# Carl Thronson > Lead Engineer | Java & Spring Boot | GraphQL | Delivering Custom AI Solutions for Complex Domain Challenges Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/carlthronson Experimenting with Native AI capabilities in my own projects. I built an app where I can use natural language queries to search for relevant job listings. I run the AI reasoning engine in my app, so there is no dependency on chat gpt or other paid services. As the Lead Backend Software Engineer at StraightForwardJobSite, I am responsible for everything about the backend services. I created the entire backend from scratch. I implemented a SpringBoot Java application with GraphQL, JPA with a relational database, REST API endpoints and integration with a third party payment processing service. The application is deployed on Render using Docker. I made all of the technical decisions based on what works and what is affordable. I wrote all of the code myself. And I am responsible for the deployments and monitoring. In my previous job, I use a variety of technologies and frameworks, such as Java, Kotlin, Apollo GraphQL, Reactor Core, React, Next, and AWS, to create user-friendly and scalable solutions for user acquisition, retention, and engagement. Some of my recent projects include developing GraphQL queries and mutations, implementing A/B experiments on signup and checkout pages, creating incentive campaigns, and developing a blog publishing system for SEO. I also collaborate with cross-functional teams, follow agile and scrum methodologies, and use source code control and continuous integration tools to ensure quality and efficiency. ## Work Experience ### Principal Engineer SW Engineering @ Viakoo, Inc. Jan 2025 – Present ### Lead Back-End Engineer @ Straightforward Job Site Jan 2024 – Present | Sheridan, Wyoming, United States I built the entire SpringBoot Java backend GQL server from scratch. I was, and I still am, responsible for everything about the backend from top to bottom. I write the code, I test the application, I deploy new releases, I monitor the database, etc... And I am adding to it as we develop more features for the site. The server uses JPA to read and write data. It has an integration with Helcim for payment processing. And it has a REST API and a GQL API. I am also contributing middleware code for the frontend to help them to use the backend API. ### Software Engineer @ IPSY Jan 2018 – Jan 2023 | San Mateo, California Develop Kotlin code for Apollo GraphQL queries and mutations using Reactor Core Develop Java code for backend microservices Develop mobile application for user acquisition flows for paid and organic traffic Develop A/B experiments on signup page and checkout page (e.g. Apple Pay) Develop Incentive campaigns (eligibility, redemption, gaming prevention) Develop blog publishing system for SEO Sprint planning, spikes, documentation and other non-coding technical work ### Senior Software Engineer @ ShopEase Jan 2017 – Jan 2018 | 555 Bryant Street, No. 237, , Palo Alto, CA Developing front end GUI of web application using HTML and JavaScript. Developing back end using LAMP, with Ubuntu, Apache, MySQL and PHP running on AWS EC2. Developing Java REST services using Spring Boot. Developing front end GUI using React. Technologies: HTML, JavaScript, jQuery, Ubuntu, PHP, MySQL, Java, React, GIT. ### Senior Software Engineer Open Source @ OpenText Jan 2014 – Jan 2017 | San Mateo, CA Developing front end and back end of open source data analytics platform using Java. Technologies: Java, XML, Maven, GIT, JUnit. ### Senior Software Engineer @ Vigilent Jan 2012 – Jan 2014 | Oakland, CA Developing front end and back end of web application using HTML, JavaScript and Java. Developing data analytics using Java and Python Technologies: Java, HTML, JavaScript, Python, GIT. ### Staff Software Engineer @ Tiburon Jan 2010 – Jan 2012 Developing back end for automated (no GUI) fire alarm system using Node.js and JavaScript. Developing back end for automated (no GUI) GPS tracking system using Node.js and JavaScript. Technologies: Node.js, JavaScript, TFS. ### Lead Software Engineer (contract) @ Matchfund Jan 2010 – Jan 2011 Project: MatchFund is a new online social savings tool that combines personal finance management, social networking and financial education to help parents raise a financially savvy kid. Technology: JavaScript, jQuery, C# (ASP.NET MVC 3), NHibernate, SQL Server 2008 R2, Windows, Visual Studio 2010, Pivotal Tracker, SVN (Tortoise) Role: I did some coding; but, acted primarily as an advisor by researching and explaining to the team how to implement key features like pushing updates from the server to the client in real-time. Design and implement client side code, server side code, and database tables, for user registration and news feed. (what else? Challenges/invitations) Provide bug fixes and workarounds so that people are not blocked. (engineers and sales) ### Lead Software Engineer @ MyWay Interactive Jan 2008 – Jan 2009 Client side java script using AJAX, jQuery, XML. Server side REST services using JSP, Java and hibernate. ### Sr. Software Engineer - Solutions Lead @ Align Technology Jan 2005 – Jan 2008 Write server side and client side Java code for manufacturing systems and systems integrations. ### Advisory Software Engineer @ Datasweep Jan 2003 – Jan 2004 Project: Manufacturing Systems Technology: Java, WebSphere Role: Write server side Java code for web services and security ## Education ### Electrical Engineering University of Wisconsin-Madison ### Bachelor's degree in Computer Science related Math University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/carl-thronson - Website: https://devils-lake.vercel.app/task-board --- Source: https://flows.cv/carlthronson JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/carlthronson/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-05