.
Scaled and integrated ShadowMaps GPS accuracy algorithms into Uber infrastructure to enhance rider pickup precision. Designed, developed, and deployed backend software systems using Java and Dropwizard, rapidly adapting to Uber's production environment, resulting in improved rider experience in cities around the world.
Developed backend services for GPS accuracy improvements using Java and AWS, and built out cloud infrastructure. Built a real-time web application for GPS satellite data visualization, using Node.JS and Angular.JS. The startup was acquired by Uber in 2016, where I later went to help scale and integrate the technology.
Developed an interactive web-based English language learning platform using Cordova and AngularJS, deployed as an Android tablet app. Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team and provided ongoing technical guidance after May 2015.
Supported university Engineering computing operations, troubleshooting user issues, authoring documentation, and scripting automation solutions to improve IT workflows.
Research Experience
Researched security and fault tolerance of distributed cyber-physical systems, developing algorithms for resilient system recovery from attacks or faults. Designed and implemented software simulations to test and validate recovery mechanisms. Left with a Master's degree to build Plato Systems.
Researched GPS signal variations caused by device orientation, analyzing satellite data using MATLAB. Developed a web-based dashboard to visualize near real-time GPS satellite and positioning data, aiding research efforts in improving localization accuracy. This contributed to a deeper understanding of GPS signal reliability in urban environments, and ultimately to the work at ShadowMaps.
Assisted research on kidney immune responses, investigating the impact of hypoxic conditions on Renal Tubular Epithelial cells. Performed laboratory procedures to study immune receptor activity, contributing to a better understanding of ischemia-related damage in kidney transplants. Gained hands-on experience in immunology research and conducting protocols in a biological research lab environment.
Education
Coursework: Completed coursework includes software systems, machine learning, big data analytics, computer architecture, theory of computation, and algorithm analysis.
Teaching: During the 2018-19 academic year I was a teaching assistant for the following courses:
- Big Data Analytics (CIS545, Graduate) - Spring 2019
- Scalable and Cloud Computing (NETS212, Undergraduate) - Fall 2018
Coursework: Completed coursework includes networking, machine learning, operating systems, Python, C, C++, Java, MATLAB, circuit analysis, object oriented design, data structures, computer architecture, digital design with Verilog, computer vision, advanced applications programming, database systems, computer security, and a senior capstone project.
Achievements: Recipient of the 2016 Roger Wood Scholarship and Dean's Honors. Awarded "Outstanding Senior in the Computer Engineering Program" for having the highest GPA of the 2017 Spring Quarter graduating class of Computer Engineering.
Potpourri
- Tech officer of Tau Beta Pi California Sigma Chapter for the 2016-2017 academic year. Member as of Jan 2016.
- Member of FIRST FRC Robotics Team 3128 from Sep 2009 to Jun 2013.
- Technology Student Co-Leader for TEDxYouth@SanDiego from Mar 2012 to Aug 2013.
- I love to snowboard, especially at Mammoth. Though Lake Tahoe is convenient from the Bay Area.
- I also love to hike and explore! I keep a list of my favorite places here.
- Unix/Linux Command Line Tutorial