Hi, I’m Leonard Chen! 👋

I’m a software engineer from Canada, with a keen interest in C++, Swift, iOS, Game Development, Embedded Systems, and IoT. I thrive on turning ideas into reality through creative technology.

Beyond coding, I enjoy skiing, hiking, photography, and exploring my fascination with airplanes and aviation.

As a gamer, my favorites include Overwatch 2, Battlefield 2042, City: Skylines 2, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, where I find both inspiration and fun.

What I’m passionate about

Programming has always been my creative outlet and a source of endless curiosity. I have a deep appreciation for programming languages, particularly static, strongly-typed ones like C++ and Swift. Among them, Swift holds a special place as my favorite for its expressiveness, safety, and performance, while C++ fascinates me with its power and flexibility for low-level programming and performance-critical applications.

I’m fascinated by low-level systems and the intricate workings of computer systems, operating systems, and the LLVM compiler infrastructure. I have a particular interest in Unix-like operating systems, especially Darwin, which powers macOS and iOS. Exploring how these systems are structured and how they underpin modern software ecosystems fuels my curiosity and passion. Understanding how things work under the hood drives me to explore tools and technologies that power the software we use every day.

I have a strong passion for designing and building user interfaces that not only look great but also provide smooth, intuitive experiences. I enjoy incorporating subtle animations that enhance the interactivity and polish of the application. Whether it’s creating functional desktop or mobile apps or crafting interactive command-line tools, I love the process of turning design into a seamless user experience.

Game engines and game development captivate me, especially working with Unreal Engine. Designing interactive worlds and bringing them to life through code is a perfect blend of technical and creative problem-solving.

I’m passionate about building tools that developers rely on, whether it’s libraries, frameworks, or utilities that simplify their workflows and solve complex problems efficiently.

I also love making apps for iOS and macOS, turning ideas into polished, functional applications that users can rely on for their everyday needs.

Automation is another area I’m passionate about. From writing build pipelines to optimizing CI/CD workflows or scripting repetitive tasks, I find joy in creating efficient systems that streamline development.

At my core, I love creating tools, experiences, and systems that empower others, improve workflows, and make technology more accessible and enjoyable.

Work

I’m currently a Master of Engineering student in Computing and Software at McMaster University, supervised by Professor Ned Nedialkov. My research focuses on Numerical Methods and Automatic Differentiation, with interests in High-Performance Computing and Computer Graphics. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

For a more detailed explanation, feel free to read my resume.

Previous

Alibaba Group

At Alibaba Group, as an iOS Software Engineer, I worked on the Freshippo app, a high-traffic grocery shopping platform. I developed a Bluetooth-based smart in-store navigation system using Beacon signals, MapKit, and CoreLocation, enabling precise indoor positioning to improve user experience. I also optimized app compilation outputs by leveraging LLVM, clang, and swiftc, which improved performance and reduced build times. To streamline team workflows, I created a CocoaPods plugin for automating dependency management and maintained CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, ensuring efficient build and release processes. My contributions also included implementing accessibility features such as dynamic font resizing and VoiceOver support, enhancing the app’s inclusivity.

Tuya Inc.

At Tuya Inc., I contributed to the development of the Tuya Smart App, a global platform for smart home IoT devices. I designed and implemented a desktop application using Docker to emulate IoT hardware such as ESP32, Zigbee, and Bluetooth LE, which enabled developers to test devices without physical hardware. I also automated SDK build and publishing pipelines for CocoaPods, Swift Package Manager, and Carthage, significantly reducing release times. As part of a macOS VPN transformation project, I rewrote the VPN logic using Objective-C++, achieving a 98% connection success rate by improving stability and edge case handling.

Hobbies

When I’m not immersed in code or research, I find my escape and inspiration in the great outdoors and creative pursuits. Skiing down powdery slopes and hiking through scenic trails fuel my love for adventure and keep me connected to nature. With a camera in hand, I strive to capture the beauty of these fleeting moments, turning them into lasting memories through photography.

My fascination with airplanes and aviation takes me to new heights — quite literally in virtual skies. Whether it’s learning about aircraft mechanics or soaring above breathtaking landscapes in Microsoft Flight Simulator, my passion for flight offers endless discovery and excitement.

Gaming is another world where I find inspiration and fun. From the high-energy battles of Overwatch 2 to the strategic creativity of Cities: Skylines 2 and the immersive intensity of Battlefield 2042, gaming challenges me to think critically while letting me unwind in vibrant virtual worlds.

These hobbies are more than just pastimes — they’re my way of exploring creativity, fueling curiosity, and finding inspiration that often reflects back into my work and life.