About me / Calvin Neilson
Hi, I’m Calvin.
Software tester, car enthusiast and musician. I’ve always loved understanding how things work, getting hands-on and making things better.
A little of the life behind CRMN Tech.
The beginning
Where it all started
I grew up in Cumbernauld, just outside Glasgow. Money was tight, and some of the areas we lived in were tough. Seeing the more comfortable lives my friends and their families had taught me early on that I would need to build my own path towards the life I wanted.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by engineering: cars, trains, planes, computers, manufacturing processes and the physics that make it all possible. That curiosity has stayed with me ever since.
01 / Cars & engineering
A lifelong love of cars
Cars have always been at the heart of my interest in engineering. Over the years, I’ve owned and modified a number of them for track driving and drifting. I enjoy the whole process, from understanding the mechanics to seeing how each change feels behind the wheel.
My current project is a 1992 Toyota Soarer with a 4.0-litre V8 and automatic transmission. I’m converting it to a manual, dedicated drift car, with the ambition of competing in the Scottish and Irish Drift Championships.
4.0-litre V8 · Manual conversion · Drift build
02 / Music & making
Making music. Making guitars.
Music is another big part of my life. I’ve played several instruments in different bands and had the chance to perform at festivals along the way.
At 14, I used my birthday and Christmas money to build my first guitar. More than 14 years later, I still play it, and I’ve gone on to build dozens more. There’s something especially rewarding about playing an instrument you’ve put together yourself.
03 / Technology & software
The curiosity that became a career
Technology and software are what eventually turned that curiosity into a career. Games, simulations, video editing and designing models for my 3D printer all give me new things to learn, build and explore.
I love what software can do, but I also care about how well it does it. That focus on quality led me into software delivery, with experience as a Tester, Test Lead, Product Owner and Project Manager.
Whether I’m testing a product, modifying a car or building a guitar, I want to understand how it works and get the details right.
My home setup for work and personal projects. The cable-management parts were still on their way when these photos were taken!
04 / Community & collaboration
A shared passion. A project together.
In 2023, I had the pleasure of meeting a few friends who shared my love of BeamNG.drive. What began as a shared interest in the game has grown into a collaborative project that brings together my interests in cars, software and quality.
Together, we’ve built a team of talented modders, modellers, artists and developers from the gaming community. We’re working on the RLS Career Overhaul, expanding BeamNG.drive’s career experience with deeper progression and economic systems.
I contribute Scrum Master and testing support outside my day job, working in the evenings to collaborate with teammates in US Eastern Time. It’s a rewarding way to bring my professional experience to something we all care about.
The professional side
Want to talk about work?
Explore my experience or get in touch about a role or project.