Innovation specialist
at General Services Administration from Nov 2015 — Mar 2019
As a full-stack software engineer, I played a pivotal role in maintaining & advancing several critical open-source software projects, including notable initiatives like vote.gov & the US Web Design System. These projects were instrumental in modernizing government services & enhancing user experiences across various platforms.
One of my significant contributions was as a founding engineer for both the vote.gov
portal & the US Web Design System
. In these roles, I was tasked with architecting the initial framework & laying the groundwork for these government modernization initiatives. Additionally, I bootstrapped & maintained various open-source projects, ensuring their continued development & relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
To ensure the success & sustainability of these projects, I took proactive measures in designing & implementing a robust release process. This involved establishing streamlined procedures for deploying updates & new features while maintaining high standards of quality & reliability. I also conducted training sessions to equip engineers with the skills & knowledge needed to operate & maintain the release process independently, empowering them to contribute effectively to project development.
Also, I spearheaded efforts to secure the Authority to Operate (ATO)
for the 18F
internal time-keeping SaaS, known as Tock
, which was built using Django. This involved working closely with stakeholders to address compliance requirements & ensure the platform’s adherence to regulatory standards.
Through my role as a founding engineer for various projects & my contributions to various open-source projects, I played a pivotal role in advancing digital innovation within the government sector. By architecting essential frameworks, establishing release processes, & securing ATOs for critical platforms, I helped pave the way for the modernization of government services & the improvement of user experiences. Additionally, my efforts in managing & mentoring a team of engineers contributed to their professional growth & development, ensuring the sustainability & success of these initiatives in the long term.