Hayden Zavala
CS Student @ Texas A&M Unity Developer Software Engineer

About

Howdy! I'm a Computer Science student at Texas A&M University specializing in game development and software engineering. As Lead Developer and Project Manager for a year-long Unity project, I've gained extensive hands-on experience in multiplayer networking, AI systems, and full-stack game development. I'm passionate about building robust, scalable software solutions using C#, Python, and modern development tools.

Featured Projects

Experience / Leadership

Lead Developer & Project Manager — "That's Business!" Game Project | September 2024 - Present
- Architected and implemented core gameplay systems, multiplayer networking infrastructure, and AI behavior patterns for Unity-based simulation game
- Managed development team workflows, established asset integration pipeline, and coordinated project milestones over 1+ year timeline
- Designed scalable server-client architecture handling real-time multiplayer synchronization and networked state management
- Implemented behavior trees and A* pathfinding algorithms for autonomous NPC decision-making and task execution
- Integrated Blender 3D models and animations, managing Unity Animator state machines and asset optimization

Pizza Cook @ Typhoon Texas — April 2024 - September 2024
- Managed high-volume food production serving hundreds of customers weekly in fast-paced water park environment
- Collaborated with 16+ person team to optimize workflow efficiency and meet dynamic operational demands
- Adapted between multiple roles (cook/cashier) based on real-time business needs, demonstrating versatility
- Supervised operations and maintained quality standards during manager absences, ensuring customer satisfaction

Team Captain @ Hutto Bible Church — May 2024 - July 2025
- Led team in delivering educational programming to children at multiple community events across Austin area
- Delegated responsibilities strategically based on individual team member strengths and skill assessments
- Adapted to unexpected challenges through quick decision-making and effective leadership under pressure
- 6+ years of continuous service with progressive responsibility in ministry programs

Technical Skills

Languages: C# · Python · HTML5 · CSS3 · JavaScript
Game Development: Unity Engine · Unity Netcode · Unity Animator · A* Pathfinding Pro · Behavior Designer · Blender 3D · Hot Reloader
Tools & Technologies: Git/GitHub · VS Code · Spyder IDE · Microsoft Teams · Google Workspace
Concepts: Multiplayer Networking · AI Pathfinding · State Machines · Data Visualization · Algorithm Design