Drake Backman

Drake Backman has a significant amount of work experience in the software engineering field. Drake started their career at Novell, where they worked as a Senior Software Engineer and SuperLab Technical Lead. At Novell, they designed and maintained software for ZENworks imaging and automated computer setups for scalability and load testing.

After their time at Novell, Drake joined digEcor, Inc. as a Senior Engineer and Manager of Engineering. Drake was responsible for developing player software and global content distribution systems for in-flight entertainment media players. Drake also became an expert in secure encryption and storage of Hollywood movies.

Drake then moved on to Move Networks, where they served as a Senior Principal Engineer. In this role, they provided technical leadership for client teams developing video applications for various platforms, such as Roku, Android, and AppleTV. Drake also designed a server-side DAI solution and new video player architecture.

Following their stint at Move Networks, Drake joined Sling TV. Initially, they worked as an Architect/Senior Manager, where they led a large organization of developers and managed the development of streaming video players across multiple platforms. Drake also spearheaded the implementation of NextGen video players. Later, they took on the role of Sr Principal Architect, where they helped create and promote a comprehensive architectural vision for Sling TV.

Drake then transitioned to ViacomCBS, where they served as a Director of Software Engineering. Drake led teams responsible for operational visibility and viewer experience in live streaming events. Drake implemented a commitment-based Scrum/agile process and designed a virtual "war room" for monitoring and controlling the live streaming of Super Bowl LV.

Most recently, Drake joined Pluto TV as the Sr Director of AdTech Engineering. Drake leads a large team of software developers across multiple teams and continents to deliver and maintain a programmatic advertising system for the global streaming platform. Drake'swork focuses on individual, regional, and device-based ad targeting, as well as maximizing CPMs for Pluto TV's inventory.

In summary, Drake Backman has a diverse and extensive work experience in software engineering, with a focus on video streaming, media players, and ad tech. Drake has held various leadership positions and has demonstrated a strong ability to lead and grow teams, implement effective processes, and deliver innovative solutions.

Drake Backman earned their Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Brigham Young University. Drake attended the university from 1984 to 1990. Additionally, they obtained certifications in Change Management Foundations from LinkedIn in April 2022 and Azure: Understanding the Big Picture from LinkedIn in October 2020.