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Andrew Cates

Andrew Cates

Experienced Software Engineer with a Proven Track Record in Defining Standard Practices and Leading Product Development. Recognized for Innovative Design Procedures and Strategic Leadership.
Huntington Beach, California, US, 92646
9499458012
catesandrew@gmail.com
English

Background

About

About

As a highly skilled and versatile Software Principal Engineer, I bring a robust background in both front-end and back-end development. My expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies, including JavaScript, React, React Native, Node.js, as well as previous experience with C# and Java. I have proven proficiency in developing applications, integrating APIs, and leveraging AWS cloud computing technologies, such as Docker and Kubernetes. Adept at designing scalable architectures and collaborating effectively with teams, I have consistently contributed to the success of diverse software projects.

Work Experience

Work Experience

  • Principal Software Engineer, Happy Money

    Jan, 2020 - Present

    Led multple teams and projects with emphasis on reusability and cross-platform consistency for continuous and automated deployments, which are crucial for efficient dev cycles.

    • Tech stack: React, React Native, GraphQL, Docker, CI/CD Automation, Terraform, Fastlane, Next.js, Apollo, AWS Cognito, Redux, Native Modules, Firebase Messaging, GitHub Actions, Webpack, Bash, Android and iOS Development, Monorepos (Lerna, Yarn, Nx), WebdriverIO (WDIO), Jest, Babel, Yeoman, NPM Package Development, Commitlint, Changelog Management, Expo, Redis, AWS S3, Ubuntu, ESM Modules

    • Architected a native mobile application with secure authentication and seamless app store releases.

    • Led the rewrite of a RoR website using React and NextJS server side rendering.

    • Integrated OAuth tokens with Cognito, added biometric login and automated deployments of native app, enhancing security and deployment efficiency.

    • Leveraged Redux Store for efficient state management across multiple applications along with third party APIs for analytics and feature flags.

    • Transformed wireframes into reusable React and React Native components, integrating Storybook for enhanced collaboration, ensuring consistency across platforms.

    • Rebranded the loan application funnel, significantly improving the website's visual appeal and user experience.

    • Utilized GraphQL for efficient data retrieval and implemented a secure AWS S3 file upload system.

    • Developed the concurrent loans functionality across multiple platforms including origination, member and native app that allowed for users to apply for more than one loan.

    • Streamlined GitHub repository management with the custom tools, enhancing GitHub checks and pull request automation.

    • Developed integration tests using WebdriverIO, Sauce Labs, mock data and custom reporters which integrated into GitHub.

    • Led the effort switching to AWS Cognito across 3 React JS apps, NextJS, and native app using React Native with same custom npm library.

    • Implemented reusable mail templates using MJML with StoryBook for template emails for SES and AWS Cognito.

  • Senior Software Engineer, Experian Consumer Services

    Nov, 2017 - Dec, 20203 years 1 month

    Implemented Experian Boost feature across platforms using AngularJS, enhancing user credit scores with innovative workflows.

    • Tech stack: AngularJS, Angular, TypeScript, RxJS

    • Launched Experian Boost, enabling consumers to improve their credit scores.

    • Developed the Experian Boost web frontend using AngularJS.

    • Created a comprehensive multi-step workflow for handling banking credentials.

    • Integrated Experian Boost into the mobile app with the help of the mobile team.

    • Participated in a major migration of the app to Angular, Typescript, and RxJS for better performance.

    • Ensured workflow continuity across browsers, allowing users to resume processes seamlessly.

    • Collaborated closely with the mobile team for a native implementation of Experian Boost.

    • Transitioned existing applications to Angular v3 for enhanced architecture and usability.

    • Focused on user experience and credit score improvement tools within the application.

  • Senior Software Engineer, iBase-t

    Apr, 2014 - Oct, 20173 years 6 months

    Efficiently delivered advanced web projects with enhanced UI/UX and security, utilizing a range of technologies for notable aerospace clients

    • Tech stack: OAuth, SAML, JavaScript, Node.js, React, Webpack, JSON+API

    • Developed a single-page application for the military and aerospace sector, incorporating OAuth and SAML for authentication.

    • Developed a single-page application for the military and aerospace sector, incorporating OAuth and SAML for authentication.

    • Employed JavaScript, Node.js, React, and Oracle to craft high-quality UI/UX components.

    • Transitioned desktop applications to web-based solutions, serving clients like Boeing and Sikorsky with Node.js and REST services.

    • Utilized Webpack for efficient bundle generation, optimizing web application performance; achieved a 50% reduction in asset load times.

    • Led the transition from Java SOAP to REST with JSON+API for better data interchange.

    • Showcased expertise in application modernization, performance improvement, and robust solution delivery.

    • Demonstrated a proven track record in developing and maintaining critical web applications.

  • Senior Software Engineer, Walmart.com

    Feb, 2011 - Apr, 20143 years 2 months

    Successfully engineered a mobile-first single-page application, achieving increased mobile sales.

    • Tech stack: HandlebarsJS, BackboneJS, Zepto, Mobile App Performance, Accessibility, Android and iOS Compatibility, NPM, Bower, Thorax.

    • Developed a mobile-first website using single-page application principles with HandlebarsJS and BackboneJS.

    • Rewrote an existing mobile website into an efficient SPA, leveraging HandlebarsJS, Backbone, and Zepto.

    • Focused on mobile app performance, accessibility, and scalability across Android and iOS devices.

    • Utilized a modular construction for Walmart Mobile, incorporating technologies like NPM, Bower, and Thorax.

    • Created a comprehensive mobile web application entirely in JavaScript, emphasizing modularity and performance.

  • Senior Software Engineer, Netflix

    Feb, 2009 - Jan, 20111 year 11 months

    Developed user-centric single-page applications for television interfaces

    • Tech stack: 10' UI, Responsive Design, Java, JSP, Struts2, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript

    • Engineered applications specifically for ten-foot user interfaces, boosting viewer engagement on consumer devices.

    • Implemented a robust signup and payment system with responsive design for secure user transactions.

    • Designed an on-screen keyboard optimized for navigation via remote control, improving accessibility.

    • Enhanced television platform user experiences, resulting in highly reliable and user-friendly applications.

    • Collaborated on web and device UX development for both non-member and member account pages using Java, JSP, Struts2, HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.

    • Created a modular JavaScript architecture to support various hardware partners with different capabilities.

    • Improved application performance through CSS minification, sprite generation, and resource aggregation.

    • Established automated testing and distribution processes, fostering excellent partner relationships and leadership trust.

  • Software Architect, Myspace

    Feb, 2006 - Feb, 20093 years

    Implemented innovative front-end solutions, significantly enhancing user engagement, and performance

    • Tech stack: JavaScript, C#, SQL Server, .NET 4.0.

    • Created user interface controls contributing to the launch of major MySpace features.

    • Developed a video contest platform for Colgate, enhancing user engagement with interactive UIs.

    • Promoted front-end performance best practices through conference presentations and workshops.

    • Drastically improved front-end load times from 11s to under 2s by optimizing script loading.

    • Designed an event handling solution to reduce browser overhead, using an R-Tree for event processing.

Skills

Skills

  • Backbone.js
  • Ember.js
  • Redux.js
  • OAuth
  • Netflix
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Subversion
  • XML
  • SOA
  • Scalability
  • JavaScript
  • Scrum
  • .NET
  • SOAP
  • React.js
  • Web Services
  • Web Applications
  • C#
  • High Availability
  • Enterprise Software
  • TypeScript
  • React Native
  • Node.js
  • Software Development
  • CSS
  • Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
  • Java
  • User Experience
  • Cocoa
  • Agile Methodologies
  • Software Infrastructure
  • ASP.NET
  • Angular
  • Front-end
  • AJAX
  • WCF
Education

Education

  • Computer Science, BS, UC Irvine

    Dec, 1997 - Dec, 2001

References

References

  • Vesco Zlatev

    Andrew has demonstrated technical knowledge and expertise as senior software engineer in the company along with very proactive and innovative thinking.

  • Steven Atkinson

    Andrew came on board to work on a new Nintendo Wii platform for Netflix. At the time, I walked past his cube and he would always be prototyping and filling me with knowledge about not only Wii concerns but product platform concerns and the latest Javascript trends. I would summarize by saying Andrew was a forward-thinking conscientious developer who cares about the platform and the product.

  • Manu Rekhi

    Andrew is a high calibre engineer with a strong sense of product. He takes strong initiatives and has a knack to think outside the box. Coupled with raw talent, Andrew also has strong instincts. He is very well respected by his peers and his ability to work in a team. I would hire Andrew again in a heart beat.

  • Sumeet Rana

    Andrew is our lead engineer for MySpace Video and I am glad to write that Andrew is a highly regarded talent in our team and organization.

    Andrew identifies what needs to be done and immediately comes up with a solution. Once tasked with his execution is fast.

    There have been several instances where Andrew has single handled developed projects and created immediate value.

    Not only is Andrew good at Front End Work he is also an expert on the architecture of the website. He has identified and implemented initiatives which lead to improved performance of the page(s).

    Andrew is highly recommended as a critical, talented resource and team player.

  • David Collacott

    I worked closely with Andrew developing several projects at MySpace. I found that he was skilled in several languages -- not just how to code in them, but he understood the design and intent of the languages, e.g. JavaScript's unique paradigm. He's familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of such technologies.

    Being a user of a multitude of development and debugging tools, he is a very efficient problem solver and tries to complete tasks with minimal effort.

    I also found him to be very creative and insightful. He not only strove to find creative solutions to existing problems, but he looked for ways to improve our product and regularly looked at what our competitors were doing. He was passionate about technology and was constantly reading about new technologies and ideas. He often challenged established ideas and decisions to ensure that we were always doing things the best way we could. I enjoyed working with him very much.

  • Sai Magadala

    Andrew has strong technical skills and always keep himself in par with latest technology. He is very innovative , a quick learner and excellent to work with him.

  • Terrence Tun

    Andrew is has a strong knowledge of front end web development. He's also highly interested in learning new technologies, trends, and standards and understanding how they work. He is a good addition to a team.