Tom Hicks

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Summary

I am seeking a position where I can use my organizational, coding, and communication skills. I really like the creative side of software engineering. I enjoy creating novel solutions to problems. I have more passion for cultivating the team I am on than any specific project. I try to include other people in decisions as much as possible, especially people who do not yet have the confidence to offer their own opinion unprompted. I prefer to lead from the middle and build consensus before making substantial changes. I try to always have a vision for the product I am working on, but I do not tie myself to it. If the vision needs to change or someone produces a better one, then I pivot to it. I try to mitigate project risk through planning and communication. I believe in an agile approach to project management where potential issues can be brought up early, so we have time to find potential solutions but delay the specific decision in case added information causes us to change course.

Core Skills

I have several years each of professional development experience with Java, C#, HTML/JavaScript/Typescript, C++, and Objective-C. I have built desktop apps using traditional Windows Forms and WPF. I have built mobile apps using native Android, native iOS, and hybrid apps in Cordova containers using plain HTML/JavaScript, Angular, and Backbone/Marionette. I am a big proponent of automation, test driven development, and the git-flow workflow. I excel at research and bringing outside knowledge into a team.

Experience

Google (YouTube) -- Software Engineer 2022-2023

Environment: Android Native, iOS Native, C++, TypeScript, Spitfire Templates

Led the migration of core app features from native iOS and Android to a unified component system (Elements), enabling code reuse and rapid feature delivery across all YouTube platforms. Architected and implemented multi-layered UI and backend solutions, balancing scalability, maintainability, and performance. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design backend logic and APIs that dynamically controlled client rendering, reducing deployment risk and accelerating iteration cycles.

Provided technical leadership during the team’s adoption of new technologies, driving best practices in documentation, onboarding, and knowledge sharing. Facilitated communication between engineering and product teams to ensure alignment on vision and execution. Championed agile development, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement, resulting in more resilient and adaptable product releases.

Localization Upgrades

Led a backend initiative to overhaul localization in the YouTube TV store, standardizing string formatting and template usage for global accessibility. Implemented currency translation and improved support for non-USD markets, enhancing user experience and compliance.

Improved Free Preview

I designed and implemented a new method of free preview. This was specifically for the android YouTube apps, but I did a full stack implementation. I designed the API and security restrictions to implement the free previews such as giving a user 60 minutes of watch time that they could use simultaneously across multiple clients including web, iOS, Android, and OTT (TV apps).

Dandy -- Tech Lead - 2021-2021
Clear Aligners

Environment: ReactJS, PostgreSQL, Typescript, NodeJS, Apollo, GraphQL, Material Design

Led a team of 5 to architect and deliver a new checkout process, integrating clear aligners as a product into the full workflow (estimation, checkout, design, fabrication, shipping). Designed and implemented multi-component systems, balancing scalability, reliability, and maintainability across both frontend and backend (Typescript, GraphQL, PostgreSQL, NodeJS). Provided technical and process oversight, mentoring team members and enabling their growth. Drove planning, architecture, and risk mitigation, ensuring high code quality and business alignment. Introduced a Slack chatbot for real-time estimation, improving operational efficiency and patient experience. Championed automation and agile practices, and influenced technical direction for the team.

Facebook - IC5 - 2020-2021

Environment: ReactJS, Native iOS (Objective-C), Native Android (Java), Hack/PHP, Native Templates

Led cross-functional projects in the privacy group to deliver new privacy controls and surface existing ones for millions of users. Architected and implemented complex features (activity log, archive, trash) across multiple platforms and tech stacks, making thoughtful tradeoffs to optimize for scalability, security, and user experience. Provided technical and process oversight to small teams, mentoring engineers and driving best practices in code quality and testing. Influenced privacy strategy and technical direction, collaborating with other teams to ensure alignment and impact at scale. Recognized for adapting quickly to new technologies and contributing to organization-wide initiatives.

Zoosk - Sr. Software Engineer 2016-2019

Environment: AngularJS (1.6-1.7), Modern Angular, Google Closure, TypeScript, Python, PHP, gulp, node

Led technical initiatives to transition the workflow to agile, migrate from JavaScript to TypeScript, and upgrade webapps to Angular 7. Architected and implemented migration strategies using AST transform scripts, improving code quality, maintainability, and scalability. Provided technical guidance and mentorship, enabling team members to grow and contribute confidently. Championed a collaborative approach to process change, ensuring team buy-in and preventing top-down mandates. Influenced framework selection and engineering culture, and contributed innovative automation solutions. Recognized for driving technical excellence and fostering a high-performing, agile team environment.

KPMG (formerly Cynergy Systems) - Sr. Associate 2013-2016

Led distributed teams to deliver complex, multi-platform solutions for internal and client projects, driving technical strategy and process improvements across the organization. Architected and implemented scalable systems for sales, marketing, mobile, and government services, balancing business requirements, security, and global deployment needs. Provided technical and process oversight, mentoring engineers and fostering collaboration between in-house and offshore teams.

Championed automation, agile practices, and risk mitigation, resulting in more efficient development cycles and higher quality releases. Influenced framework selection, system architecture, and best practices for authentication, data retention, and compliance. Recognized for enabling transparent communication, empowering team members, and delivering innovative solutions that supported business growth and operational excellence.

Projects

Sales/CRM/Marketing Portal

Environment: Angular, HTML, JavaScript, ASP. Net, iOS, Cordova

Architected and led the development of a global sales tool, managing a team of 20+ developers and testers. Delivered offline support, global security compliance, and automated build, test, and deployment pipelines. Designed and implemented custom Cordova plugins for advanced authentication and data retention, supporting iPhone, iPad, and web clients across continents.

Mobile Assistant App

Environment: iOS, Objective-C, Swift, Java

Directed a hybrid team to build and maintain an iOS assistant app with PIM, news, and org chart features. Integrated Java web services and developed new authentication systems for global rollout. Oversaw VIP support, deployment planning, and account provisioning, ensuring seamless user experience and security.

Performance Review Portal

Environment: Angular, HTML, Javascript

Designed and implemented an internal portal for tracking employee goals, performance, and reviews, delivering robust front-end functionality and intuitive user workflows.

Government Services App

Environment: Java RESTful services, jBPM, Drools, iOS native, Android native, Angular

Integrated jBPM and Drools backends with mobile and web clients, enabling dynamic, user-driven government service processes. Simplified backend logic for non-developers, empowering users to create multi-step forms and workflows with minimal training.

Mobile Banking App

Environment: Angular, Cordova/PhoneGap, HTML, Javascript

Delivered a hybrid mobile banking app with photo check deposit and bill pay features, leveraging Cordova plugins for advanced image handling and secure transactions.

State Healthcare Portal

Environment: Oracle Siebel, LifeRay

Analyzed and improved a state healthcare portal, producing documentation, training materials, and plans for automated builds and multi-team coordination.

Technology News App

Environment: Backbone/Marionette, Cordova/PhoneGap, iOS, Android, HTML, JavaScript, Jenkins

Built a hybrid mobile news app with push notifications, video support, and secure authentication. Automated build and test processes, differentiating dev, QA, and release builds.

Framework for Hybrid Mobile Apps

Environment: Backbone/Marionette, Cordova/PhoneGap, iOS, Android, HTML, Javascript

Created a framework with a starter kit and component library for hybrid mobile apps, delivering native-like UI components and flexible build systems.

Design Management App

**Environment:* Backbone/Marionette, Cordova/PhoneGap, iOS, Android, HTML, JavaScript, NodeJS

Led a large team to develop a centralized design management app with social features, hotspot-based commenting, and innovative screen sharing using web sockets.

Android Based Automotive Scan Tool

**Environment:* Android Java

Led a team to develop an android based tablet for communicating with and diagnosing automotive computers. I wrote a custom launcher, several diagnostic apps including a real-time data feed from multiple connected sensors, a library app, and an Android service and content provider to share settings between the apps and the attached vehicle communications interface.

Plan B Game Studios - Part Owner 2009-2020

In 2009 I started a business with a friend to make games; initially for the Xbox 360 with XNA and what was then called Xbox Community Games. I learned many new skills like 3D modelling and texturing to support this business. My primary development roles were the engines and asset creation tools we used. We had to scale back our goals when we both got an offer to work with some really cool people on really cool projects. Game development is now just a hobby of mine.

I-Evolve Technology Services - Sr Software Engineer 2007-2009

I started at I-Evolve while still in college as a part time employee and quickly switched to full time employee and part time student. While at I-Evolve I worked on a variety of projects both large and small. Usually with small 2 to 4 person teams. I also had minor sysadmin and DBA tasks including setting up and managing database and web servers running windows and Linux as well as troubleshooting existing client databases.

Projects

Warehouse and Shiping Logistics App

Environment: FoxPro, C++, C#, WinForms

I maintained a logistics system for 2 years. It consisted of a FoxPro app to manage warehouse, shipping, and accounting data that worked in concert with a FoxPro web app and an embedded app on a set of handheld scanners. The source code was lost before I was brought on and I had to reverse engineer most of the system to fix problems as time went on. I spent a lot of time working with obfuscated decompiled source code trying to figure out why something in the database had gone wrong and what needed to be changed to fix it.

Service Ticket Tracking System

Environment: MySQL, PHP, C#, Windows Mobile

I built a support ticket and time tracking system. It allowed customers to request service or report problems which would be assigned to a tech with an email notification. It tracked how long the tech spent on each ticket and client retainers, these fed into a billing system and sent email notifications when retainers were low. It had a web interface for all features and a mobile app for the techs to manage their tickets.

School Portal App

Environment: ASP.net MVC, C#, HTML, JavaScript, SQL Server 2005

I built a portal site for a local school. It included a managed news feed (articles and an RSS feed), teacher blogs, a message board, and a file sharing system all based in ASP.net MVC. Initially I was working with the beta but upgraded to the 1.0 release before the project was done. This used a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 backend. I was responsible for all the code and the database.

Resort Webcam System

Environment: Java, Bash, C++

I upgraded an existing webcam system that was based on a bash script uploading jpegs via FTP to a webserver with a Java applet and custom C++ application and a different bash script that ran on the cameras to eliminate image tearing (when the current jpeg wasn't fully uploaded), and allowed each camera to upload multiple angles via controlling the PTZ unit. The result was that the images looked better, we went from 2 cameras on the site to 6 with no drop in fps, and we were able to better control bandwidth when users would leave the camera on all day.

Spam Filter

Environment: ASP.net MVC, C#, VBScript, WCF, Windows Mobile, Java, Blackberry Native

I built a plugin for a spam filter that tracks all rejected messages and allows them to be resent, viewed, and exported for analysis. I also built a website, WCF service, and mobile apps to view the log and resend messages.

Managed Network Appliance

Environment: MySQL, PHP, Bash

I built a rack mounted network appliance primarily intended as a managed firewall, but with other capabilities. It ran a custom Linux build and had a PHP and MySQL based web interface as well as shell access.

Paid Event Wi-Fi Hotspots

Environment: MySQL, ASP. Net, Mono, HTML, Javascript

I upgraded and maintained a Wi-Fi Hotspot system installed at multiple sites each with many individual access points. It allowed users to purchase time much like the ones you see at hotels and convention centers.

Education, Certifications, and Awards

KPMG Encore Trophy 2015 KPMG Encore Trophy 2014 State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 2004-2007 Adirondack Community College -- AS Computer Science, 2001-2004 Microsoft MCPD Microsoft Official Course -- Implementing a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database, 2008 Microsoft Official Course -- Maintaining a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database, 2008

Hobbies

Game Development, Guitar, Drums, LEGO, Painting, Woodworking