Nick Pourazima

Software Developer | Signal Processing | Technical Lead

image

Experienced Software Developer with expertise in integrating advanced signal processing into mission-critical systems. Proven track record in managing complex software projects, bridging R&D and development, and leading cross-functional teams. Expertise in acoustic signal processing, machine learning, and real-time system optimization, with a focus on reliability and performance in high-consequence environments.


Work Experience

Technical Lead

LufCo | 08/22 - Present

Led multiple high-impact projects, leveraging advanced signal processing and software development techniques to enhance the capabilities of defense technologies.

  • Led Sensor Fusion Development: Spearheaded the development of a sensor fusion data collection Android application capable of streaming high-throughput data to a server on demand using gRPC and Protocol Buffers. Architected the backend using a Go-based Docker Compose stack and leveraged NATS for command and control (C2).
  • Full-Stack Development: Designed and implemented a custom API to interface seamlessly with a React and TypeScript frontend, enabling remote application triggering and ensuring efficient data handling across the entire system.
  • MLOps Pipeline Deployment: Engineered an end-to-end MLOps pipeline and provisioned dual servers configured as a multi-node, multi-drive MinIO S3 bucket storage solution.
  • Machine Learning: Developed a full GPU-based RF IQ intake system using NVIDIA Holoscan, deploying an RF spectrum-based segmentation model for modulation and cellular technology classification.
  • Signal Processing Expertise: Integrated advanced signal processing techniques within the SignalQ system, significantly enhancing real-time gunshot detection, classification, and localization, leading to successive victories with the Army customer.
  • SBIR Proposal Success: Authored and managed a winning SBIR proposal, securing funding on the first submission and aligning the company’s R&D strategy with defense sector priorities.

DSP Engineer / Software Developer

Lead engineer on a spectrum surveying project, focusing on full signal chain pipeline for wideband receiver archival and analysis.

  • Programmed NVIDIA GPU using CUDA for fast PSD streaming.
  • Built GNU Radio OOT Module to support Xmidas file types.
  • Utilized ZMQ load-balancing for constant parameterization of pre-d stream.

Audio Software Engineer

Developed a suite of audio metrics using Python for the Portal product line, enabling deeper vocal analytics.

Hardware Engineer II

Designed a prototype to measure the HRTF from the ground up.

  • Obtained full safety compliance (acoustic, biocompatibility, electronic).
  • Lead inventor on two patents.
  • Built a PDM to AES MEMS digital audio converter PCB board in Altium, which has since ramped up to full-scale production and is utilized in a capture space.

Acoustic Engineer

Worked as part of a small agile-run research team on cutting-edge 3D Audio applications and innovative technologies.

  • Conducted soundfield reconstruction research and large-scale audio test and measurement deployment.

Audio Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University | 08/16 - 08/18

Set up, recorded, and mixed live concerts, ensembles, small groups, and private auditions throughout CMU theaters and off-site venues.

  • Gained experience in microphone recording techniques and live mixing.

Technical Sales Engineer

Rohde & Schwarz | 07/13 - 07/16

Consulted technical solutions for 5G and other leading-edge projects at Qualcomm, San Diego, tailoring test and measurement equipment to their requirements.

  • Established automation methods and crafted new tools to streamline the sales process.
  • Conducted demonstrations and presentations tailored to customer requirements.
  • Gained in-depth knowledge of RF and other bench-top equipment, including radio base station emulators, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes.

Firmware Test Engineer

Western Digital | 07/11 - 07/13

Drafted test plans and procedures per specifications of the branded product line (NAS, routers, WDTV), bringing up these products from initial spec to final deployment.

  • Managed projects and automated testing for all new online services on WDTV product line.

Projects

Haptic Metronome

Graduate Thesis @CMU

Developed a haptic metronome wearable device to fill the space between beats and provide a more meaningful gestural system than typical audible metronomes.

Prototyped a wearable device and app for sharing moods with loved ones, promoting emotional awareness.

Sound Design - Phipps Conservatory: Butterfly Lounge

Experimental Sound Synthesis @CMU

Created a dynamic sound environment tracking butterfly flight via motion sensors at Phipps Conservatory, attracting over 125,000 visitors.

Founder - New Age Baby Monitor

Senior Design Project @UCI

Created a low-cost, multi-sensor wearable baby monitor for SIDS risk factors using Arduino Fio with Xbee radios, an electret mic, accelerometer, and temperature sensor to monitor baby positioning and vitals.