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Jay Larry Galbraithe Johnston
Verified Expert in Engineering
Full-stack Developer
Nashville, TN, United States
Toptal member since November 26, 2013
Bio
Jay is a senior software engineer with 10+ years of experience building back-end systems, APIs, and data-driven applications in AWS. He is focused on designing reliable, scalable systems across complex environments and delivering solutions that hold up in production and drive measurable outcomes. He has recently leveraged AI-assisted development workflows to accelerate delivery while maintaining production-grade quality and reliability.
Portfolio
VML
JavaScript, Node.js, Java, PHP, Symfony, Jest, React, Git, Bitbucket...
Tatango, Inc.
MySQL, PHP, Linux, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Amazon EC2, SQL, HTML5, Front-end...
Modern Essentials
LAMP, JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Linux, Bash, SQL, Front-end...
Experience
- JavaScript - 20 years
- SQL - 18 years
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) - 14 years
- DevOps - 14 years
- Full-stack - 13 years
- PCI Compliance - 10 years
- Linux - 9 years
- Responsive Web Design (RWD) - 6 years
Preferred Environment
Git, Vim Text Editor, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Apache, Linux, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), Redshift, Amazon Aurora, Amazon
The most amazing...
...thing: I migrated ETL from SaaS to AWS-native, eliminating $10,000+ annual licensing costs and reducing spend by $2,000+ per month via Reserved Instances.
Work Experience
Senior Software Developer
2023 - PRESENT
VML
- Championed engineering process improvements, including Liquibase pull-request–driven database migration tracking and controlled promotion across environments.
- Optimized relational databases, including MySQL and MS SQL, through query tuning and schema improvements. Monitored system performance and reliability using Azure Monitor, application logging (Log4j), and Linux tooling (grep, tail, sed, awk).
- Automated application deployments and cloud infrastructure using Ansible, Bash, and PowerShell to create CI/CD pipelines; deployed web applications via Bitbucket Pipelines.
- Mentored developers on object-oriented design, secure coding, cloud-native architectures, and effective workflows to reduce development feedback loops.
- Leveraged AI development tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) to improve team throughput through code review assistance, refactoring, and boilerplate generation.
- Acted as the go-to engineer for integrating AI into development workflows, providing technical guidance, code reviews, and mentoring.
- Maintained technical documentation for infrastructure and processes in Confluence to support onboarding and long-term knowledge sharing.
- Designed and delivered a custom, results-driven A/B testing module to support data-informed product decisions.
Technologies: JavaScript, Node.js, Java, PHP, Symfony, Jest, React, Git, Bitbucket, CI/CD Pipelines, Ansible, Azure, MySQL, Cloud Monitoring, Engineering, Leadership, Software Design, Agile, Red Hat Linux, SELinux, Microsoft SQL Server, Security, Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP), GitHub, IT Security, Serverless, AWS IAM Identity Center, AWS Secrets Manager, Docker, GitHub Actions, Python, Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Express.js, Large Language Models (LLMs), APIs, Databases, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Prompt Engineering, Product Management, AWS DevOps, AI-assisted Development, AI Tools, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Architecture, Claude Code, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
DevOps Manager
2020 - 2023
Tatango, Inc.
- Managed big data tables, data warehouse, and microservices to create, read, update, and delete data, managed reports, and supported ad-hoc data requests.
- Worked directly with triage teams to uncover issues in the application as they related to data processing.
- Implemented cost savings with reserved instances for Elastic Compute Cloud and Relational Database Services (EC2, RDS).
- Managed a team of 2-3 (including myself) as a team lead.
Technologies: MySQL, PHP, Linux, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Amazon EC2, SQL, HTML5, Front-end, DevOps, Terraform, Amazon CloudWatch, Microservices, CSS, Node.js, Amazon Aurora, HTML, MacOS, Email Marketing, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), Agile, Scrum, System Administration, Google Workspace, Gmail, Google, Cloud Services, Slack, Admin Support, GitHub, IT Security, Serverless, AWS IAM Identity Center, Docker, GitHub Actions, Python, Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), TypeScript, APIs, Databases, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Product Management, AWS DevOps, AWS Cloud Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Architecture
Full-stack Developer and DevOps Specialist
2013 - 2023
Modern Essentials
- Implemented a presentation layer (graphics, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript).
- Finalized responsive design while solving specific customer needs regarding display elements.
- Set up Linux server, Apache virtual host configurations, and DNS records.
- Created a highly customized content management framework in PHP 5.
- Coded on a highly customized order management system using PHP 5.
- Maintained night/weekend status as per-issue support for the client.
- Upgraded site in December 2022 from PHP 5 to PHP 8 (and legacy MySQL to the latest MariaDB).
- Moved site in December 2022 from Media Temple to AWS infrastructure (EC2, Aurora, Route53, SES).
Technologies: LAMP, JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Linux, Bash, SQL, Front-end, Amazon Web Services (AWS), DevOps, Full-stack, CSS, HTML, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), System Administration, Google Workspace, Gmail, Google, Migration, Cloud Services, Admin Support, GitHub, APIs, Databases, Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Full-stack Developer and DevOps Specialist
2004 - 2022
Redstone Chiropractic
- Maintained site hosting and responded to minor, ongoing client needs.
- Created an information portal for back pain support. Created an online ordering system for emergency medical staff housing mattress and furniture discounts on domestic and foreign items.
- Implemented a content management administrative area for portal management.
- Trained a small business owner in portal information updating methodology.
Technologies: LAMP, JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Linux, Bash, SQL, Front-end, Full-stack, CSS, Stripe, DevOps, HTML, System Administration, Google, Admin Support, GitHub, Databases, Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Web Developer
2019 - 2019
ORX Rail
- Consulted with the client on options for developing an internal-use web application.
- Developed a proprietary web application for use in manufacturing processes.
- Worked with a highly technical representative possessing a mechanical engineering degree in nearly all phases of development.
- Completed all complex requirements for forms, including custom form builder widgets.
- Delivered a working version of the internal-use manufacturing process web application.
- Pushed code repository updates to GitHub for code reviews at the end of each coding session.
- Sent animated GIFs, screenshots, and occasional videos daily to demonstrate finite progress constantly.
Technologies: LAMP, Git, PostgreSQL, PHP, Linux, SQL, HTML5, Front-end, Full-stack, CSS, DevOps, HTML, System Administration, Google, GitHub, APIs, Databases, Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Architecture
Web Developer
2015 - 2019
A/R Concepts
- Stabilized legacy software that improperly records patient data into other patients' records.
- Led Windows and Linux infrastructure and reverse engineering of a complex deployment process for which the original, editable files had been lost.
- Managed Amazon Web Services (EC2, RDS, IAM, and Route53).
- Worked directly with end users as a technical support line.
- Set up an SFTP server for secure file management for patient records that would be transferred outside the application to the home office.
- Created National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) XML file format messages for reporting compliance.
- Automated National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) reporting to the TX Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
- Created administrative controls over system functions.
- Hired and managed three programmers, including assignment of duties, code review, branch management, and code deployment.
Technologies: LAMP, jQuery, PHP, MySQL, Apache, Windows, SQL, HTML5, Front-end, Full-stack, CSS, DevOps, HTML, System Administration, Google, Migration, Admin Support, GitHub, IT Security, APIs, Databases, Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Architecture
Web Developer
2015 - 2019
Tactick
- Took legacy code and brought it into an MVC pattern proprietary framework by encapsulating existing code structures.
- Wrapped a web app in iOS and Android and released it to both app stores.
- Supported Android and iOS app store versions of the wrapped web app.
- Oversaw server infrastructure at AWS (EC2, RDS, S3, SNS).
- Managed a push notification service called OneSignal.
- Tracked and solved end user and client tickets via Trello.
- Set up automated email responses in Mandrill for new user sign-ups to be delivered at intervals.
- Led a team of three developers (including myself).
Technologies: LAMP, WordPress, jQuery, PHP, MariaDB, MySQL, Apache, Linux, SQL, HTML5, Front-end, Full-stack, CSS, Stripe, DevOps, HTML, HIPAA Compliance, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), System Administration, Google Workspace, Gmail, Google, Migration, Cloud Services, Slack, Admin Support, GitHub, Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), HIPAA, APIs, Databases, Product Management, AWS Cloud Architecture, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Web Developer and DevOps Consultant
2014 - 2015
Music Professor
- Maintained high availability during and outside office hours for rapid response and quick fixes.
- Updated small, visually concerning, or just plain wrong elements.
- Conducted server maintenance, including log research and minor forensics after outages, and reported to the client.
- Suggested monitoring and hosting options and services.
- Provided the best service as quickly as possible while maintaining a professional foot forward to the public at all costs.
Technologies: LAMP, Grunt, Compass, Less, Bootstrap, jQuery, CodeIgniter, PHP, MySQL, Apache, Linux, SQL, HTML5, Front-end, Laravel, Full-stack, CSS, HTML, System Administration, GitHub, Databases, Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Web Developer and DevOps Consultant
2014 - 2015
Recruiters-Edge.com
- Maintained a smoothly running site and prevented site overload issues at all costs.
- Developed and consulted on Google API for SMTP authentication and PHP mail delivery via that API.
- Upgraded and consulted the Linux and Apache Webserver and second Linux server for MariaDB.
- Placed a maintenance message on the login screen reminding users to start at least 48 hours before any scheduled maintenance and perform that maintenance after 12:30 am CST with a roll-back time of 3:00 am CST.
- Sustained a Git source repository and a staging site hosted on identical hardware and can be used as a remote from a master running in production to accomplish simple merging for source upgrades and patches.
- Maintained and did daily troubleshooting on email processes that market for the recruiting process.
- Managed one overseas development team of an unknown number of unseen people, did code reviews of their work, and handled branch management and merging.
Technologies: LAMP, Cron, cURL Command Line Tool, PHP, SMTP, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP 5, MariaDB, MySQL, Apache, Linux, SQL, Front-end, Full-stack, CSS, HTML, System Administration, Admin Support, GitHub, IT Security, Databases, Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Front-end Engineer
2014 - 2014
Beats by Dr. Dre
- Joined the project as one of a team of two front-end engineers.
- Distributed work within the project to equally share responsibilities.
- Received artwork to be sliced into HTML with fast loading performance.
- Fashioned CSS to exactingly style HTML to match received artwork.
- Replied with near-immediate updates to requested changes from the Dr. Dre project manager both during and outside office hours.
Technologies: Bootstrap, HTML, Front-end, GitHub, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
WordPress Developer
2013 - 2014
Charity Dreams
- Created a complete checkout mechanism using Stripe and following intricate designs provided by the Charity Dreams designer.
- Included custom templates for every type of post and custom post type.
- Used Advanced Custom Fields plugin to store custom data entry fields on a per-custom post and regular post-type basis.
- Coded some jQuery sliders driven from custom post and post metadata.
- Helped implement a framed-up site from an Italian startup, assisted as a monitor for various performance indicators, and reported these to the client.
- Rescued a virtual box image that several previously hired programmers could not get spun up. This image had the current working version and was kept on the task because it was previously impossible to complete.
Technologies: Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), WordPress, Front-end, Full-stack, CSS, DevOps, HTML, VirtualBox, GitHub, Docker, Databases, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Senior PHP Developer
2008 - 2014
ICGLink (Internet Consulting Group), Inc
- Provided web development estimations for web modules and complete web applications (server-side estimations).
- Guided clients in finding appropriate, cost-effective solutions for the challenges to their businesses.
- Teamed with creative elements of the company to produce dynamic, template-driven sites.
- Provided group skill development sessions to junior developers.
- Assisted hosting administrators with Mysql and Linux maintenance and various challenges, especially related to implementing complex web in-house developed applications.
Technologies: Authorize.net, LAMP, JavaScript, MySQL, Adobe ColdFusion, PHP, Bash, Linux, SQL, HTML5, Front-end, Laravel, Full-stack, CSS, Stripe, DevOps, HTML, System Administration, IT Support, Google, Migration, Admin Support, GitHub, IT Security, APIs, Databases, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Development Manager
2013 - 2013
Iostudio, LLC
- Managed eight reports: seven in-house, three senior roles, and one local contractor.
- Assisted the development director with Agile implementation.
- Disseminated creative direction to developers and supported self-managing scrum teams.
- Championed Dale Carnegie leadership training to aid with assertive communications in the workplace.
- Bought donuts out of my pocket and tried to gather a sense of teamwork in a struggling organization frustrated by layoffs of key individuals before my hire.
Technologies: JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, SQL, Front-end, CSS, Linux, DevOps, HTML, Agile, Scrum, GitHub, Databases, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Product Management, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Director of Engineering
2012 - 2013
Moontoast, LLC
- Managed 15 reports: five in-house, senior roles and 10 outsourced roles in India, the Philippines, and Mexico.
- Oversaw and facilitated continued PCI DSS Compliance (Level 1).
- Raised team and company morale through servant leadership and camaraderie.
- Worked with the CTO and VP of Engineering to manage company spend for human and infrastructure resources.
- Monitored Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Elastic Computing Cloud (EC2) auto-scaling web server.
- Assigned technical leads to forward looking workstreams.
- Developed Magento integration for delivery of Facebook posted eCommerce orders running within clients of the Moontoast CMS.
Technologies: JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Bash, Linux, Front-end, CSS, DevOps, HTML, GitHub, IT Security, APIs, Databases, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Product Management, AWS DevOps, AWS Cloud Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Architecture
NASA Contractor
2006 - 2008
BG Smith & Associates
- Served as a member of the architecture and compliance board at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
- Designed, developed, implemented, and maintained numerous internal and external NASA and MSFC websites in PHP and ColdFusion.
- Integrated NASA Agency level authentication via Lightweight Active Directory Protocol (LDAP) and "eAuthentication" methods.
- Configured Apache on MSFC development, staging, and production web servers.
- Automated and maintained MSFC self-signed and Entrust-signed SSL certificate creation and installation process.
Technologies: Front-end, Full-stack, CSS, Linux, DevOps, HTML, System Administration, IT Support, Databases, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Architecture
Data Coordinator, Linux Admin, and PHP Developer
2003 - 2006
Bridium
- Supported the missions of facilitating workers' compensation claims' data transfers.
- Maintained ClaimPort, the main data transfer network, by administering RedHat, Apache, Informix SQL, Perl, and JavaScript codebase.
- Automated business needs using shell scripts, batch files, and PHP scripts.
- Provided website outage response (on-call around the clock, 365 days per year).
- Received a promotion from technical support (data coordinator) to admin and developer positions.
Technologies: JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Perl, Bash, Linux, Front-end, CSS, DevOps, HTML, System Administration, IT Support, Admin Support, Databases, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Experience
Google_site_search.php
This singleton class lets us connect to Google's site search index and perform keyword queries. As Google only allows paginated responses in groups of 10, we have implemented functionality to accumulate listings, allowing retrieval of a larger number of listing returns.
An example of usage involves passing a Smarty PHP template object and an Amazon ElastiCache object. These objects are provided through a mini-controller that handles the request.
$gss = new google_site_search($this->sto, $this->_ec);
$gss->search_for('spicy asian buffalo wings');
die('', print_r($gss->search_listings, true));
An example of usage involves passing a Smarty PHP template object and an Amazon ElastiCache object. These objects are provided through a mini-controller that handles the request.
$gss = new google_site_search($this->sto, $this->_ec);
$gss->search_for('spicy asian buffalo wings');
die('', print_r($gss->search_listings, true));
Education
2001 - 2004
Masters of Science Degree in Management of Information Systems
University of Alabama in Huntsville - Huntsville, AL, USA
1999 - 2001
Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management
Oakwood College - Huntsville, AL, USA
1995 - 1997
Associates of Arts Degree in General Curriculum
University of Maryland, Asian Pacific Division - South Korean
Certifications
MARCH 2026 - MARCH 2029
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Amazon Web Services
NOVEMBER 2024 - NOVEMBER 2027
CompTIA Security+ ce Certification
CompTIA
DECEMBER 2023 - DECEMBER 2026
JSNAD: OpenJS Node.js Application Developer
The Linux Foundation
NOVEMBER 2021 - MARCH 2029
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services Training and Certification
AUGUST 2010 - PRESENT
MySQL Developer
Oracle
FEBRUARY 2009 - PRESENT
Zend Certified Engineer
Zend
JANUARY 2006 - JANUARY 2011
LPIC-1
Linux Professional Institute
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Node.js, Stripe, jQuery, Authorize.net, YouTube API, Amazon API, Google Maps, FedEx API, Backbone.js, Facebook API, Facebook Open Graph API, Facebook Ads API, Doctrine, DHL API, Google API, FusionCharts, jQuery UI, React
Tools
GitHub, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), Google Workspace, Slack, cURL Command Line Tool, Apache, Git, Vim Text Editor, Terraform, Amazon CloudWatch, Claude Code, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), Cron, Grunt, OmniGraffle, Charles, Flash, Adobe Photoshop, Basecamp, GitLab, Redmine, VirtualBox, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), JavaScript Testing, Bitbucket, Ansible, AWS CloudTrail
Languages
SQL, PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, HTML5, Bash, Perl, PHP 5, Less, Bash Script, Modern JavaScript, Java, Python, TypeScript
Paradigms
Responsive Web Design (RWD), Object-oriented Programming (OOP), HIPAA Compliance, DevOps, Microservices, Agile Software Development, Scrum, Service-oriented Architecture (SOA), Agile
Platforms
Amazon EC2, Amazon Web Services (AWS), LAMP, MacOS, XAMPP, Windows, Rackspace, MS-DOS, Linux, Windows Server, WordPress, Oracle, OpenCart, Unix, Adobe ColdFusion, Amazon, Azure, Red Hat Linux, Docker, AWS Lambda
Storage
Amazon Aurora, Databases, Microsoft SQL Server, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), MariaDB, SQLite, Memcached, IBM Informix, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redshift, Amazon DynamoDB
Frameworks
Express.js, Compass, Bootstrap, Laravel, CodeIgniter, Symfony, Smarty, Jest
Other
Ajax, NEMSIS XML, Full-stack, Software Development, Front-end Development, System Administration, Gmail, IT Support, Migration, Admin Support, APIs, PCI Compliance, ANSI X.12, SVG, AWS DevOps, Front-end, Google, Cloud Services, Serverless, AWS IAM Identity Center, AWS Secrets Manager, GitHub Actions, Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Prompt Engineering, Product Management, AWS Cloud Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, AI-assisted Development, AI Tools, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Architecture, Artificial Intelligence (AI), SMTP, BIND9, GitFlow, Facebook Ads, Email Marketing, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Security, Network Security, IT Security, Encryption, CI/CD Pipelines, Cloud Monitoring, Engineering, Leadership, Software Design, SELinux, Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP), AWS Cloud Security, HIPAA, Large Language Models (LLMs)
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