---
name: Paul Halvorsen
keywords: software engineer, python, golang, rust, java, c, javascript, docker, kubernetes, aws, ci/cd, testing, rest api, mysql, distributed systems
left-column:
    - "Email: paul.halvorsen@pm.me"
    - "Phone: +1-410-236-4665"
right-column:
    - "GitHub: github.com/malwhile"
    - "LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-halvorsen"
    - "Blog: flow.halvo.me"
fontsize: 10pt
fontenc: T1
urlcolor: blue
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---

## Summary

Software engineer with 15+ years of development experience building scalable systems and applications. Expertise in Python, Go, Rust, Java, and C; REST APIs; database design; and performance optimization. Experience across infrastructure, backend systems, and full-stack development. Strong foundation in automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and distributed systems.

## Technical Skills

**Languages:** Python, Go, Rust, Java, C, C++, JavaScript, PHP

**Databases:** MySQL, SQLite, Postgres

**Infrastructure & Tools:** Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, GitLab CI/CD, Git, Pytest, automated testing

**Specializations:** Systems programming, API design, performance optimization, security, TDD

## Experience

### Abnormal AI
**Software Engineer** | \resumedate{**January 2026 – Present**}

- Microservices and data aggregation systems serving customers across US, EU, and government regions
- Python and Go backend services; REST APIs and data processing pipelines
- Kubernetes infrastructure: 10 auto-scaling clusters in AWS
- Real-time and long-term data management; aggregation pipelines for efficiency
- Performance optimization through compression and smart scaling strategies
- Cross-team collaboration in monorepo environment
- Team of 5 engineers delivering features and platform reliability

### Binary Defense
**Sr Software Engineer** | \resumedate{**April 2022 – October 2025**}

- Applications protecting thousands of Fortune 500 company endpoints across Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Rust development: tokio, cargo, cross-compilation, unit testing
- Python microservices: REST APIs, event aggregation, data pipelines
- Performance optimization: reduced CPU 90%, memory 60%, network traffic 80%
- Encrypted SQLite databases and secure key storage
- GitLab CI/CD pipelines with Docker (Linux/Windows) and VM testing
- Public key pinning and certificate transparency for secure API design
- Designed RFCs and architecture decision records driving technical direction

### Kyrus Tech
**Sr Software Engineer** | \resumedate{**November 2020 – April 2022**}

- Test-driven development: C, Python/Pytest, Docker, GitLab CI/CD
- Covert communications proxy: HTTPS, Apache Thrift, REST APIs
- Router fingerprinting and vulnerability analysis on Android platforms
- Linux kernel modifications for system monitoring

### Parsons
**Cyber Security Software Engineer** | \resumedate{**April 2018 – November 2020**}

- Modular Windows application in C, C++, Python with distributed plugin architecture
- Custom API design for minimal bandwidth communications
- AES-encrypted storage and communications
- Backend file storage service: Java, Tomcat, NiFi, nginx, Hadoop, MySQL, LDAP, RBAC
- File upload APIs and metadata generation for search functionality

### NSA
**Security Software Engineer** | \resumedate{**November 2011 – April 2018**}

- Browser security platform: PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, Python, MySQL, Java
- REST and JSON APIs for data transfer between targets and backend servers
- Dynamic UI with real-time data visualization, graphs, and charts
- MySQL database design and optimization for enumeration and exploitation data
- Vulnerability mitigation strategies for military and government customers
- Training and documentation for operators and developers

**Systems Engineer** | \resumedate{**September 2009 – November 2011**}

- Deployment and maintenance of 30+ systems with 130+ RHEL servers
- LDAP, DNS, Apache, NiFi, Hadoop, Puppet, DHCP, PXE services
- Python monitoring, reporting, and issue correction scripts
- 24x7 call-in rotation rotation coordination and team training

### Salisbury University

**Software Developer** | \resumedate{**November 2006 – May 2008**}

- Simplified UI and scenario builder for Satellite Tool Kit (STK) in Managed C++
- Risk assessment scenarios for launch vehicles and UAVs
- GIS collaboration for mapping and visualization

**Lab Administrator** | \resumedate{**September 2007 – May 2009**}

- Linux lab maintenance: dual boot OpenSUSE/WindowsXP, server administration
- Backups, updates, user management (LDAP), disk quotas, remote access

## Open Source & Personal Projects

- **testct & ctclient** (Rust) – Certificate Transparency testing and monitoring tools
- **sjles-pta-vote** (Go, TypeScript, React) – Full-stack community voting platform
- **baseball-nn** (Python) – Machine learning project with neural networks
- **date-scanned-pics** (Python) – EXIF metadata utility for photo organization

## Education

- **Master of Science, Computer Science** – University of Maryland Baltimore County (2013)
  Thesis: "Stateless Detection of Malicious Traffic: Emphasis on User Privacy"
- **Bachelor of Science, Computer Science** – Salisbury University (2009)
  Magna Cum Laude
- **Royal Military College (RMC Canada)** – Training in OpenBSD development and administration

## Additional

- Presentations: RedBlue Conference (web enumeration/exploitation), NCUR (STK scenario development)
- SANS courses for current security research
- Homelab: Proxmox virtualization, email, cloud storage, DNS, multimedia, genealogy, web services