Glad you're here!

I'm Ross MacDonald.

I solve problems with code.

I'm a software engineer who takes pride in leveraging resources - both technical and otherwise - to overcome challenges and drive meaningful results. Currently, I'm focused on building highly functional, customer-obsessed products that help local restaurants thrive at ChowNow.

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About me

I'm a highly skilled Software Engineer with a passion for building innovative solutions that drive real impact. With expertise spanning backend engineering, APIs, databases, and front-end frameworks like React, I love collaborating with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges and deliver high-quality products that delight users.

Currently, I work as a Backend Engineer at ChowNow, where I've gained extensive experience integrating third-party services, streamlining development processes, and implementing creative solutions to enhance user experiences and drive operational efficiency. Some of my key projects include developing APIs for passwordless authentication that securely serve over 1 million users and spearheading a major code refactoring effort to reduce technical debt.

My technical toolkit includes proficiency in Python, JavaScript, React, AWS, Docker, API development, relational databases, and more. Beyond my love for writing elegant code, I'm passionate about mentoring fellow engineers, driving best practices, and fostering a collaborative culture. I thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments where I can dream up creative solutions, take ownership of impactful projects, and deliver real value.

When I'm not immersed in code, you can find me enjoying the great outdoors with my family or chasing after my energetic toddler. I believe in working hard and playing hard - and that the best solutions often emerge from stepping outside our everyday routines and comfort zones to gain fresh perspectives.

Fun fact: Before breaking into the world of tech, I worked for 5 years as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher (yes, I have stories).

Experience

Work

Disclaimer: With a toddler running around, the time for side projects isn't what it used to be. These are a couple of years old and don't necessarily reflect my current expertise.

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