Darec McDaniel Software Engineer

Dedicated and driven Engineer with expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Python, Cloud Computing & Architecture, and modern web technologies. Passionate about creating scalable, user-centered applications and web content.

About Me

Results-driven Software Engineer with comprehensive full-stack development expertise and proven ability to deliver scalable, user-centered applications. Recently completed Master of Science in Software Engineering with hands-on experience in AI Engineering, Cloud Architecture, Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript, cloud technologies, and agile development practices.

Demonstrated track record of improving web performance by 24% and achieving enterprise-level accessibility compliance. Seeking to leverage strong technical foundation and problem-solving skills to contribute to innovative software development teams.

I am an avid martial artist with 20+ years of experience, holding a second degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and preparing for a black belt in Judo, while teaching both in an attempt to give back to my community. If I'm not on the mats or behind a computer screen, you'll find me on the golf course.
Life is a treat, let's enjoy it!

Technical Skills

Programming Languages

Java JavaScript Python SQL HTML5 CSS3

Frameworks & Libraries

Spring Boot Spring MVC jQuery Bootstrap REST APIs

Database Technologies

MySQL PostgreSQL JDBC Database Design Data Modeling

Cloud & DevOps

AWS CI/CD Pipelines Git GitHub GitLab

Testing & QA

JUnit TDD Selenium Automated Testing

Tools & Methodologies

IntelliJ IDEA VS Code Figma Agile/Scrum WCAG/ADA

Featured Projects

Full-Stack Employee Management System

Advanced Java Application with full-stack web development using Spring Boot and MySQL. Features RESTful CRUD APIs, user authentication, and a responsive front-end interface.

Java Spring Boot MySQL JavaScript

Full-Stack Social Media Application

Full-Stack Social Media Application built with JavaScript features user accounts, Google authenticatcation, CRUD API functionality for images and comments.

JavaScript Node.JS SanityIO HTML CSS

Online Code Editor w/ Emmet Autocomplete

Unified Code Editor: Single powerful editor with tab-based file management Persistent Storage: Your code is automatically saved using localStorage Responsive Layout: Toggle between horizontal and vertical panel views Save to File: Download your code as a text file.

HTML CSS JavaScript Emmet

FutureMap - Career Migration Planner

A web application that helps professionals transition into AI-resilient careers by analyzing their current skills, experience, and goals, then generating personalized career migration roadmaps.

AI Python JavaScript HTML CSS

React Learning Platform

A comprehensive, interactive React learning platform with a built-in code editor, real-time testing, and progress tracking. Designed for developers learning React fundamentals through hands-on practice.

AI JavaScript HTML CSS
More Projects Coming Soon

Future Project

Exciting new projects in development. Stay tuned for innovative solutions and cutting-edge implementations.

Professional Experience

Freelance Software Engineer

Self-employed August 2021 – current
  • Developed efficient and engaging applications using Python, Java, JavaScript, PostgreSql, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and AI tools to deliver content to end users and clients.
  • Delivered scalable and maintainable software solutions to clients across multiple industries.
  • Optimized website accessibility standards achieving ADA compliance certification
  • Created and maintained documentation for all projects, improving team efficiency by 20%
  • Developed and maintained software projects using modern development practices and tools.

Site Operations Specialist

Bluestem Brands (Blair, Appleseed's, Draper's & Damon's, Haband) January 2022 – July 2025
  • Developed responsive web applications using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, resulting in 24% increase in user engagement
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams using Agile methodologies and CI/CD deployment processes
  • Optimized website accessibility standards achieving ADA compliance certification
  • Streamlined asset delivery workflow through automation, improving efficiency by 35%
  • Conducted A/B testing and performance analysis to optimize user interface components

Education

Master of Science, Software Engineering

Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Feb 2026

AI Engineering Track | Cumulative Credit Units: 119

Bachelor of Science, Software Engineering

Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Jul 2025

Java Development Track | Cumulative Credit Units: 89

Front-End Developer (January 2025) Back-End Developer (July 2025)

Certifications

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner February 2024
CompTIA Project+ August 2024
ITIL 4 Foundation February 2025

Professional References

Inbal Goldman

Creative Director

Bluestem Brands

Jon Shade

Ecommerce Director

Bluestem Brands

Isaac Miller

Director Brand Marketing & eCommerce

Bluestem Brands

Darren Schott

Director Brand Merchandising

Bluestem Brands

Jennifer Dinallo

Graphic Designer

Bluestem Brands

Let's Work Together

Get In Touch

Ready to bring your next project to life? I'd love to hear from you.