# Aidan Gallagher

Software Engineer

- Website: <https://aidangallagher.co.uk>
- PDF: <https://aidangallagher.co.uk/GallagherResume.pdf>

## Experience

### Cloudflare

**Senior Systems Engineer** - Jun 2024 - Present

- Develop and support Cloudflare's custom SONiC images (Linux-based network operating system).
- Designed the SONiC build infrastructure - patch management, CI pipeline, automated backporting, and an AI build-failure analyzer.
- Introduced Containerlab-based virtual testbeds to validate images and reproduce issues on demand.
- Created net-lab-tooling, a suite of composable CLIs and AI-agent skills that automate lab operations (installation, debugging, validation).

### AT&T Labs / Ciena (Vyatta Division)

_[Ciena acquired AT&T's Vyatta division](https://www.ciena.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/ciena-expands-edge-and-5g-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-vyatta-routing-and-switching-technology-from-att.html) during my tenure._

**Software Engineer** - Apr 2021 - Jun 2024

- Developed Vyatta (Linux-based network operating system) using Python, Go & C.
- Conducted technical hiring interviews.
- Delivered technical training sessions to customer support and to graduate engineers.
- Created [debpic](https://github.com/aidan-gallagher/debpic), a containerised build tool for developers & CI systems. Compared to the previous tool it is 4x faster, requires 3x less lines of code in every Jenkinsfile, 2x more reliable, and more intuitive.
- Enhanced modularity by refactoring the quality of service (QoS) module within the data plane.

### Leonardo

**Senior Software Engineer** - Sep 2017 - Apr 2021

- Developed mission-critical software for a next-generation radar system. From the project's inception, I played a key role in defining the architecture, deciding on the technologies, and forming processes.
- Held reviews and made high-level decisions covering all stages of the development life cycle (requirements, design, implementation & test).
- Helped the company's first agile transformation project as a certified SAFe Advanced Scrum Master.
- Responsible for breaking down, estimating and prioritising tasks as part of the project's agile workflow.
- Utilised my strong understanding of C++ to develop new components, port legacy code and review pull requests.
- Architected the template for the component white box design which is now used across multiple teams.
- Wrote and maintained the build system (CMake) and CI pipeline (Jenkins & Python).
- Identified repetitive tasks and implemented Python scripts to automate them to improve team performance.
- Mentored engineers in multiple technical areas (C++, CMake, Jenkins, software design).
- Discussed strategic technical decisions as a member of the company architecture forum.

### Army Reserves (4th Battalion Parachute Regiment)

**Reservist** - Sep 2013 - Present

- Developed a wide range of transferable soft skills including leadership, management, teamwork, and communication.
- Achieved level 5 certificate in management and leadership from the Chartered Management Institute.

## Skills

- **Programming**: Python, Bash, Go, C++, C
- **Build Systems**: Make, CMake, Meson
- **Linux**: Debian, Packaging, systemd, Docker, Kernel
- **Networking**: SONiC, Containerlab, iproute2, ONIE
- **CI Systems**: GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins
- **AI Tooling**: OpenCode, MCP, Workers AI, AutoRAG

## Education

**Heriot-Watt University** - Sep 2012 - Jul 2017

MEng Computing and Electronics - Distinction