Brandon Harshaw

Backend Software Engineer with 9+ years of experience designing, developing, and maintaining RESTful APIs and microservices using Java and Spring Boot. Proven track record building scalable backend systems with Spring, Spring Security, JPA/Hibernate, and relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL) across financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce domains. Experienced in the full software development lifecycle, including API design, database schema design, unit testing (JUnit, Mockito), CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Docker), and Agile/Scrum delivery.

Skilled at reverse-engineering existing applications, resolving complex production issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Currently building a full-stack career networking platform using Java, Spring Boot, MySQL, and React.

Software Developer at FlexTrade (2025-01 – Present)

• Support backend client implementations for a financial trading platform, translating business requirements into working software integrations.
• Develop Python and Batch scripts to process incoming files from clients and broker partners within a distributed, microservices-based environment.
• Implement backend business logic changes in Scala to generate trade files delivered to brokers, ensuring accuracy and data integrity in financial transactions.
• Build and maintain monitoring processes that surface processing errors, including exception details and partial stack traces, to speed up root-cause troubleshooting.
• Use Docker to containerize and run local instances of backend microservices for development and testing.

Senior Software Developer at Big Rig Media (2024-03 – 2024-08)

• Partnered with the CIO to design and develop backend components of a custom CRM system.
• Built and maintained backend APIs using Ruby on Rails to support core CRM functionality.
• Developed inbound email processing logic to automatically capture and route data into the CRM backend.
• Wrote unit tests with RSpec to validate backend functionality and ensure code reliability.

Senior Software Engineer at Bank of the West (2020-03 – 2023-12)

• Authored API design specifications and developed new RESTful APIs using Java, Spring Boot, and JPA within a microservices architecture.
• Built a batch-processing version of an existing API using Java, Spring Boot, and JPA to evaluate customer information and determine required signing documents.
• Enhanced the backend logic of a Document Calculator application that determined required customer documents, eliminating manual document research for Relationship Managers and improving operational efficiency.
• Designed and developed a Notification Center API (Java, Spring Boot, JPA, MySQL) enabling dynamic, on-demand or scheduled email generation, automating manual email workflows for Relationship Managers.
• Monitored and supported production microservices in a Linux environment using Splunk, Dynatrace, and Kubectl.
• Actively participated in Scrum ceremonies, advocating for their full use to maximize team efficiency and delivery predictability.

Software Engineer at WageWorks (2017-10 – 2020-01)

• Contributed to the backend migration and rebranding of an acquired Java Spring Health Savings Account (HSA) application.
• Delivered backend feature enhancements to a Java-based HSA platform, including additional enhancements built in C#.
• Wrote shell scripts to automate validation of bank files, emailing the development team with error reports for rapid remediation.
• Reverse-engineered application logic and database structures to help customer support diagnose and resolve production issues.
• Wrote ad-hoc SQL queries to investigate data inconsistencies and generate custom reports on request.
• Owned DevOps responsibilities for a 6-server distributed Linux system, including build/deployment automation via Debian packages and shell scripting.
• Completed Agile training and helped pilot one of the organization's first teams to adopt Agile methodology.

Software Engineer at One Touch Point (2016-10 – 2017-10)

• Fixed backend bugs in Java and C# applications.
• Repaired and converted reporting logic from Crystal Reports to SSRS.
• Integrated HL7 messaging standards for client data exchange.

Java Developer at Weyco Group (2015-05 – 2016-10)

• Learned RPG to convert legacy AS400 sales reports into a Java web application, improving performance and functionality.
• Maintained backend services for 11 e-commerce websites using Java, Spring, and PostgreSQL, including feature enhancements and customer support triage.
• Built the backend for an additional e-commerce site serving German clientele, integrating localized translations and Euro based payment processing.

Cloud Application Developer at GE Healthcare (2014-11 – 2015-05)

• Integrated Bugzilla for backend bug tracking across cloud server infrastructure.
• Wrote Ruby-based Chef cookbooks and recipes to automate cloud server provisioning.
• Updated backend workflow automation using JavaScript in vCenter Orchestrator.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science - Software Engineering – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh