David Young

Software Engineer | MSc Researcher @ UCT | Building FERS

I'm a software engineer who enjoys solving hard problems. I don't just write code; I care about how the whole system fits together. Whether it is a mobile app or a complex physics engine, I focus on making it fast, clean, and easy to use. Right now, I am getting my Master's degree at UCT. My main project is redesigning a one-of-a-kind high-performance C++ radar simulator (FERS) to make it modern and powerful. Outside of research, I run astraen, my own development lab where I build apps and tools for myself and freelance clients.

dev@astraen.dev | GitHub | LinkedIn | Blog

Experience

astraen

Oct 2025 - Present
Developer & Founder

I started my own business for personal projects and freelance work.

  • Specializing in transforming raw ideas into actionable technical blueprints.
  • Architecting robust, scalable, and maintainable foundations for modern applications.
  • Executing full-cycle development from concept and strategy to deployment and quality assurance.
Next.jsSvelteFlutterDartPythonDockerRustFirebaseSQLite

The DataFlow

Nov 2024 - Jul 2025
Co-founder & Founding Engineer

Led engineering for a mobile app empowering users to monitor and control mobile data usage.

  • Built the full stack from the ground up in Flutter/Dart and Kotlin.
  • Implemented a custom on-device firewall using Android VpnService.
  • Established the app's architecture, local database design (Drift/SQLite), and CI/CD workflows.
  • Integrated Firebase for authentication, analytics, and crash reporting.
FlutterKotlinFirebaseSQLiteRiverpod

Arixian

November 2023 - January 2024
Software Engineering Intern

Developed microservices for secure optic-data streaming for an AI-driven security startup.

  • Built microservices using Python.
  • Hardened secure communication protocols against intrusion.
  • Containerized applications using Docker.
  • Collaborated with the team to enhance system security and performance.
PythonDockerGitLabCI/CD

Oobalink

October 2020 - Match 2021
iOS App Developer (Contract)

Built a fully interactive iOS prototype for streamlining client data acquisition for a major loan originator.

  • Designed and implemented the UI with SwiftUI.
  • Built interactive data-entry forms and managed local state.
  • Implemented on-device data storage solutions.
  • Created a proof-of-concept used for stakeholder demonstration.
SwiftSwiftUIXcodeGitHub

Funky Chickens

2016 - 2019
Business Operations Manager

Managed sales, marketing, and operations for an organic food retailer.

  • Managed invoicing and financial tracking.
  • Oversaw stock management and logistics.
  • Tracked sales performance and set targets.
  • Handled client relations and business development.
ExcelYocoLogistics

Featured Projects

SortPedia: The Interactive Sorting Algorithm Encyclopedia

SvelteKit · Svelte 5 Runes · TypeScript · TailwindCSS · Web Workers · KaTeX

SortPedia is a modern, interactive encyclopedia that bridges the gap between abstract computer science theory and intuitive visual understanding. It allows users to watch, race, and benchmark over 30 sorting algorithms—from industry standards like Quick Sort to esoteric ones like Thanos Sort—directly in the browser, providing a comprehensive educational tool for students and developers.

Visit Website → View Source →

SortPedia: The Interactive Sorting Algorithm Encyclopedia

SvelteKitSvelte 5 RunesTypeScriptTailwindCSSWeb WorkersKaTeX

Overview

SortPedia is a modern, interactive encyclopedia that bridges the gap between abstract computer science theory and intuitive visual understanding. It allows users to watch, race, and benchmark over 30 sorting algorithms—from industry standards like Quick Sort to esoteric ones like Thanos Sort—directly in the browser, providing a comprehensive educational tool for students and developers.

Key Objectives

  • Develop an interactive visualizer to render algorithm execution step-by-step, with full playback controls (play, pause, step forward/backward, speed adjust).
  • Implement a side-by-side 'Algorithm Racing' feature to visually compare the performance, stability, and access patterns of any two algorithms on identical datasets.
  • Build a performance benchmarking tool using Web Workers to run thousands of iterations off the main thread, measuring raw execution time without freezing the UI.
  • Create a comprehensive library for each algorithm, complete with LaTeX-rendered complexity analysis, detailed explanations, and clean, copy-pasteable JavaScript implementations.
Visit Website View Source

The Flexible Extensible Radar Simulator (Masters)

C++23 · Rust · Tauri · React · TypeScript · CMake

FERS is a signal-level radar simulator structured as a monorepo containing a high-performance C++23 simulation engine (libfers) and a modern desktop UI (fers-ui). It enables the construction and visualization of complex radar scenarios with a unified event-driven architecture.

View Source →

The Flexible Extensible Radar Simulator (Masters)

C++23RustTauriReactTypeScriptCMake

Overview

FERS is a signal-level radar simulator structured as a monorepo containing a high-performance C++23 simulation engine (libfers) and a modern desktop UI (fers-ui). It enables the construction and visualization of complex radar scenarios with a unified event-driven architecture.

Key Objectives

  • Modernize the legacy C++98 engine to C++23 with a unified event-driven architecture.
  • Develop a cross-platform desktop UI using Tauri and React for scenario visualization.
  • Implement a stable C-API and XML schema contract for interoperability.
  • Ensure high-performance simulation of mono/multistatic and pulsed/CW systems.
View Source

RainVu: Rainfall Logger & Analytics

Flutter · Dart · Riverpod · SQLite · Firebase

RainVu is a privacy-focused mobile application for farmers and weather enthusiasts to log and analyze rainfall data. It features a local-first architecture using Drift (SQLite) for offline capability and custom charting for historical analysis.

View Source → App Store Play Store

RainVu: Rainfall Logger & Analytics

FlutterDartRiverpodSQLiteFirebase

Overview

RainVu is a privacy-focused mobile application for farmers and weather enthusiasts to log and analyze rainfall data. It features a local-first architecture using Drift (SQLite) for offline capability and custom charting for historical analysis.

Key Objectives

  • Build a robust local-first architecture using Drift and Riverpod.
  • Implement complex analytics for MTD/YTD totals and seasonal trends.
  • Ensure data portability with JSON/CSV export and import features.
View Source

Modernising the FERS Software Package (Undergrad)

C++20/23 · GitHub Actions · CMake · Valgrind · HDF5

This project focused on updating the Flexible, Extensible Radar Simulator (FERS) to meet modern C++ standards. Originally developed in C++98/03, FERS is a vital tool for the Radar and Remote Sensing Group at UCT. The modernization enhanced performance, readability, and maintainability.

View Source → Download PDF Report ↓

Modernising the FERS Software Package (Undergrad)

C++20/23GitHub ActionsCMakeValgrindHDF5

Overview

This project focused on updating the Flexible, Extensible Radar Simulator (FERS) to meet modern C++ standards. Originally developed in C++98/03, FERS is a vital tool for the Radar and Remote Sensing Group at UCT. The modernization enhanced performance, readability, and maintainability.

Key Objectives

  • Upgrade codebase to C++20/23 features (concepts, ranges, modules).
  • Implement performance optimizations (multithreading, smart pointers).
  • Ensure backward compatibility for simulation integrity.
  • Conduct thorough regression testing and profiling.
CPU Usage

Figure 1: CPU Usage Comparison

Speedups

Figure 2: Speedup Benchmarks

View Source Download Report PDF

Encryption and Compression on Resource-Constrained Embedded ARM MCs

C · Python · STM32 HAL · Assembly

Designed for secure data transmission from Antarctic sensor buoys over the Iridium satellite network. The goal was to minimize transmission costs via compression while ensuring data security.

View Source → Download PDF Report ↓

Encryption and Compression on Resource-Constrained Embedded ARM MCs

CPythonSTM32 HALAssembly

Overview

Designed for secure data transmission from Antarctic sensor buoys over the Iridium satellite network. The goal was to minimize transmission costs via compression while ensuring data security.

Key Objectives

  • Implement LZSS compression and Blowfish encryption on STM32F051.
  • Ensure data integrity with CRC-32 checksums.
  • Optimize for extremely limited memory and processing power.
System Diagram

Figure 1: System Operation Diagram

Compression Stats

Figure 2: Compression Speed Graph

Encryption Stats

Figure 3: Encryption Speed Graph

View Source Download Report PDF

Comparative Analysis and Optimization of MD5 & MD6 Hashing Algorithms

C++ · OpenCL · Verilog · Vivado

Evaluated the performance trade-offs between software (C++), parallel computing (OpenCL), and hardware acceleration (Verilog) for cryptographic hashing.

View Source → Download PDF Report ↓

Comparative Analysis and Optimization of MD5 & MD6 Hashing Algorithms

C++OpenCLVerilogVivado

Overview

Evaluated the performance trade-offs between software (C++), parallel computing (OpenCL), and hardware acceleration (Verilog) for cryptographic hashing.

Key Objectives

  • Implement MD5 (sequential) and MD6 (parallelizable) across all platforms.
  • Benchmark execution time and throughput.
  • Analyze the efficiency of GPU offloading vs FPGA synthesis.
Execution Time

Figure 1: Execution Time Analysis

Throughput

Figure 1: Throughput Analysis

View Source Download Report PDF

Enviro-Sense: Biomonitoring Grid for Apex Predators

C++ · Arduino · Raspberry Pi · ESP32

A low-cost Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) designed to monitor temperature and humidity at remote raptor nesting sites to aid conservation efforts.

Download PDF Report ↓

Enviro-Sense: Biomonitoring Grid for Apex Predators

C++ArduinoRaspberry PiESP32

Overview

A low-cost Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) designed to monitor temperature and humidity at remote raptor nesting sites to aid conservation efforts.

Key Objectives

  • Develop a cost-effective monitoring node (<$20).
  • Ensure reliable wireless transmission to rendezvous nodes.
  • Maximize battery life via deep-sleep cycles.
Download Report PDF

Technical Skills

Languages

C++, Flutter, Python, Rust, TypeScript, Svelte

Frameworks

FastAPI, Tauri, React, SvelteKit, Next.js, Tailwind CSS

Tools & Platforms

Docker, Git/GitHub, Linux (Ubuntu), JetBrains IDEs, Firebase, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Soft Skills

Problem Solving, System Design, Project Management, Technical Writing

Education

University of Cape Town

2025 - Present
MSc(Eng) Electrical Engineering

Specializing in Radar and Software Engineering. Building the Flexible, Extensible Radar Simulator (FERS).

University of Cape Town

2020 - 2024
BSc(Eng) Electrical and Computer Engineering

Cumulative GPA: 64.7%. Achieved distinctions in Engineering Design (EEE3097S), High Performance Embedded Systems (EEE4120F), Linear Algebra (MAM2084S), and Final Year Project (EEE4022S).

Cambridge AS & IGCSE Level

2016 - 2019
Self-Studied

Aggregate: 82%. Achieved distinctions in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science through self-directed study.

Awards

Volunteering

Interests

Development

prototyping new ideas, exploring new languages, and code sprints.

Cybersecurity

Interest in digital security protocols, system hardening, and data privacy.

Health & Fitness

Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and exploring wellness practices.

Feline Enthusiast

Caretaker of cats.

Get In Touch

I am always open to discussing new projects, creative ideas, or opportunities to be part of your visions.

Email Me Download Resume