Tanner Lovelace

Profile

With over 20 years of software engineering experience, I have developed, designed, and implemented various applications and solutions using C++, Swift, Java, and other languages and technologies. I have worked on projects ranging from endpoint systems management, network modeling and simulation, data warehousing, and cross-platform GUI development, across multiple operating systems and platforms, including macOS, Linux, Unix, and Windows.

At the core of my work is a commitment to helping organizations transform complex technical requirements into reliable, maintainable software that moves their mission forward. Whether optimizing deployment pipelines, designing cross-platform tools, or building backend systems that quietly power mission-critical operations, I focus on clarity, resilience, and scalability. I thrive in roles where the engineering challenges are intricate but the goal is simple -- build systems that empower users, reduce operational risk, and align seamlessly with strategic objectives. It’s this blend of technical depth and practical problem-solving that allows me to make a lasting impact, no matter the industry or platform.

Experience

Raytheon

Aurora, CO

Principal Java/C++ Software Engineer

Jan 2025 - Present

  • Worked on a practice mission management system to help new developers get familiar with Raytheon tools and workflows before joining cleared programs.
  • Built backend features using Java and Spring Boot focusing on clear structure, maintainable code, and solid functionality.
  • Wrote many unit tests to check backend behavior and improve reliability across different parts of the codebase.
  • Helped build a front-end interface using JavaScript and Three.js, including interactive 3D displays for satellite data.
  • Took part in daily collaboration with other local developers – reviewing code, discussing design choices, and sharing what we learned as we built out the mock system.
  • Spent time learning internal processes, build tools, and secure coding practices to be ready to contribute right away after receiving clearance.
  • Java
  • C++
  • Spring Framework
  • Spring Boot
  • Javascript
  • MySQL
  • ThreeJS
  • Git

Quest Software (formerly Dell Software Group)

Remote

Principal Software Engineer

May 2013 - Aug 2023

  • 100% Full-time Remote
  • Programmed in C++, Swift, and Go on the KACE Agent Team for macOS and Linux systems management.
  • Managed the Mac and Linux installation processes including installer creation, signing, notarization set up, and maintenance.
  • Initiated and managed multi-platform continuous integration build servers on Atlassian Bamboo and Github Runners.
  • Developed various macOS programs in Swift and SwiftUI to display endpoint agent status.
  • C++
  • Swift
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • GitHub
  • Object-Oriented Programming

Riverbed Technology (formerly OPNET)

Cary, NC

Senior Software Engineer

May 2005 - May 2013

  • Held D.O.D. Secret Clearance
  • Java programming for a mature network modeling package.
  • Java
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • XML
  • Apache Tomcat
  • Installer

Providence Software Solutions

Cary, NC

Senior Software Engineer

Sep 2004 - Apr 2005

  • Developed in C, C++, and Java for cross-platform GUI development under several operating systems, including MS-Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, and AIX.
  • Established and managed testing and release processes for a cross-platform GUI toolkit.
  • Evaluated and implemented a migration from a legacy source code repository to a modern, Subversion-based system, which included completely rewriting the build system using CMake to be cross-platform.
  • C++
  • CMake
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Subversion

Oculan

Raleigh, NC

Software Engineer

Apr 2002 - May 2004

  • Designed and implemented a real-time network monitoring system using C++ and Java, including Java Servlet Pages under Apache Tomcat.
  • Developed two small-footprint Linux distributions for use on embedded systems with compact flash.
  • C++
  • Java
  • Linux
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Red Hat Linux

DCS Corporation

Alexandria, VA

Software Engineer

Dec 1994 - Jun 1998

  • Held D.O.D. Secret Clearance
  • Designed and implemented virtual reality tank simulators on a contract for the US Army using C++ on SGI with Performer, OpenGL, Designer’s Workbench and MultiGen.
  • C++
  • 3D Graphics
  • Virtual Reality (VR)
  • Unix
  • 3D Modeling

Projects

Gallery::Remote Perl Module

Open Source

A Perl extension for interacting with the remote protocol of the Gallery photo management software.

KDE on macOS

Open Source

Assisted with the conversion to the CMake build system focusing on macOS specific issues and with porting KDE libraries and applications to run natively under macOS.

CMake

Open Source

Extended CMake’s support for application searching to include macOS application bundles.

Publications

CACert - World-class Security at the Right Price

Linux Magazine - September 2006

CMake - The Cross Platform Build System

Linux Magazine - July 2006

photo of me

Education

MS Computer Science

Johns Hopkins University
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BS Computer Science

Southern Adventist University
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BA Spanish

Southern Adventist University
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Graduate work

University of North Carolina
Specialized in 3D Graphics

Skills

    • Technical


    • C++
    • Swift
    • Java
    • Perl
    • Python
    • Software Engineering
    • Object-oriented Design
    • macOS Installers
    • Linux packaging
    • Git
    • GitHub
    • CMake
    • Build Systems

      Professional


    • Lead and deliver complex software systems
    • Effective communication
    • Team player
    • Strong problem solver

Languages

  • English
    Native
  • Spanish
    Conversational

Interests

  • Triathlon
  • Cycling
  • Reading
  • Traveling
  • Music