# Brandon Powell > Software Engineer at Quadric Location: San Francisco, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/brandonpowell I have a strong background with creative problem solving in both the physical and digital space. I enjoy getting to the truth of what customers really need and shaping those needs into tangible products. I thrive when I am given flexibility to solve challenging problems and can truly take ownership of the products I work on. ## Work Experience ### Software Engineer @ quadric.io Jan 2019 – Present | Burlingame, CA Fixed Point Library - designed strongly typed fixed point library for use in constrained embedded environment - uses template specialization and template meta-programming to allow intelligent conversion from dissimilar types and raw integers CCL SDK Refactor - organized what was previously a very ad-hoc repo with many disjoint abandoned/mutated abstractions (due to fast iteration at an early phase) into a well defined structure with clear dependency hierarchy - designed a two-target build system (similar to CUDA) that allows for simultaneous building for our target device and host without stripping compile information from development context - enabled IDE tool integration (using open source standards and functionality) for non-standard build setup - Currently used tooling that interacts with internal compiler toolchain with minimal configuration: clang-format, clangd, clang-tidy Hardware Verification - built random instruction selector from scratch to generate complex constrained random distributions from simple queries to allow hierarchical constraint of each instruction component - built out random test bench for major component of system - caught crippling hardware bug in tests days before tapeout freeze, allowing RTL designers to implement a viable fix - Designed/developed CFG based constrained instruction generator Loader - refactored device loader interface to provide a uniform interface across all device targets: hardware, architectural simulator, RTL/co-sim implementations, TLM wrapper CCU ELF format - Commonized instruction ingestion into loader by replacing text based assembly and raw binary with a more robust ELF based representation SDK Host API - designed robust low level C++ device access APIs to interface with loader and maintain device related context for developer use - Added pybind11 based python interface - Added embedded API with functional style Result Monad interface ### Software Engineer @ quadric.io Jan 2019 – Present | Burlingame, California, United States CCL SDK V2 API - Co-lead design effort for new SDK APIs based on lessons learned from first attempt - Abstracted many of the hardware concepts away from user while maintaining ability to operate on data in a well informed context - Incorporated use of functional programming style and heavy composition to separate data flow and compute logic, enabling a more building block oriented approach without excessive runtime costs - Allowed many of the fixed flow functions from the original algorithm set to be replaced with composition based sub-tasks Internal CCL Test Sweep Tool - designed and implemented a code generation system that allows a developer to write multiple versions of compile-time constant code and interact with them at runtime with full context, enabling a much more expansive test structure Architectural Simulator Maintenance and Refactor - Implemented new V2 instruction buffer and cache - Refactored and simplified interfaces to make component reuse easier and minimize bug propagation across modules - Added extra profiling capabilities - Developed aggressive unit tests for new elements added ### Autonomous Vehicle Platform Architect @ Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Jan 2017 – Jan 2019 | Starkville, MS • Created architecture for off-road autonomous system, modularizing and isolating sensor intake, sensor fusion, and path planning logic allowing concurrent development by independent teams. • Acted as voice-of-customer for overall autonomous system, ensuring that project goals were scoped based on utility and viability of outcome within specified development period. • Developed path planning and motion planning modules, utilizing C++ to implement efficient and safe guidance logic on Nvidia Drive PX2 hardware. • Participated in development of UI and UX requirements for in-car tablet interfaces, ensuring that the system is accessible to general users, providing navigation utility and awareness of autonomous system status. ### Human-Machine Interface and Controls Engineer @ Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Jan 2016 – Jan 2017 | Starkville, MS Halo Project (Autonomous Battery Electric Subaru Forester) • Facilitated future development of autonomous platform through design, development, and testing of drive-by-wire system responsible for controlling steering, acceleration, and braking of vehicle. • Established and implemented safety and redundancy requirements for drive-by-wire interfaces. • Designed and implemented C++ embedded state machine for 32-bit ARM Cortex M3 chip for custom transmission and autonomous system control via CAN Bus communication with drive-by-wire system. Car of the Future (Plug-In Hybrid Subaru BRZ) • Developed and maintained electric motor logic for embedded controllers using MatLab and Simulink. • Isolated severe lingering drivability issues to poor suspension component fitment, thereby solving a cross-team problem that had initially been attributed to the tuning of the electric motor. • Replaced complex state machine with target speed PID, increasing drive motor control logic robustness. Collision Avoidance Project • Developed efficient kinematic model to predict the motion of cargo trailer chain towed by drive vehicle. • Assisted with development, debugging, and optimization of model predictive control algorithm run in highly parallelized C++ CUDA environment. General • Successfully introduced development teams to Git version control. • Introduced software testing practices for development teams resulting in increased safety, reliability, and general development performance. ### Studio Design Engineer @ General Motors Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 | Warren, MI • Provided engineering support to creative design team. • Developed packaging requirements for studio surfaces. • Verified that studio clay and CAD surfaces were criteria compliant. • Enabled attractive studio designs by offering creative solutions to engineering conflicts. • Released studio designs to vehicle engineering team at critical decision fixed points. ### Powertrain Engineer - MTX Clutch & Hydraulics @ FCA North America Jan 2014 – Jan 2015 | Auburn Hills, MI • Determined engineering requirements for clutches and clutch hydraulics • Coordinated with various groups including engine, transmission, and interior to ensure parts were functional within the entire system • Worked with suppliers to ensure parts meet production standards and requirements and improve pre-existing components • Collaborated with manufacturing and plant engineers to solve production issues and improve processes and parts • Performed root cause analysis to determine failure modes of components based on supplier testing, in-house testing, and warranty data. Problem types included dynamically loaded joint/fastener analysis, hydraulic system piston/seal design, hydraulic system connection design and dynamic loading requirements, and friction material reliability testing. ### Project Engineer @ Quality Manufacturing Group Jan 2013 – Jan 2014 | Columbia, Mississippi • Coordinated engineering, production, and shipping & receiving departments to ensure jobs are completed on time and according to contract specifications • Engineered new equipment designs used for fluid transport and support roles during hydraulic fracturing operations • Designed and oversaw installation of two 10 ton overhead crane support structures for shops ### Co-Team Leader, Chassis, Body, and Aero Leader @ Mississippi State University Formula SAE Jan 2010 – Jan 2012 | Starkville, MS • Responsible for the design and fabrication of frame, bodywork, and aerodynamic components • Performed tasks as necessary to aid in all sections of car development, including chassis, safety and ergonomics, powertrain, and electronics • Worked in team environment with multiple designers to ensure proper fit and function of all systems on car • Designed the team's first aerodynamic system • Created stressed aerodynamic components using carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced plastics with vacuum bagging wet layup and prepreg techniques ## Education ### Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science Mississippi State University ### BS in Mechanical Engineering Mississippi State University ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brandon-powell-a2514136 --- Source: https://flows.cv/brandonpowell JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/brandonpowell/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-01