John S. Jacob, Developer in El Cerrito, CA, United States
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John S. Jacob

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Software Developer

Location
El Cerrito, CA, United States
Toptal Member Since
November 28, 2016

John is interested in building products in the education, fitness, and music industries. He enjoys improving cross-functional teams to work more efficiently and to produce higher quality. He's contributed individually as a software engineer, managed teams as an engineering manager, and guided managers as a director of engineering.

Data WranglingBack-endFull-stackSoftware DevelopmentScalabilityWeb DevelopmentSQLUnit TestingAgileJavaJSONJavaScriptDistributed SystemsFull-stack DevelopmentUser Experience (UX)wxWidgets

Portfolio

Dictionary.com
Node.js, AWS Fargate, Fastly, SemaphoreCI, GitHub, Terraform, React, JavaScript...
Surprisingly Normal
Google Cloud Datastore, Google App Engine, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), REST...
Collaborist (via Toptal)
REST, Google Cloud Datastore, Google App Engine, Java, JSON, Data Wrangling...

Experience

HTML - 20 yearsUnix - 20 yearsSQL - 20 yearsJava - 10 yearsMySQL - 10 yearsJavaScript - 8 yearsGoogle App Engine - 2 yearsSwift - 2 years

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Git, Linux, Unix, Xcode, MacOS, JetBrains

The most amazing...

...thing I've built was a global shipping container tracking system.

Work Experience

Director of Engineering

2019 - 2024
Dictionary.com
  • Increased system availability from 85% to 99+% through expanded monitoring, improved procedures, and targeted technical improvements.
  • Designed and implemented Fastly VCL and Compute@Edge services to decrease asset distribution cost by 90+%.
  • Increased the cadence of dictionary content upgrades from once every two years to once every six weeks with improved ETL.
  • Eliminated weekly site downtime by identifying slow WordPress MySQL queries and moving critical data to AWS S3.
  • Coached and mentored engineering managers in Agile and SRE.
Technologies: Node.js, AWS Fargate, Fastly, SemaphoreCI, GitHub, Terraform, React, JavaScript, SQL, JSON, Data Wrangling, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Design Patterns, REST APIs, Continuous Integration (CI), Large Scale Distributed Systems, Distributed Systems, PostgreSQL, Docker, Python, Back-end, DevOps, Monorepos, PHP, Stream Processing, Event-driven Programming, API Platforms, Ruby, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, MongoDB, Data Management, APIs, Agile, CI/CD Pipelines, Scalability, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, HTML, Full-stack, CSS, Jira, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), UI Design, Software Development, Cloud, Natural Language Processing (NLP), API Integration, Database Architecture, Neo4j, Web Development, Performance, Amazon Aurora, Full-stack Development, Event-driven Architecture, Express.js, Unit Testing, Kubernetes, Mocha

Principal Engineer

2016 - 2019
Surprisingly Normal
  • Developed SenseEV, a Tesla vehicle app to create recurring schedules for climate control.
  • Built WordPract, an individualized early elementary sight word practice app with assessments.
  • Created MathPract, an individualized early elementary addition and subtraction practice app with assessments.
  • Developed Mathious, a teacher-led, whole-class addition and subtraction practice app with ongoing assessment of student understanding.
  • Built MyB, a Mercedes-Benz B-Class app that shows the charge status on your watch and phone.
Technologies: Google Cloud Datastore, Google App Engine, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), REST, Unix, Linux, MacOS, WatchOS, iOS, Java, Swift, JavaScript, SQL, JSON, Data Wrangling, Design Patterns, REST APIs, Continuous Integration (CI), Distributed Systems, Back-end, IntelliJ SDK, DevOps, PHP, Event-driven Programming, API Platforms, Stripe API, Stripe, Architecture, Software Architecture, Data Management, APIs, Scalability, Data Structures, Mobile Development, Technical Architecture, HTML, Full-stack, CSS, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Front-end, Interactive UI, UI Design, Software Development, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Cloud, API Integration, Database Architecture, Web Development, Full-stack Development, Mobile, Event-driven Architecture, Unit Testing

Back-end Platform Developer

2017 - 2017
Collaborist (via Toptal)
  • Implemented a REST API service back-end in Java on the Google App Engine and Google Cloud Datastore.
  • Documented a REST API in Swagger and Visual Paradigm.
  • Wrote unit tests in JUnit.
  • Designed a data model for a social network platform.
  • Cleaned and imported CSV data into a non-relational database.
Technologies: REST, Google Cloud Datastore, Google App Engine, Java, JSON, Data Wrangling, Design Patterns, REST APIs, Distributed Systems, Back-end, API Platforms, Architecture, Software Architecture, Data Management, APIs, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, Software Development, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Cloud, API Integration, Database Architecture, Unit Testing

Engineering Manager

2013 - 2016
Ticketfly
  • Delivered five additional projects—including a new product by pioneering outsourced distributed development.
  • Reduced emergency client issues by 40% year over year by implementing rigorous communication and tracking protocols across company departments.
  • Shortened the ramp-up and improved preparedness by collaborating with product training to improve engineering onboarding curriculum.
  • Increased delivery of high-value features by coaching local and remote teams in Scrum methods.
  • Transitioned independent developers to cross-functional development by encouraging team-building activities.
Technologies: Play, Angular, Capistrano, Chef, MySQL, Scala, Java, Grails, JSON, Data Wrangling, Design Patterns, REST APIs, Continuous Integration (CI), Distributed Systems, Back-end, DevOps, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, APIs, Agile, CI/CD Pipelines, Scalability, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, HTML, Full-stack, Interactive UI, UI Design, Software Development, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Cloud, API Integration, Database Architecture, Web Development, Performance, Full-stack Development, Unit Testing

Lead Engineer

2011 - 2013
HP Autonomy
  • Decreased the unplanned downtime by designing and implementing an operations dashboard.
  • Reduced the development effort by devising environment bootstrapping with Vagrant/Chef virtual machines.
  • Liaised with product management and interviewed customers.
  • Aided the migration from Amazon EC2 to Autonomy and HP Clouds.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), HP Cloud, Chef, Vagrant, Amazon EC2, MySQL, Java, SQL, Data Wrangling, Spring, Design Patterns, Continuous Integration (CI), Distributed Systems, Back-end, IntelliJ SDK, DevOps, Apache Maven, RabbitMQ, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Data Management, APIs, CI/CD Pipelines, Scalability, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, HTML, Full-stack, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Front-end, Interactive UI, UI Design, Software Development, Redshift, API Integration, Database Architecture, Web Development, Performance, Profiling, Full-stack Development, Unit Testing

Senior Engineer

2007 - 2011
Yield Software
  • Reduced the implementation duration by outsourcing development of LPO analysis tests and fixes.
  • Prevented anticipated increases in operation spending by improving the task-scheduler algorithm implementation.
  • Designed and implemented the Landing Page Optimization module, receiving the US Patent 8,276,086.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), jQuery, Redshift, Amazon EC2, Mondrian, MySQL, Java, SQL, Data Wrangling, Spring, Design Patterns, Continuous Integration (CI), Distributed Systems, Back-end, IntelliJ SDK, DevOps, Apache Maven, RabbitMQ, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Data Management, APIs, CI/CD Pipelines, Scalability, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, HTML, Full-stack, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Front-end, Interactive UI, UI Design, Software Development, API Integration, Database Architecture, Web Development, Performance, Profiling, Full-stack Development, Unit Testing

Manager of Engineering | List Manager

2003 - 2007
Lyris
  • Managed the global development team to build and release five versions of List Manager, including a redesigned UI.
  • Proposed and led development teams for three major features: improved content management and creation, a library of hosted and referenced images, and enhanced reporting workflow.
  • Developed a simplified user interface to track SMTP sessions, messages, and recipients in MailShield Server Professional.
  • Implemented SPF, RSS, and clustering in List Manager.
  • Maintained the legacy product MailEngine through two revisions.
Technologies: Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP), RSS Feeds, SPF, SMTP, Unix, Linux, Microsoft Visual C++, Tcl, C++, SQL, Design Patterns, Distributed Systems, PostgreSQL, Back-end, Stream Processing, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, JavaScript, HTML, Full-stack, Jira, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Front-end, Interactive UI, UI Design, Software Development, API Integration, Database Architecture, Web Development, Performance, Full-stack Development, Unit Testing

Senior Software Engineer

2000 - 2002
eLogicity
  • Refactored several functions—reducing code size by 10% over 250,000+ LOC. Streamlined memory allocation in HTML generation—reducing display time by 80% for 100-row tables.
  • Automated the remote instance synchronization.
  • Devised a solution to prevent fraudulent application use.
  • Led the development to order, track, and bill RFIDs.
  • Led the development to store, catalog, and retrieve externally-generated shipment documents.
  • Developed an algorithm to choose vessels and voyages matching user-specified dates, locations, carriers, and cargo.
  • Expanded the ownership and permission flexibility.
Technologies: RFID, XML, Jakarta EE, Apache Tomcat, Servlet, Java, SQL, Data Wrangling, Design Patterns, Distributed Systems, Back-end, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Data Management, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, HTML, Full-stack, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Front-end, Interactive UI, UI Design, Software Development, API Integration, Database Architecture, Web Development, Performance, Full-stack Development, Unit Testing

Lead Technical Consultant

1996 - 2000
Systems Solutions Group
  • Extended the aging Sun workstation lifetime with a modern screen pop. Spared multiple database connection licenses with a single connection server interfacing desktop applications and database. Traveled to New York, NY.
  • Increased the busy-period account system serial line use from 61% to 100% with geographically-distributed fault-tolerant TCP/IP to RS-232 multiplexer. Traveled to New York, NY.
  • Customized three screen pops for new call center switches in Arizona, Colorado, and Idaho in the time allocated for one screen pop installation. Traveled to Chandler, AZ and Boise, ID.
Technologies: IVR, Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual C++, wxWidgets, SQL, C++, Data Wrangling, Design Patterns, Distributed Systems, PostgreSQL, Back-end, PHP, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Data Management, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, Full-stack, Software Development, API Integration, Database Architecture, Performance, Profiling, Full-stack Development, Unit Testing

ClassPract

These are apps for your classroom where you can meet your digital teacher aide and get back to doing the things you enjoy.

WordPract

An individualized sight word practice with an assessment.

MathPract

An individualized addition and subtraction practice with an assessment.

Mathious

A teacher-led, whole-class addition and subtraction practice with an ongoing assessment of student understanding.

MyB

A Mercedes-Benz B-Class app that allows you to view your charge status on your watch and phone.

Ticketfly Promoter

The world’s first end-to-end product for calendar management, offer creation, and settlement. Everything you need to put on great shows is in one place—saving time and eliminating the hassle of jumping back and forth among spreadsheets, calendars, email, and all the other disparate tools.

Yield Software Web Marketing Suite

(Purchased by HP Autonomy to become Optimost Campaign.)

The Yield Web Marketing Suite integrates natural search (SEO), paid search (PPC), and landing page optimization in a single, powerful web-based system. Users report that they have saved time and lowered costs while driving new website traffic and better conversion rates—leading to increased revenues.

Lyris ListManager Template and Content System

Users have the unique ability to build their own templates and do so quickly and easily. Using the tool, users can add and edit content, place and resize images, and make other adjustments. Once the template has been created, ListManager makes it easy to create new mailings by adding images and text to the editable regions.

Spelling Practice

https://sourceforge.net/p/spellpract/wiki/INSTALL/
Spelling Practice is the best classroom spelling assessment and drill program available for free. The application was created in 2003 and 2004 for my wife's fifth-grade classroom.

I designed and built two Java applications: one for teachers and another one for students. The application enables a teacher to create spelling tests to be taken individually by students and customize spelling sessions by favoring words misspelled by a student.

Languages

JavaScript, SQL, Java, C++, Swift, HTML, Visual Basic, Scala, Tcl, Bash, XML, C, Perl, Groovy, Python, PHP, Ruby, CSS

Paradigms

Scrum, Agile, Unit Testing, Design Patterns, Continuous Integration (CI), DevOps, REST, Distributed Programming, Test-driven Development (TDD), Model View Controller (MVC), Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Asynchronous Programming, Event-driven Programming, Mobile Development, UI Design, Event-driven Architecture

Storage

JSON, MySQL, Database Architecture, Redshift, PostgreSQL, Google Cloud Datastore, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), MongoDB, Neo4j, Amazon Aurora

Other

Data Wrangling, Back-end, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Data Management, APIs, Scalability, Data Structures, Technical Architecture, Full-stack, Software Development, Web Development, Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), SSH, Scrum Master, SMTP, TCP/IP, Large Scale Distributed Systems, Distributed Systems, IntelliJ SDK, Stream Processing, API Platforms, CI/CD Pipelines, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Cloud, API Integration, Full-stack Development, RFID, IVR, RSS Feeds, Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP), HP Cloud, Messaging, Apache Commons, Multithreading, HTTP, Scrum Product Owner, Monorepos, Front-end, Interactive UI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Performance, Profiling

Libraries/APIs

Sockets, Node.js, REST APIs, wxWidgets, jQuery, Google Gson, Standard Template Library (STL), Google Maps, React, Stripe API, Stripe

Tools

Eclipse IDE, Xcode, Jira, Git, Mocha, Servlet, Apache Tomcat, Microsoft Visual C++, Capistrano, Mondrian, RabbitMQ, Subversion (SVN), TextMate, Emacs, GitHub, Perforce, IBM Rational ClearCase, Bugzilla, CVS, GCC, Vagrant, Chef, AWS Fargate, Fastly, SemaphoreCI, Terraform, JetBrains, Apache Maven

Platforms

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Unix, Linux, Kubernetes, MacOS, Eclipse, Jakarta EE, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Firebase, New Relic, Google App Engine, Oracle, Amazon EC2, WatchOS, iOS, Docker, Mobile

Frameworks

Grails, Angular, Play, SPF, Spring, Jakarta Server Pages (JSP), Mockito, JUnit, Express.js

APRIL 2015 - APRIL 2024

Certified Scrum Product Owner

Scrum Alliance

FEBRUARY 2015 - APRIL 2024

Certified ScrumMaster

Scrum Alliance

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