Will Byrne

Senior Full Stack Software Developer

Summary

I am a senior fullstack software developer with over a decade of experience in designing, developing and maintaining web applications. I am proficient in many frontend and backend technologies, including: React, Node.js, TypeScript, CSS, HTML, ...etc. I am passionate about testing and normally take a role in developing testing strategies and frameworks. I am adept at working in fast lean environments with a great emphasis on teamwork and I enjoy pair and mob programming. I strongly believe in continuous improvement and personal development and encouraging others to do the same.

Experience

March 2019 - February 2025

Senior Software Developer

JavaScript
TypeScript
Kubernetes
Jest
React
HTML
CSS
Storybook
Temporal
CI/CD
GitHub actions
Chromatic
Docker
MongoDB

Joined the company as a full stack developer on a team using Node.js, GraphQL, and React. We re-wrote our teams main project in TypeScript, keeping the Node.js, GraphQL, and React stack but adding validation and testing tools like Joi and Storybook. After that project was completed I was moved onto a new team where we developed an application named Sciety which used TypeScript, Node.js, and Fp-Ts. I was then tasked with creating the new Enhanced Preprint platform which has a larger stack including TypeScript, Node.js, Next.js, Temporal, MongoDB ...etc.

  • Created and maintained the Storybook interaction tests and the Chromatic visual regression tests
  • As a team we took ownership of the version of Stencila Encoda we needed to alter when the owners were unable to spend time to make the changes
  • Earned a promotion to Senior Software Developer
  • Developed the Enhanced Preprint platform form prototype to released product and spearheaded the automated testing frameworks
  • Worked on the Reviewer application and led the introduction of Storybook
November 2017 - February 2019

UI Engineer

JavaScript
HTML
CSS
Bootstrap

I was hired as a Frontend Developer to aid the backend developer in creating a richer front end experience for a python web application. My main duties included designing and implementing new UX elements alongside making sure there was adequate test coverage. This role had a lot of challenges with flexible work hours between myself and the other developer which necessitated self improvement in the way I documented my work and code.

October 2011 - July 2017

Software Developer

Java
JavaScript
JUnit
Selenium
Backbone.js
HTML
CSS

Started as a Graduate Software Developer working on a legacy Java application using WebLogic and JBoss, when that project wound down I was moved onto a team that made the frontend for HP Idol / Haven on demand platform. This UX was developed with a Java backend using Spring Boot and the frontend was written in Backbone.js and JQuery. I was a constant voice for more testing in both applications I worked on here and managed to do some great improvements to the browser tests.

  • Profiled and rewrote the Selenium tests and reduced the run time from 9 hours to 20 minutes
  • Co-developed a rapid prototype of the UX for Idol / Haven on demand called BiFi
  • Volunteered as a member of the sports and social council
  • Volunteered as the lead fire warden on site in charge of training, drills, and managing the other fire marshals

Education

Edinburgh University

December 2010 - December 2011

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science

Aberdeen University

December 2006 - December 2010

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Computer Science

Volunteer

Fauna and Flora International

January 2016 - January 2017
Volunteer

Worked as a volunteer with a group of colleagues for the charity upgrading one of their campaign websites. This was done through the HP charity program where we were able to use some limited work time to volunteer for charities / good causes.

Peacock Archers

January 2016 - January 2021
Volunteer Coach

Helped coach the club archers as a level 2 archery coach, this was usually two or three sessions a week where I would spend some time shooting and some time coaching other archers.

References

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Will Byrne, a dedicated professional whose commitment to effective testing ensures exceptional user experiences and minimal bugs. His meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach to quality assurance have consistently elevated our projects, leading to seamless and reliable outcomes. Beyond his technical expertise, Will enriches our team with his diverse hobbies and talents. He has introduced us to the art of juggling, leading engaging sessions that have enhanced our coordination and team dynamics. His passion for storytelling shines through in the memorable Dungeons & Dragons sessions he organizes, fostering creativity and camaraderie among team members. Additionally, Will's cello performances have provided us with moments of musical inspiration, showcasing his artistic versatility. In summary, Will Byrne is a multifaceted professional whose dedication to quality and diverse interests make him an invaluable asset to any team.
— Ashlea Shaw
Will is an amazing software developer, with great attention to detail. We've benefited from his in-depth knowledge in testing and good all round coding skill. I've enjoyed pairing together, mostly on debugging knotty problems - he's a great guy and an asset to any team!
— Peter Hooper