Don Grout
Gameplay Programmer | Unity & C# Developer | 8+ Years Building Games, XR/VR Experiences, and Interactive Applications
403-660-5542
dongrout@yahoo.com
linkedin.com/in/dongrout
digitalriftgames.itch.io
digitalriftgames-labs.itch.io
teammathiasgames.itch.io
About
Gameplay Programmer and Unity Developer with 8+ years of professional experience building interactive applications, gameplay systems, and immersive XR experiences.
Experienced in C#, Unity, VR, WebGL, Android, and cross-platform development. Skilled in gameplay programming, UI systems, interaction design, debugging, optimization, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver polished user experiences.
Throughout my career, I have developed gameplay mechanics, state-machine driven systems, user interfaces, training simulations, interactive experiences, and tools that improve development workflows. My projects have ranged from medical and educational simulations to mobile games, VR applications, WebGL experiences, and commercial software solutions.
I enjoy solving technical challenges, building maintainable systems, improving user experiences, and working closely with designers, artists, QA, and stakeholders to bring ideas from concept to completion.
Core Skills:
- Programming: C#, Object-Oriented Programming, Software Development
- Game Development: Unity, Unreal Engine, Gameplay Programming
- XR: VR Development, XR Development
- Platforms: Mobile, WebGL, Cross-Platform Development
- Tools: Git
- Specialties: UI Development, Debugging & Optimization
Currently interested in opportunities involving gameplay programming, Unity development, XR/VR development, interactive simulations, and C# software development.
Experience
Developed Unity and C# VR simulation software used to teach and assess nursing clinical skills in immersive training environments. Built modular systems using the Model/View design pattern to support realistic patient interactions, procedural workflows, gameplay logic, and dynamic user interfaces.
Engineered simulations for medical procedures including IV insertion, suctioning, and auscultation across adult and pediatric patient models. Optimized multiplayer performance, improved accessibility through localization, and collaborated with medical experts, designers, and developers to ensure training scenarios aligned with clinical best practices.
Technologies: Unity, C#, VR, Multiplayer, UI Development, Localization, Git, Agile Development.
Developed Unity and C# VR training simulations for operating large mining equipment, including guided walkthroughs and open-world training scenarios. Built modular systems that enabled designers to create, configure, and iterate on training content within immersive VR environments. Implemented performance tracking and reporting systems to assess user progress and training effectiveness. Developed interactive gameplay features and hidden "Easter egg" interactions to improve engagement and user experience. Collaborated with designers and stakeholders throughout feature development while maintaining scalable, reusable systems.
Technologies: Unity, Unreal Engine, C#, Blueprints, VR, Training Simulations, Gameplay Systems, UI Development, Git
Developed Unity and C# features for a 3D home design application, enabling users to create custom houses using modular rooms and building components. Designed and implemented intuitive wall creation and editing tools supporting straight, sloped, and curved wall configurations. Enhanced object placement systems with drag-and-drop functionality for doors, windows, and other architectural elements.
Improved user workflows through UI enhancements and streamlined furniture browsing experiences, integrating manufacturer catalogs into an accessible and user-friendly interface. Collaborated with designers and stakeholders to refine usability, improve interaction design, and deliver maintainable, scalable application features.
Technologies: Unity, C#, UI Development, 3D Applications, Object Manipulation, Interaction Systems, Git
Developed custom software solutions to automate and streamline engineering and drafting workflows. Created AutoCAD automation tools and custom scripts using AutoLISP and Python to reduce repetitive manual tasks and improve productivity. Worked closely with end users to identify workflow bottlenecks, gather requirements, and deliver practical software solutions that improved day-to-day operations and efficiency.
Technologies: AutoCAD, AutoLISP, Python, Workflow Automation, Process Improvement, Software Development
Provided ongoing support, customization, and development for AutoCAD, ProStructures, and internal IMV PID systems. Developed and maintained custom commands and automation tools to streamline workflows including layer control, block insertion, drawing initialization, model templating, and batch plotting.
Created productivity tools for both end users and support teams, including line list management, isometric revision editing, model cleanup, Navisworks integration, system monitoring, and automated reporting. Built a centralized menu system to organize custom tools, improve usability, and enforce company standards.
Designed and maintained the company intranet using Joomla and PHP, automating content updates through integration with Excel spreadsheets and AutoCAD drawings. Enhanced employee engagement through features such as calendars, photo galleries, contests, polls, and live sports data.
Technologies: AutoCAD, ProStructures, AutoLISP, PHP, Joomla, Excel, Navisworks, Workflow Automation, Technical Support
Provided ongoing support, customization, and development for AutoCAD, ProStructures, and internal IMV PID systems. Developed and maintained custom commands and automation tools to streamline workflows including layer control, block insertion, drawing initialization, model templating, and batch plotting.
Created productivity tools for both end users and support teams, including line list management, isometric revision editing, model cleanup, Navisworks integration, system monitoring, and automated reporting. Built a centralized menu system to organize custom tools, improve usability, and enforce company standards.
Technologies: AutoCAD, ProStructures, AutoLISP, Navisworks, Workflow Automation, Technical Support
Sole developer for PROCAD 2D, responsible for new feature development, legacy system maintenance, client-specific customization, software licensing (CrypKey), and installation workflows (InstallShield). Automated build and deployment processes using SourceSafe, developed SQL-driven 3D metadata tools for AutoCAD, and created an OpenGL-based 3D viewer to enhance component visualization.
Improved drafting workflows through custom dialogs, model templating systems, reporting tools, batch plotting automation, and overnight drawing cleanup operations. Designed AutoLISP scripts and custom commands to standardize processes, improve consistency, and accelerate drafting tasks across projects.
Technologies: AutoCAD, AutoLISP, SQL, OpenGL, SourceSafe, InstallShield, CrypKey, Workflow Automation, Software Development, Technical Support
Provided technical support, administration, and customization for CAD software environments. Troubleshot software issues, installed updates, configured user environments, and developed customizations to improve drafting workflows and user productivity.
Managed CAD standards and project infrastructure by organizing network folder structures, maintaining configuration settings, and creating standardized project templates for drafting, plotting, and document management workflows.
Worked directly with engineers, drafters, and project teams to resolve technical issues, enforce standards, and improve operational efficiency.
Technologies: AutoCAD, CAD Administration, Technical Support, Workflow Optimization, Network File Management, Process Standardization
Provided technical support, configuration, and customization for AutoCAD and related third-party CAD applications. Troubleshot software issues, implemented customizations, and assisted users with setup and workflow optimization. Helped maintain drafting standards across engineering projects by configuring templates, standards, and system settings to ensure consistency and productivity.
Technologies: AutoCAD, CAD Administration, Technical Support, Software Configuration, Workflow Optimization, Drafting Standards
Modernized legacy SCADA system interfaces by converting graphical displays to updated platforms using Catalyst's Myriad application. Retagged dynamic interface elements and finalized screens in AutoCAD for integration into the OASyS DNA control system.
Developed automation tools to streamline large-scale conversions, including screen-scanning utilities for reporting, custom AutoCAD commands for data cleanup, and batch-processing workflows that significantly reduced manual effort. Focused on improving efficiency, consistency, and quality during system migration projects.
Technologies: AutoCAD, AutoLISP, SCADA, OASyS DNA, Myriad, Workflow Automation, Batch Processing, Reporting Tools
Provided AutoCAD drafting and design support primarily for electrical engineering projects, producing layouts for cable trays, lighting, power distribution, grounding systems, and motor control centers (MCCs). Contributed to multidisciplinary projects involving mechanical, piping, structural, and geotechnical engineering.
Improved drafting efficiency by helping standardize CAD layer management across departments and developing custom AutoCAD commands and workflow automation tools. Automated plotting processes using drawing metadata and generated time-stamped audit records to improve client deliverable tracking and quality control.
Worked on a diverse range of projects including hotel floor plans, dam cut-and-fill calculations, a faceted diamond roof design, and precision center-of-gravity analysis for a container drop-test study. Also developed a mining operations simulator used to evaluate production scenarios under power and equipment capacity constraints.
Technologies: AutoCAD, AutoLISP, CAD Drafting, Workflow Automation, Process Improvement, Electrical Design, Engineering Design, Simulation Development
Education
Earned the Unity Certified Professional: Programmer certification from Unity Technologies, demonstrating professional-level proficiency in Unity development and C# programming. Validated skills in scripting user interactions, integrating visual and audio assets, implementing application state logic, physics simulation, debugging, and performance optimization. Demonstrated competency in solving complex programming challenges and supporting project development from conception through launch.
Completed online Android development coursework through Udacity, covering Android application development using Java. Topics included user interface design, user input, multi-screen applications, networking, data storage, UX principles, Material Design, and intermediate and advanced Android development techniques.
Completed an online specialization covering foundational web development skills, including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and responsive web design. Coursework included creating well-structured web pages, implementing interactive web experiences, and applying advanced styling techniques for responsive layouts.
Completed a Software Product Management specialization with a focus on Agile methodologies, software requirements, product planning, stakeholder communication, process improvement, and metrics-driven development. Applied concepts such as requirements analysis, Agile planning, iterative development, and software lifecycle management through coursework and a capstone project.
Completed training in Android mobile application development, including application architecture, user interface design, activities, intents, fragments, permissions, data persistence, multimedia, graphics, and sensor integration. Built a foundation in mobile software development, application lifecycle management, and responsive user experiences.
Completed advanced Autodesk ObjectARX training focused on extending AutoCAD through custom object development, property palette integration, runtime command support, and custom tool palette implementation. Enhanced knowledge of AutoCAD API development, user interface customization, and CAD application extensibility.
Completed Computer Science coursework covering computer graphics, linear algebra, object-oriented programming (C++), C programming, Java development, and systems analysis and design. Built a strong foundation in software engineering concepts, algorithms, programming methodologies, mathematical problem solving, and application development.
Completed introductory training in C programming, gaining experience with programming fundamentals, data structures, functions, control flow, debugging, and problem-solving techniques. Developed a foundation for further study in software development and computer science.
Studied Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing Engineering Technology (CAD/CAM), with a focus on 2D drafting, 3D modeling, engineering design, manufacturing systems, electronics, structural analysis, finite element analysis, and mechanical engineering fundamentals. Built expertise in technical design, engineering workflows, visualization, and problem-solving that later supported careers in CAD automation, 3D software development, simulation, and interactive applications.