Hi, I'm Kay Vekos, a passionate software engineer specializing in game development and software architecture. I've had the pleasure of working on exciting projects like State of Decay 3 and FIFA '22, where I focused on building core game systems, implementing automated testing frameworks, and integrating complex gameplay features. I'm skilled in C++ and Unreal Engine 5, and I enjoy collaborating with designers and engineers to bring innovative ideas to life. I thrive in dynamic team environments, regularly participating in playtests and providing constructive feedback to enhance gameplay experiences. Beyond the technical side, I advocate for best practices such as Test-First Development and enjoy mentoring others. Seattle has been my base while I continue to grow professionally and contribute to the future of gaming.

Kay Vekos

Hi, I'm Kay Vekos, a passionate software engineer specializing in game development and software architecture. I've had the pleasure of working on exciting projects like State of Decay 3 and FIFA '22, where I focused on building core game systems, implementing automated testing frameworks, and integrating complex gameplay features. I'm skilled in C++ and Unreal Engine 5, and I enjoy collaborating with designers and engineers to bring innovative ideas to life. I thrive in dynamic team environments, regularly participating in playtests and providing constructive feedback to enhance gameplay experiences. Beyond the technical side, I advocate for best practices such as Test-First Development and enjoy mentoring others. Seattle has been my base while I continue to grow professionally and contribute to the future of gaming.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Kay Vekos, a passionate software engineer specializing in game development and software architecture. I’ve had the pleasure of working on exciting projects like State of Decay 3 and FIFA '22, where I focused on building core game systems, implementing automated testing frameworks, and integrating complex gameplay features. I’m skilled in C++ and Unreal Engine 5, and I enjoy collaborating with designers and engineers to bring innovative ideas to life.

I thrive in dynamic team environments, regularly participating in playtests and providing constructive feedback to enhance gameplay experiences. Beyond the technical side, I advocate for best practices such as Test-First Development and enjoy mentoring others. Seattle has been my base while I continue to grow professionally and contribute to the future of gaming.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Software Engineer 2 at Undead Labs, LLC.
August 1, 2021 - September 1, 2024
Served as the primary engineer on several core game systems for State of Decay 3, a multi-platform networked third-person shooter running on Unreal Engine 5. Designed and implemented inventory systems including networking, sorting algorithms, serialization, and APIs for UI models. Developed crafting systems using data-driven design and timing APIs. Created projectile prediction and input device detection functionalities. Integrated Unreal Engine plugins and contributed to gameplay ability system architecture. Led research and implementation of automated testing frameworks and authored process documents and guides. Designed paper prototypes for gameplay loop testing and actively participated in play tests to provide feedback.
Software Engineer 2 at Electronic Arts Inc.
June 1, 2019 - August 1, 2021
Worked on FIFA '22 implementing frontend features in C++ and ActionScript, debugging client bugs and memory leaks, and collaborating with backend and UI teams to ensure task readiness. Participated in code reviews and migrated deprecated UI frameworks. Developed the Unity Automation Framework (UAF) for Plants vs. Zombies 3, integrating automation testing hooks across multiple game systems. Maintained C++ code interfacing with combat engine assembly and implemented a combat simulator for testing AI scripts and telemetry. Advocated test-first development practices and mentored engineers. Supported cross-platform automation testing pipelines and CI/CD processes. Collaborated with ML R&D teams for AI-driven combat testing. Actively contributed to software engineering processes and documentation. Participated in game ideation and beta launches.
Software Engineer at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
June 1, 2012 - June 1, 2019
Led development of an Angular web application replacing a legacy desktop client with full stack development using ASP.NET Core, Node.js, Angular, and SQL Server. Designed UI/UX and implemented APIs with extensive documentation. Utilized test-first development methodologies and managed global teams across multiple time zones. Developed and debugged across .NET Framework, Windows Forms, C#, C++, and Visual Basic for healthcare diagnostic products. Diagnosed and fixed performance issues spanning SQL Server to client software. Operated in a regulated environment with extensive code reviews and documentation, successfully shipping multiple product releases worldwide.

Education

Bachelor of Science at University of Massachusetts Amherst
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Software & Internet, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate

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