# Dave Barden > Senior Software Engineer | Front-End & Full-Stack Architecture (React, Node.js, GraphQL, Kafka, AWS) | Building Scalable, User-Focused Systems Location: Greater Milwaukee, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/davebarden I’ve spent more than 15 years building software across industries ranging from marketing and education to finance at Fortune 500 company. My career began in frontend development, crafting user interfaces and web applications, and over time expanded into backend, cloud, and distributed systems. That mix of experiences has given me broad perspective on how to design and deliver technology that is both scalable and user-friendly. What drives me is curiosity and empathy. Curiosity has pushed me beyond frontend into areas like GraphQL, Kafka, and cloud-based automation, while empathy shapes way I lead and collaborate. I believe teams do their best work when trusted to own their craft. My role is to guide architecture, set direction, and step in with support when needed, not to micromanage. That approach has allowed me to contribute to code, systems, practices, and environments where engineers thrive. I’m always open to connecting with other professionals, whether to exchange ideas, collaborate, or explore new opportunities. If you’re building teams, tackling complex systems, or looking for someone who brings both technical depth and people-first mindset, I’d be glad to connect. Contact: dwbarden515@gmail.com ## Work Experience ### Senior Software Engineer @ Northwestern Mutual Jan 2022 – Jan 2026 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Design and deliver enterprise-scale systems at Fortune 500 financial services company, spanning frontend, backend, and distributed architectures. Build and support services in React, Node.js, GraphQL, and Kafka, with responsibility for system reliability, production support, and cross-functional collaboration. Mentor engineers, lead code reviews, and drive best practices that strengthen development velocity and quality. Partner with global teams to ensure secure, scalable, and compliant solutions that power customer-facing applications and internal platforms. ### Senior Front-End Developer @ Northwestern Mutual Jan 2021 – Jan 2022 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Contributed to client-facing enterprise applications with focus on modern React-based frontends integrated with Java REST APIs. Converted Figma designs into functional, accessible components, while implementing test-driven development to secure code quality. Collaborated across global teams to align technical execution with business goals and ensure timely delivery. Guided onboarding for new developers and supported architectural discussions that shaped future scalability. ### Front-End Software Engineer @ Watermark Jan 2020 – Jan 2021 Delivered scalable education software platforms using React, TypeScript, and ES6, with emphasis on performance, maintainability, and accessibility. Partnered with architects to ensure alignment on design standards while introducing reusable Storybook-driven components. Addressed technical debt through dependency upgrades and refactoring, enabling faster iteration and reduced defects. Managed deployments through Jenkins pipelines as part of continuous integration practices. ### Front-End Developer @ Square 2 Jan 2019 – Jan 2019 | Waukesha, Wisconsin Designed and implemented responsive marketing websites using HubSpot CMS with HTML5, SASS, and JavaScript. Participated in Agile sprints to maintain project timelines, creating layouts and user interfaces optimized for client requirements and cross-browser compatibility. ### Front-End Developer @ DCI-Artform Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 | Glendale, Wisconsin Built responsive applications and internal tools with Vue.js, HTML5, and CSS3 to support enterprise projects in fast-paced Agile environment. Designed RESTful web services to process complex datasets and integrated dynamic components to enhance interactivity. Managed deployments across multiple environments while maintaining version control and code stability. ### Freelance Developer @ Bader Rutter Jan 2018 – Jan 2018 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contributed to digital projects at leading marketing agency, balancing technical development with leadership of junior engineers. Built and deployed analytics campaigns with Google Tag Manager, Floodlight, and AdRoll, and designed web applications integrated with Google Analytics. Supported marketing automation initiatives by implementing Marketo and Eloqua solutions that advanced client campaign goals. ### Front-End Developer @ DCI-Artform Jan 2017 – Jan 2018 | Glendale, Wisconsin Developed dashboards, landing pages, and applications using Vue.js, HTML5, and CSS3. Managed development and production environments while maintaining code quality with Git and Bitbucket. ### Front-End Developer @ STIR Advertising & Integrated Messaging Jan 2016 – Jan 2017 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Led creation of six custom WordPress and Drupal websites with accelerated SDLC cycles. Managed production servers and integrated SEO tools to increase visibility and user engagement. ### Web Developer @ Okanjo Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Built marketplaces and storefront widgets with JavaScript, LESS, and TWIG templating, delivering projects on short cycles. Optimized applications for performance, cross-browser compatibility, and MySQL database integration with Apache and Solr. ### Intranet Consultant @ Northwestern Mutual Jan 2014 – Jan 2015 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Created and maintained internal-facing websites with HTML5 and CSS3, delivering projects on rapid development cycles. Supported Agile teams with scalable intranet solutions for enterprise use. ### Web Developer @ Bader Rutter & Associates Jan 2011 – Jan 2014 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Developed and managed multiple client websites with JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3. Delivered CMS deployments with WordPress and ExpressionEngine while supporting email marketing campaigns through custom templates. ### Web Developer @ Triad Creative Group Jan 2010 – Jan 2011 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Designed and maintained custom WordPress and Joomla sites with JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Partnered with DBAs to integrate MySQL-driven solutions for dynamic websites. ### IT Intern @ Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Jan 2009 – Jan 2009 ## Education ### Bachelor of Science - BS in Information Technology University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Jan 2006 – Jan 2008 ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dave-barden-a2716815 - GitHub: https://github.com/dwbarden515 - Website: https://www.behance.net/dwbarden --- Source: https://flows.cv/davebarden JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/davebarden/resume.json Last updated: 2026-03-22