Scotty Waggoner, Developer in Sacramento, CA, United States
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Scotty Waggoner

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Bio

Scotty is an experienced full-stack developer who builds high-performance web and mobile applications with TypeScript, Node.js, Next.js, and React. He specializes in optimizing architectures, enhancing developer experience, and integrating AI-powered solutions. With a passion for problem-solving and user experience, Scotty delivers scalable, intelligent systems that drive real-world impact.

Portfolio

Health Plans of North Carolina Inc.
React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, Node.js, Figma, GraphQL, Contentful, Calendly...
Algebraic Labs, LLC
TypeScript, SQL, Node.js, PostgreSQL, React, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Knex.js...
Freelance Client
React Native, TypeScript, GraphQL, Apollo, Mobile App Development, APIs...

Experience

  • PostgreSQL - 8 years
  • TypeScript - 8 years
  • React - 8 years
  • Next.js - 6 years
  • Tailwind CSS - 5 years
  • GraphQL - 5 years
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) - 5 years
  • React Native - 5 years

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

The most amazing...

...feature I've worked on was building Ask AI for FoodNoms, enabling users to instantly access detailed nutrition info from descriptions, images, and recipes.

Work Experience

Full-stack Developer

2022 - PRESENT
Health Plans of North Carolina Inc.
  • Worked for a health insurance agency and deployed the Next.js site to production backed by CMS data from Contentful loaded with GraphQL to replace the existing WordPress site.
  • Had a lead engineer role, making product and technical decisions, scoping all new work, managing another engineer, and reviewing code.
  • Implemented a new quote and call flow to improve conversion and allow users to get connected quickly with an agent and self-service their own quote.
  • Improved load times, performance, search rankings, SEO, and Lighthouse scores.
  • Updated the Next.js codebase to use the new Next.js app router, TypeScript, Prettier, GraphQL, Apollo Client, and GraphQL Code Generator.
  • Created serverless functions to integrate with Calendly, the client's CRM, and Zapier for online quotes and other lead sources.
Technologies: React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, Node.js, Figma, GraphQL, Contentful, Calendly, GraphQL Code Generator, TypeScript, Apollo, GitHub, Git, CSS Grid, Full-stack, Serverless, Architecture, Serverless Architecture, Full-stack Development, Microservices, Technical Leadership, Technical Product Management, Software Architecture, Project Consultancy, Back-end, ChatGPT, Headless CMS, JavaScript, Websites, User Profiles, REST APIs, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), AI Tools, Tailwind UI, Web Development, Zapier, Cloud Storage, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI)

Back-end TypeScript Developer

2023 - 2025
Algebraic Labs, LLC
  • Optimized moderation tools, improving DB performance and enhancing accuracy through AI-automated content analysis for user-submitted foods to a crowdsourced database.
  • Engineered an AI-powered pipeline for food database matching and nutrient estimation leveraging OpenAI APIs (GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Structured Outputs) and incorporating keyword extraction, dataset filtering, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
  • Developed back-end endpoints for an AI-enhanced iOS client app using TypeScript, Deno, Supabase Edge Functions, and PostgreSQL, leveraging custom database functions to optimize query performance for real-time AI interactions.
  • Dockerized and deployed a scalable Node.js API and batch processes on Amazon ECS, cutting deployment time and operational overhead while improving reliability and reducing downtime and costs.
  • Architected a low-cost pipeline to capture, batch, and store search query metrics for future AI use. Investigated multiple solutions, considered pricing, and architected final implementation involving Amazon Kinesis Data Firehose and S3.
  • Developed admin tools and product features with Node.js, Koa, Interval, Knex.js, PostgreSQL, and OpenAI APIs. Iterated on AI prompts and used OpenAI function calling capabilities to structure inputs and outputs.
  • Added customizable endpoint rate limiting backed by Redis.
  • Enhanced monitoring and logging with Datadog, improving visibility into Amazon ECS, EC2, Nginx, Redis, and Node.js.
  • Improved developer experience by setting up VS Code Dev Containers, creating database seeds for testing and local development, and improving TypeScript tooling.
Technologies: TypeScript, SQL, Node.js, PostgreSQL, React, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Knex.js, Docker, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), Datadog, OpenAI, OpenAI GPT-3 API, OpenAI GPT-4 API, APIs, GitHub Actions, Koa, Jest, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Amazon Kinesis, Supabase, RevenueCat, Deno, PostgREST, Back-end, Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, OpenAI SDK, JavaScript, Redis, Startups, Websites, REST APIs, OpenAI API, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), AI Tools, Authentication, Row-level Security (RLS), AWS SDK, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agile Software Development, Web Development, DevOps, Cloud Storage, Databases, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI)

React Native Developer

2022 - 2025
Freelance Client
  • Worked on an async audio app for sales teams. Implemented screens, components, and features based on Figma designs.
  • Helped improve GraphQL schema for consumption by Apollo Client. Suggested pagination methodologies, cache key improvements, code generation, configured Apollo Client, and refactored several screens to fully utilize Apollo's capabilities.
  • Fixed bugs, improved authentication flow, and contributed to design meetings.
Technologies: React Native, TypeScript, GraphQL, Apollo, Mobile App Development, APIs, API Integration, Code Review, React, GitHub, Jira, Git, Mobile, Mobile UX, Architecture, Technical Leadership, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Software Architecture, Project Consultancy, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Mobile Apps, JavaScript, Startups, User Profiles, iOS, Android, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Authentication, Agile Software Development, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI)

Full-stack Engineer

2022 - 2022
Chainstarters
  • Implemented front-end Web3 integration with Alchemy and Polygon for a client NFT drop site to load NFT data, connect wallets, make smart contract calls, and purchase NFTs.
  • Created new GraphQL endpoints and PostgreSQL tables and configured GraphQL Code Generator.
  • Used TailwindCSS, React, and TypeScript to implement marketing sites based on Figma designs.
Technologies: React, GraphQL, Node.js, Web3.js, Tailwind CSS, APIs, Cryptocurrency, API Integration, Blockchain, Crypto, Non-fungible Tokens (NFT), Code Review, Git, SQL, CSS Grid, Full-stack, Smart Contracts, Ethers.js, Prisma, Architecture, Full-stack Development, Technical Leadership, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Software Architecture, Project Consultancy, Back-end, Digital Hardware Design, JavaScript, Startups, Websites, Ethereum, Web3, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Authentication, Tailwind UI, Agile Software Development, Web Development, Databases, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI)

Printed Circuit Board Designer

2021 - 2022
Client (via an online freelance agency)
  • Used Autodesk Fusion 360 to create schematics, a PCB layout, a 3D model, and PCB manufacturing files based on a hand-sketched wiring diagram for 18 relays.
  • Designed for high currents on specific signals and fitted everything in a small footprint according to the requirements.
  • Helped the client through phases of design and PCB manufacturing and testing.
Technologies: PCB Design, PCB, PCB Layout, Autodesk Fusion 360, Smart Devices, Internet of Things (IoT), Embedded Systems, Embedded Hardware, Hardware, CAD

Full-stack Developer

2014 - 2022
Cru
  • Led a team rewriting an old AngularJS app into React, Next.js, Material UI, and created serverless functions to integrate GraphQL with some existing REST endpoints.
  • Implemented a serverless function to pull article recommendations from BigQuery, sort and filter them, and then push JSON files to S3 grouped by page with diff support for easy front-end use by content sites.
  • Worked as technical lead to rewrite a mobile app and align it with the new product direction using React Native, TypeScript, and GraphQL.
  • Collaborated with the product team to scope new features, made tech stack decisions, mentored coworkers, and improved code quality.
  • Helped migrate a contact management tool out of Rails views and into AngularJS, Babel, and Webpack, and helped architect and implement a product split aimed at streamlining two feature sets that historically were developed in the same codebase.
  • Created a modern user experience for our donors on our giving site. Worked on gift configuration, the checkout process, managing payments, editing recurring donations, and the user's profile.
  • Developed an npm library for validating, encrypting, and tokenizing bank account and credit card info. Written in TypeScript as a wrapper library for our payment processor. Provided a clean API for web apps to consume.
Technologies: JavaScript, TypeScript, GraphQL, React, React Native, AngularJS, Apollo, Babel, Webpack, Next.js, GitHub, GitHub Actions, Jira, HelpScout, Travis CI, AWS Amplify, Netlify, Node.js, Tachyons CSS, Continuous Integration (CI), CSS, HTML, Front-end, Web App Development, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Vercel, AWS Lambda, Apollo Server, CI/CD Pipelines, Mobile App Development, Android, APIs, MySQL, API Integration, Code Review, Git, SQL, CSS Grid, Full-stack, Serverless, Firebase, Mobile, Mobile UX, Architecture, Serverless Architecture, Docker, Full-stack Development, Cloud, PHP, Microservices, Technical Leadership, Donations, Nonprofits, Charity, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Technical Product Management, Product Ownership, Scrum Product Owner, Software Architecture, Datadog, Back-end, Mobile Apps, Payment APIs, Websites, User Profiles, REST APIs, iOS, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Authentication, Material UI, AWS SDK, Agile Software Development, Web Development, DevOps, Cloud Storage, Databases, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI)

Mobile and Embedded Developer

2021 - 2021
Freelance
  • Created prototype device using an ESP32 microcontroller and small screen to display data in a small form factor.
  • Developed a React Native app to control the microcontroller using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
  • Implemented UI with Tailwind CSS to send new data to the microcontroller over BLE.
Technologies: Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), ESP32, React Native, Mobile App Development, iOS, Bluetooth, React, GitHub, Git, Full-stack, Smart Devices, Internet of Things (IoT), Architecture, Serverless Architecture, Full-stack Development, Technical Leadership, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Embedded Systems, Firmware, Embedded C, Software Architecture, Project Consultancy, Embedded Hardware, Embedded Software, Hardware, Mobile Apps, JavaScript, Startups, Android, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), IoT Protocols

Software Architecture Consultant

2021 - 2021
Freelance Client
  • Researched and documented the AWS cloud architecture needed for deploying the app back end to periodically ingest data from a government dataset, run a data processing pipeline, and store that data for easy access.
  • Scoped React Native work based on Figma screens and investigated and documented needed tooling and libraries.
  • Provided context for chosen technologies and implementations, suggested alternatives, and shared general software development best practices.
Technologies: PostgreSQL, React Native, Front-end, Web App Development, Amazon Web Services (AWS), APIs, API Integration, GitHub, Git, SQL, Full-stack, Serverless, Mobile, Mobile UX, Architecture, Serverless Architecture, Docker, Full-stack Development, Cloud, Microservices, Technical Leadership, Kubernetes, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Software Architecture, Project Consultancy, Back-end, JavaScript, Node.js, Startups, Websites, Web Development, DevOps, Cloud Storage, Databases, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI)

Experience

AI Assisted Moderation

https://www.foodnoms.com/blog/ai-assisted-moderation/
Implemented a system for moderation and validating user-submitted foods to a crowdsourced database. Sent new foods to OpenAI assistants using OpenAI's Batch API and JSON Schema features, implemented a basic work queue using PostgreSQL and S3, and developed internal tools using TypeScript, Node.js, and Interval.

MissionHub

https://www.missionhub.com
MissionHub is a React Native mobile app to help people connect with one another and take the next steps with people around them.

I helped rewrite the existing mobile app and align it with the new product direction. I worked with the product and design teams to implement new features and turn Figma designs into beautiful screens. I had front-end technical lead responsibilities to help make technology decisions, mentor coworkers, and improve code quality. I helped migrate MissionHub to React Hooks, TypeScript, and GraphQL. And I implemented auth, onboarding, reminders, and community features.

Education

2010 - 2014

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering

University of California Davis - Davis, CA, USA

Skills

Libraries/APIs

React, AWS Amplify, Node.js, REST APIs, OpenAI API, Web3.js, PostgREST

Tools

GitHub, ChatGPT, Zapier, Babel, Webpack, Jira, Travis CI, PCB Layout, Autodesk Fusion 360, Git, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), CAD, HelpScout, Figma, Prisma, Knex.js, AWS SDK

Languages

JavaScript, TypeScript, GraphQL, CSS, HTML, HTML5, SQL, C, C++, Rust, PHP, Java, Python, Embedded C

Frameworks

React Native, Next.js, Jest, Tailwind CSS, AngularJS, Tachyons CSS, Koa, Material UI

Platforms

Vercel, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Netlify, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS Lambda, Firebase, Contentful, Blockchain, Mobile, STM32, Raspberry Pi, Docker, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), iOS, Android, Calendly, Kubernetes, RevenueCat, Ethereum

Storage

PostgreSQL, Databases, MySQL, Datadog, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Redis

Paradigms

Continuous Integration (CI), Serverless Architecture, Microservices, Agile Software Development, DevOps

Other

Apollo, Front-end, Web App Development, CI/CD Pipelines, Mobile App Development, APIs, API Integration, Code Review, Full-stack, Mobile UX, Architecture, Full-stack Development, Technical Leadership, Nonprofits, Charity, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Technical Product Management, Software Architecture, OpenAI, Supabase, Back-end, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Websites, Authentication, Web Development, Cloud Storage, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), GitHub Actions, Internet of Things (IoT), ESP32, Electronics, Apollo Server, Embedded Development, Cryptocurrency, CSS Grid, Serverless, Smart Devices, Cloud, Donations, Embedded Systems, Product Ownership, Firmware, Project Consultancy, OpenAI GPT-3 API, OpenAI GPT-4 API, Deno, Embedded Hardware, Embedded Software, Hardware, Headless CMS, Mobile Apps, Payment APIs, Startups, User Profiles, AI Tools, Row-level Security (RLS), Tailwind UI, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Models (LLMs), IoT Protocols, Bluetooth, PCB Design, PCB, GraphQL Code Generator, Crypto, Non-fungible Tokens (NFT), Smart Contracts, Ethers.js, Scrum Product Owner, Amazon Kinesis, Electrical Engineering, Digital Hardware Design, OpenAI SDK, Web3

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