Portfolio

Nick Daria

Software Engineer

About Me

Software engineer at HP Tuners specializing in low-level reverse engineering, security, and patching.

Outside of work, I enjoy automotive performance, aviation, homelabbing, and college football.

Skills

Software

C++

Java

Rust

JavaScript

TypeScript

Bash scripting

Hardware

Schematic design (KiCad)

PCB layout (KiCad)

Embedded

Yocto

ESP-IDF

FreeRTOS

Bootloader design

Reverse Engineering

Ghidra

x86

ARM

V850

RH850

SH-2A

Workflow

LLM Workflows

AWS

Azure DevOps

Git

GitHub

TFS

Visual Studio

VS Code

Automotive

CAN/CAN-FD, K-Line, ISO-TP (ISO 15765-2), UDS (ISO 14229), and J1939 (SAE); vehicle networks, calibration, and controller programming.

Systems and infrastructure

Linux and Windows internals, network architecture, AWS, database design, and secured Windows deployments.

Experience

HP Tuners

Vehicle Engineer
October 2024 – Present

Reverse engineer and modify automotive controller firmware, including the extraction and analysis of binaries, exploitation and reimplementation of security and programming routines, and development of custom code patches to extend OEM control strategies. Identify and define vehicle calibration parameters to enable advanced tuning and diagnostic capabilities.

Develop and bring up custom embedded Linux images using Yocto for security-focused hardware platforms. Design and implement end-of-line programming and testing fixtures for production environments. Participate in engineering recruitment and technical site visits.

Kinematix Engineering

Software Engineer
May 2021 – October 2024 · Continued support contract

Developed embedded software platforms for safety-critical industrial controllers and human interface devices (HIDs). Designed and reverse engineered automotive CAN networks and electrical systems, and developed advanced vehicle diagnostic and programming software.

Designed and implemented end-of-line programming and testing fixtures to support manufacturing and production workflows. Produced technical documentation tailored to audiences with varying levels of engineering expertise.

UA Center for Advanced Public Safety

Software Development Intern
Spring 2019

Interdisciplinary research internship implementing web technologies for Alabama State contracts

Education

The University of Alabama

August 2019 – May 2023

Earned a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration on a full presidential scholarship
Participated in undergraduate research while working in software development throughout college
Completed computer science and electrical and computer engineering coursework

Northridge High School

August 2015 – May 2019

Scored 30 on the ACT and 5 on the AP Computer Science exam
Completed seven college-level courses through UA Early College