Joseph DeSoto
Software Developer
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Versatile engineering leader with a proven track record of architecting modern SaaS applications and supporting legacy systems. Currently leading frontend development for Blazor Server applications to replace older applications. Expert in establishing modern SDLC practices such as branching strategies, CI/CD, ticketing, and QA. Also supports marketing teams with HubSpot and Shopify CMS via entire marketing site migrations, website maintenance, and training for marketing teams.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Software Developer
Kaplan Early Learning Company
07.2023 - Current
- Architected and led the frontend development of an internal SaaS application using Blazor Server, eliminating the need for external agencies
- Established a modern software development framework by implementing feature branching, CI/CD pipelines, and rigorous QA standards.
- Spearheaded the adoption of AI-assisted development, integrating AI services into the team’s daily workflow.
- Improved project management practices within Jira, bolstering ticket transparency and communication.
- Collaborated directly with Project Management to define MVP scopes and manage technical debt, ensuring on-time delivery of critical features.
- Completed the migration of multiple marketing websites into HubSpot CMS and continued to support their maintenance
- Empowered the Marketing department by providing technical training on HubSpot CMS, enabling non-technical staff to manage content independently and reducing developer support tickets by 90%.
- Reduced ADA compliance issues by 75%, bringing marketing websites into accessibility compliance.
- Directed cross-functional workflow initiatives between IT and Marketing to modernize and streamline how Kaplan ships code, with a focus on cloud solutions and transparency.
Software Engineering Manager
Webstacks
San Diego, CA
02.2022 - 07.2023
- Collaborated with other engineering leaders to manage and coordinate engineering staff.
- Updated work assignments for direct reports when new work became available, or to help balance workload among engineers.
- Established incentives for engineers to participate in continued learning.
- Created new processes between designers and engineers to simplify and standardize workflows.
- Trained 66% of Webstacks software engineers to build websites within HubSpot CMS.
- Began new process overhaul of internal employee review cycles to incorporate smaller, quarterly reviews.
- Placed in charge of Webstacks' entire Hubspot CMS client portfolio.
- Set goals for direct reports to help them progress in their careers.
- Held weekly meetings with engineers to discuss any issues, review Jira tickets and to ensure work would be delivered on time.
- Helped establish standard operating procedures for leveraging Jira.
- Trained project managers, designers, QA, and engineers on processes, business practices, and various technologies.
- Actively worked to maintain strong company culture by creating extracurricular events and investing in employees.
- Allied with other engineering leaders to plan, manage and coordinate teams around reaching prescribed development milestones.
Frontend Engineer L2
Webstacks
San Diego, CA
06.2021 - 02.2022
- Created 6 frontend websites based on Figma designs for multiple clients.
- Collaborated with other engineers on website tasks to ensure projects are completed on time.
- Wrote Ruby scripts to process and handle data.
- Learned HubSpot and built web pages within HubSpot CMS.
- Created custom HubSpot modules, templates, and content models to craft high-quality webpages for clients.
- Worked on three websites simultaneously, balancing meetings and workloads to make sure all deadlines were met.
- Used React and Gatsby to create websites for clients.
- Utilized Asana and Jira for ticket tracking and progress monitoring of all client work.
Web Developer
LeaseLabs
San Diego, CA
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Developed custom websites using HAML, SCSS, and Ruby on Rails.
- Created React and React on Rails applications.
- Automated QA and development tasks with Selenium WebDriver and Java, reducing overall time of processes.
- Built intricate single-page application websites from designs to meet client requirements.
- Worked collaboratively with other developers and departments such as Design, QA, and Project Management throughout site development.
- Helped onboard new hires with local environment setup and project processes.
- Improved website code base which led to decreased page loads times and optimized performance.
Education
Web Development
LEARN Academy
San Diego 06.2017 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
Vanguard University
Costa Mesa, CA 08.2006 - 05.2009
Skills
Web application development
Software development life cycle
Technical leadership
Software architecture
HubSpot CMS, HubSpot CRM
Timeline
Software Developer
Kaplan Early Learning Company
07.2023 - Current
Software Engineering Manager
Webstacks
02.2022 - 07.2023
Frontend Engineer L2
Webstacks
06.2021 - 02.2022
Web Developer
LeaseLabs
05.2019 - 06.2021
Web Development
LEARN Academy
06.2017 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
Vanguard University
08.2006 - 05.2009