Tom Slankard
About Tom Slankard
Tom Slankard is a Staff Software Engineer with extensive experience in network and systems programming, currently working at Ouster in San Francisco. He has a background in computer science and electrical engineering from UC Davis and has held various engineering roles in organizations such as RespiraWorks and earthmine inc.
Work at Ouster
Tom Slankard has been employed at Ouster as a Staff Software Engineer since 2023. His role involves contributing to the development of advanced software solutions in the field of LiDAR technology. Ouster is known for its innovative approach to 3D sensing, and Slankard's expertise in network and systems programming enhances the company's capabilities in this area. His work environment is hybrid, allowing for flexibility between remote and in-office collaboration in San Francisco, California.
Previous Experience in Software Engineering
Prior to his current position at Ouster, Tom Slankard held various roles in software engineering. He worked as a Software Engineer at RespiraWorks for five months in 2020, focusing on remote projects in Berkeley, California. From 2008 to 2012, he served as a Software Architect at earthmine inc., where he contributed to software development in Berkeley, CA. Additionally, he gained research experience as a Graduate Student Researcher at UC Davis and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Education and Expertise
Tom Slankard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, completing his studies from 2001 to 2005. His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive experience in network and systems programming, embedded systems, and technologies such as OpenGL, AWS, Jenkins, and Docker. Slankard specializes in mapping and GIS, GNSS, and LiDAR technologies, and has developed desktop GUI applications for scientific visualization.
Mentorship and Teaching
In addition to his engineering roles, Tom Slankard actively mentors engineers and teaches software design principles and computer science concepts. His commitment to education and knowledge sharing reflects his dedication to fostering the next generation of software professionals. Slankard's experience in automated software testing and build systems further supports his ability to guide others in best practices within the software development field.
Background in Game Development
Tom Slankard has also worked on game development projects, showcasing his versatility in software engineering. This experience complements his technical skills and enhances his understanding of user interface design and interactive software. His background in game development contributes to his overall expertise in creating engaging and effective software solutions.