JADE SHELTON
Portland
Summary
Senior Software Engineer with extensive experience designing and scaling backend systems using Java/Spring Boot and Node.js/TypeScript. Strong focus on REST API architecture, event-driven systems, microservices, Salesforce integrations, and AWS cloud infrastructure. Designed and supported backend services used by over 185,000 learners and staff. Served as technical lead for multiple modernization initiatives, delivering multi million dollar impact. Mentor junior engineers weekly, and drive engineering best practices, architecture quality, and system reliability.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Software Engineer
Western Governors University
07.2023 - Current
- Lead backend engineer across Enrollment and Financial Aid modernization efforts. Responsible for API architecture, distributed systems design, AWS cloud workflows, and engineering mentorship.
- KEY TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP PROJECTS
- Process Transparency Initiative — Co Technical Lead
- Reduced advisor workload by 17.8%, inbound calls by 28.9%, outbound calls by 10%, and email volume by 14%.
- Reduced transcript-related chats by 33% (900 → 600 monthly).
- Delivered over $15,934 in monthly operational savings through workflow automation and improved self-service visibility.
- FERPA Automation System — Technical Lead
- Reduced FERPA request processing time from 8 days to under 5 minutes via event-driven automation and Salesforce integration.
- Eliminated manual error-prone steps and improved compliance reliability.
- Evaluate Multiple Programs — Co Technical Lead
- Reduced student lifecycle by 20–30 days through automated program evaluation workflows.
- Delivered $948,000 in annual labor savings.
- Coordinated across Enrollment, Academics, and Student Services.
- Program Change Workflow — Technical Lead
- Delivered $3 million in annual savings, equivalent to ~60,000 staff hours eliminated per year.
- Designed distributed workflow using AWS Lambda, SNS/SQS, S3, and REST APIs.
- Led project architecture, API contract definition, and rollout strategy.
- Orientation Logic Refactor — Enterprise Modernization Lead
- Modernized orientation logic across 60+ systems by replacing hardcoded rules with a centralized configuration service.
- Enabled new orientation codes to be added without code changes or deployments.
- Reduced cross-system inconsistency and improved maintainability.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Built microservices using Spring Boot and Node.js deployed on ECS, Lambda, and CloudFormation.
- Improved observability using CloudWatch, Dynatrace, and New Relic.
- Mentored three junior engineers weekly through 1:1 coaching focused on debugging, system design, and best practices.
Software Engineer II
Western Governors University
12.2015 - 07.2023
- Designed and maintained REST APIs and Spring Boot microservices supporting enrollment, transitions, and document workflows.
- Integrated Salesforce and Banner SIS via REST and PL/SQL.
- Built distributed systems using Kafka, SNS/SQS, ECS, Lambda, and Hibernate/JPA.
- Led API reviews, standardization, and developer onboarding.
Software Engineer
Western Governors University
02.2013 - 12.2015
- Built backend systems for financial aid workflows using REST APIs and PL/SQL.
- Developed Salesforce-integrated eligibility and document submission services.
- Automated awarding workflows improving compliance and accuracy.
- Contributed UI updates using HTML and CSS.
Financial Aid Counselor → Counselor III
Western Governors University
08.2008 - 02.2013
- Trained and mentored 20+ staff.
- SME for early automation, collaborating with engineering teams.
- Reconciled over $100M in Title IV federal funds annually.
- Built foundational workflows later used in system automation.
Operator II / Mentor
Micron
01.2007 - 06.2008
- Operated manufacturing equipment and mentored new hires.
- Assisted engineers with troubleshooting and process improvements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2015
Skills
Backend: Java, Spring Boot, Nodejs, TypeScript, Python, Bash
Frontend: Angular (basic), HTML, CSS
Architecture: REST APIs, Microservices, MVC, Event-Driven Architecture, DDD, OOP, Design Patterns (Strategy, Factory, Observer, Template Method)
Integrations: Salesforce, Banner SIS, Swagger, OpenAPI, Postman
AWS: EC2, RDS, Lambda, ECS, S3, SNS, SQS, API Gateway, CodePipeline, CloudFormation (IaC), CloudWatch
DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes (basic), Maven, npm, CI/CD
Data: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL/PLSQL, Avro, Hibernate/JPA, Prisma
Tools: IntelliJ IDEA, GitHub Copilot, Amazon Q, Kiro, Git, SVN, Jira, Confluence
Testing: JUnit, Mockito, Jest, TDD
Observability: Dynatrace, New Relic, CloudWatch, OpsGenie, xMatters
Leadership: mentorship, architecture reviews, cross-functional alignment, Agile practices
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Senior Software Engineer
Western Governors University
07.2023 - Current
Software Engineer II
Western Governors University
12.2015 - 07.2023
Software Engineer
Western Governors University
02.2013 - 12.2015
Financial Aid Counselor → Counselor III
Western Governors University
08.2008 - 02.2013
Operator II / Mentor
Micron
01.2007 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Western Governors University