Skills & Tech

Being a Software Engineer means to me more than just a programmer or developer. It is the engineer who works with users, develops the specifications, defines architecture, tests and deploys the application, and debugs issues in other people’s code. It is the engineer who understands at a higher level why others choose which language and technology to use, which algorithms to fix problems, and how to maintain efficient systems that stand the test of time.

Exploring New Technologies

Technology is always evolving, and staying ahead means continuously learning and experimenting. Lately, I’ve been diving into Python, Django, TypeScript, React, Docker and AWS (LightSail, EC2). These tools allow me to build scalable applications, improve deployment processes, and create better user experiences.

  • Python & Django – Developing scalable back-end systems and APIs.
  • TypeScript & React – Creating modern, dynamic front-end experiences with type safety and structure.
  • Docker – Containerizing applications for development, testing, and deployment.
  • AWS (LightSail, EC2) – Deploying and managing applications in the cloud.
  • Ruby on Rails – Building efficient, structured web applications with powerful frameworks.
  • WordPress – Exploring custom themes and plugins.
  • ChatGPT – Exploring AI-assisted development for automation and problem-solving.
  • GitHub – Managing version control, collaboration, and project tracking.

Tools and Tech in My Career

I often say my “native language” is C++, a language I learned at CalPoly. Ironically, I’ve never really used C++ in a job setting, but the programming fundamentals I learned are universal across languages.

  • On my first summer job, I taught myself ANSI-C to write data readers.
  • In my last summer job, I learned Perl on the job to maintain simulation pool operations.
  • At Intel, I learned MS Excel Visual Basic to automate reports and calculate motherboard routing lengths.
  • At HP, I learned Tcl-Tk on the job to enhance automation scripts for device testing.
  • At CalPERS, I learned PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, jQuery, HTML, and CSS to build website applications.
  • At NameHero, I applied PHP while mastering the Laravel framework.

These diverse tools and languages have shaped my approach to problem-solving, and I continue to adapt quickly to new roles and technologies.