Robert Walch
Principal Engineer, Video Player at JW Player
http://www.robwalch.com/
rob@robwalch.com
+1 (707) 925-2432

Summary

Front end engineering lead with extensive product and services experience in media, advertising, and mobile industries. Builds software with a special focus on web performance and compatibility.

Skills
– Front End Development: JavaScript, HTML5 (Canvas, Video/Audio, MSE, WebGL, CSS3), SCSS, Webpack/Rollup, npm, XHR, JSON/XML
– Libraries and APIs: hls.js, jwplayer, video.js, Google Analytics
– Testing: karma, mocha, chai, sinon, wdio, cucumber
– Bash shell, HomeBrew package management on OS X, automated testing, and site deployment
– Source Control: Git, open-source, and private project management on github.com
– Media Encoding: FFmpeg, x264, HEVC, HLS/DASH/mp4, AWS MediaConvert
– Data analysis: Looker, Mode Analytics
– Back End: Apache, PHP, MySQL, RESTful Web Services
– Familiar with: Swift, Objective‑C, Java
Experience
Principal Software Engineer, Video Player
1/2017 – Present
Lead Software Engineer, Web Player
10/2013 – 1/2017
New York, NY
– Maintain JW Player web video player library
– Maintain open-source video-dev/hls.js project
– Develop components of iOS and Android SDKs
– Troubleshoot streaming media issues
– Manage day to day engineering activities of the web player team
– Work with product managers on development and sprint planning based on product roadmap
– Develop and enhance web player features, including HLS transmuxing and playback
– Optimize code for performance and stability
Web Developer
7/2011 – 10/2013
New York, NY
– Senior Front End Developer building and deploying websites for large scale clients
– Build responsive HTML5 sites for desktop and mobile using a variety of open source libraries
– Facebook Application Development with PHP and JavaScript Facebook APIs
– Capture key goal oriented campaign metrics with Google Analytics and other tracking tools
Web and Mobile Software Developer
2/2010 – 6/2011
New York, NY
– Lead Developer on multiple website projects for clients such as HBO, TNT, CMT, Porsche, Esquire and Urban Daddy
– Architected Facebook Connect applications for client websites
– Developed HTML5 Mobile Website WebKit enabled browsers (iPhone, iPad. Android, WebOS)
– iOS app development and prototyping
– Setup and ran software versioning, website deployment, testing and bug tracking systems
– OpenGL optimization and programming for 2010 Esquire House real-time 3D installation
Product Development Manager
7/2007 – 10/2009
New York, NY
– Responsible for mobile product development from concept to delivery
– Define functional specs, content requirements, information architecture and interaction design
– Build and deploy applications to the App Store with iTunes Connect
– Flash and ActionScript development for websites, on-air and mobile prototypes
– Work with multiple brands, technology teams and vendors (MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon)
Senior Client-Side Developer
5/2005 – 7/2007
New York, NY
– UI design and development for J2ME phones, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile
– Translate business logic and functional requirements into elegant and usable interface designs
– Create database schemas and xml messaging specs for wireless devices and adapters
– Implement advanced features such as GPS tracking, Bluetooth barcode scanning and printing using device APIs and peripheral socket connection protocols
– Code client-side portion of wireless applications in J2ME, C++, XML, XPATH and Java-based scripting language
Lead Developer
3/2003 – 5/2005
New York, NY
– CD-ROM and Web development with Lingo and ActionScript
– Develop interactive presentation engine with Director and Flash
– Create application architecture, documentation and prototypes
– Leverage Flash technology in Director and on mobile devices
Senior Lingo Programmer
2002-2003
New York, NY
– Create new functionality and optimize existing code for interactive presentations
– Streamline integration of code on large scale projects
Shockwave3D Developer
2002
New York, NY
– Develop prototype system for viewing interactive 3D maps
– Incorporate existing map data, graphics, and 3D assets of New York City into 3D demo
– Optimize 3D geometry and textures for best performance and quality
– Program UI, Camera Control and all other elements of the application
Director Expert Presentation Consultant:
ABC Primetime, ABC ESPN Sports, ABC Primetime
New York, NY
– Build and update presentation slides and animation for broadcast
– Operate graphics station for ABC’s Live Event
– Manage production flow with operators, designers and directors

Shockwave Programmer
2000-2002
New York, NY
– Design and program Shockwave “Lecture Player” and system
– Synchronize Flash, QuickTime, RealVideo, Shockwave3D and subtitle text playback
– Directed producers, designers and asset creators on how to optimize playback, bandwidth and synchronization of animations with video soundtrack
– Develop 3D animations for Shockwave with 3DStudio Max and Lingo
– Created subtitle tool to aid production in performing the repetitive task of integrating transcript text documents
Lingo Programmer / Multimedia Trainer
1999 – 2001
New York, NY
– Developed Computer Based Training (CBT) CD-ROMs for Berlitz and Canon
– Programmer, Media Doctor and Support Specialist for Berlitz Online English Placement Test and Pepsi Cola CBT CD-ROM
– Certified Instructor of Macromedia’s Authorized Curriculum for: Macromedia Director 6-7, Flash 3-4, Dreamweaver 3, Fireworks 3
– Instructor and Course Developer for Strata Studio Pro 3D workshop
– Taught medium size classes and one-on-one training
Education
9/1994- 6/1996
New York, NY
Majored in Computer Art, Illustration and Cartooning
Additional Information
Links
– Website https://www.robwalch.com
– GitHub https://github.com/robwalch

References
Professional references will be provided upon request