Ben SchulzSoftware Engineer
SUMMARY
Frontend Engineer with 5 years of experience transforming complex ideas into user-centered products using modern web technologies. I take ownership from requirements to rollout and beyond, driving high-impact initiatives that serve diverse audiences. I combine technical expertise with collaborative communication to build maintainable systems that power exceptional experiences. Eager to solve meaningful problems with a team that values continuous learning and quality-driven development.
SKILLS
- Languages: TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Java, C++
- Frontend: Angular, RxJS, React.js, Next.js, Tailwind, Webpack, esbuild
- Testing: WebDriverIO, Jasmine, Jest, Enzyme, Testing Library
- Backend: Node.js, Express, REST APIs, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- Tools: Git, GitHub, Zsh, Jenkins, Jira, Confluence, Figma
EXPERIENCE
Nextworld, Software Engineer 2 - Denver, CONov 2019 – Jun 2024
- Built expertise in Angular, TypeScript, and RxJS to drive product direction and execution of sustainable, feature-rich UI components and scalable, event-driven systems powering a no-code enterprise application platform.
- Spearheaded long-term re-architecture of crucial features such as datatable infrastructure, advanced filtering components, and multi-step forms with a focus on improving performance, capabilities, and code standards.
- Achieved 2x improvement to LCP and reduced technical debt by modernizing legacy templating middleware into reusable and extensible components.
- Exponent of intensive testing culture to achieve improved code quality, using Jasmine + WebdriverIO to build comprehensive suites and additionally implementing recorded interactions for no-code test automation.
- Improved critical filtering response times by 30% after partnering with backend team to design and uptake enhanced API methods with a huge reduction in payload size.
- Maintained WCAG AA standards and i18n compliance in all my work to ensure inclusivity across the platform, particularly identified the need for and implemented a standardized keyboard navigation framework for multifaceted interfaces.
- Recognized as a "go-to" team member and project lead by mentoring junior engineers, driving pair programming and code review sessions, and building a healthy feedback culture among cross-functional teams.
Spotpost, Software Development Intern - Denver, CO / RemoteFeb 2019 – Jul 2019
- Built a digital advertisement and bulletin board platform from the ground up with a cross-functional team.
- Designed RESTful API methods and implemented the frontend authentication flow using React + JWT, ensuring secure user access.
- Proposed new product features, technologies, and process optimizations to improve team efficiency and product quality.
DSST Public Schools, Creative Coding Elective Teacher - Denver, COAug 2018 – Nov 2018
- Designed a trimester curriculum focused on creative coding and CS fundamentals using OpenProcessing/p5.js : Class Page.
- Cultivated interest in my passion to use coding for creative expression and human-computer interaction.
- Evolved my leadership and mentoring skills through instruction and collaboration with 38 students, grades 9 - 11.
PROJECTS
Personal Advocate Chatbot
- Built my own professional advocate using RAG powered by Next.js, Vercel AI + OpenAI, and Neon Postgres + Drizzle ORM.
- Utilized pgvector and OpenAI embeddings API for efficient content embedding, enabling real-time contextual conversations.
- Designed a fluid interface using Tailwind CSS and Motion animations, ensuring an engaging user experience.
- Leveraged SSR and streaming to optimize performance and SEO with quick-to-load, indexable pages.
Blank Canvas
- Designed and developed a game alongside a small team using Unreal Engine 4 with C++ and Blueprints.
- Tackled a variety of design + engineering roles: Gameplay, AI, UI, animations, audio, level design, and story development.
- Presented a live beta showcase, demonstrating the ability to take a complex project from ideation to polished execution.
EDUCATION
University of Denver, B.S. Computer Science : Emergent Digital Practices + MathematicsMar 2019