Justin Herrera

Senior Software Engineer

Overview

With nearly 20 years of engineering experience, I have designed, developed and deployed many applications and websites in both agency and corporate settings. I believe in clean, performant and maintainable code without compromising the UI/UX experience. I prefer team collaboration in order to produce high-quality work that clients and myself can be proud of.

Skills

  • Frontend: AJAX, ARIA, CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript (ES6+), jQuery, Responsive, SASS/SCSS, TypeScript, UI/UX, XML, WCAG 2.x
  • Backend: .Net, C#, JSON, Object-Oriented, PHP, SQL, REST API
  • Frameworks: Blazor, Bootstrap, Entity, React, Sitecore, Vue.js, WordPress
  • Build Tools: Grunt, Gulp, Node.js, NPM, Vite, Webpack
  • Misc: Adobe Creative Cloud, Assembla, Figma, GitLab, GitHub, Jira, Storybook
  • Certifications: CompTIA Security+, Microsoft .Net Developer

Employment

CommIT Enterprises, Inc  -  Senior Software Engineer 10/2025–07/2026

  • Architected core application and features to facilitate cross-communicated between dozens of systems.
  • Modernized legacy data flows while ensuring comprehensive capability coverage and high code integrity.
  • Configured REST API calls around Blazor lifecycles while accounting for dataset performance.
  • Engineered multi-step state-managed interactive components.
  • Maintained and created Playwright integration and xUnit tests.
  • Provided technical expertise and a solution-oriented mindset during requirements gathering.
  • Mentored developers via paired-programming, code reviews, and merge requests.
  • Engaged in Agile SCRUM practices and ticket management which incorporated the Software Development Life Cycle.

TRISTAR, Inc  -  Software Developer IV 03/2023–03/2025

  • Established patterns of complex implementations for the team to follow throughout future iterations.
  • Collaborated with internal and external teams to maintain consistent look, feel and functionality.
  • Upheld and exceeded government standards while maintaining internal standards.
  • Adapted to a mid-project technology pivot from Vue.js to Blazor.
  • Assumed UI/UX and frontend leadership responsibilities including creating, implementing and documenting standards.
  • Obtained CompTIA Security+ Certification, SECRET Security Clearance and maintained required annual DoD training.

Indigo Slate  -  Senior UI Developer 03/2022–08/2022

  • Enhanced user experience through the use of motion graphics with CSS and JS animation.
  • Followed Microsoft's standards for interactivity across devices in relation to content visibility and accessibility.
  • Developed multiple Vue.js applications including those migrating between versions.
  • Deployed codebases using Azure CI/CD pipelines.
  • Led team discussions focused on accessibility, standards and process.

Verndale  -  Senior Frontend Engineer 09/2021–01/2022

  • Integrated React and TypeScript modules into Sitecore.
  • Participated in team-meetings regarding latest trends and skill-building sessions.
  • Supported existing repositories by transitioning from SVN to GIT.

Aware Web  -  Senior Web Developer 10/2013–03/2019

  • Implemented frontend processes from project management to design, development and backend implementation.
  • Created highly customizable plugins and internal component library which were used across many projects.
  • Produced unique-layouts by leveraging mobile and desktop compliant HTML5 and CSS3 features.
  • Developed numerous JavaScript state-driven data interactive features including charts, forms, graphs and menus.
  • Used SASS and its more advanced features to automate creation of CMS generated dynamic classes.
  • Enforced utilizing the right-tool for the right job but prioritizing what was in best-interest of the client.
  • Utilized Bootstrap on smaller projects and microsites.
  • Cultivated client relationships spanning many years which led to more projects.
  • Coordinated team members and their skill sets across projects to improve workflow and project efficiency.
  • Trained team members on industry best practices across features and implementations.
  • Managed multiple clients and projects at once while maintaining their differing timelines.
  • Expedited project start times by incorporating NPM-based plugins into a consistent "project setup" bundle.
  • Incorporated Brightcove, YouTube and Vimeo libraries into interactive training-software.
  • Supported continued development of Sitecore projects including those using Angular or SXA.
  • Engaged in discussions to ensure frontend and backend systems met business-logic requirements.
  • Designed many client-specific components that fell beyond the scope of client-imposed tech-stacks.

Capella University  -  Web Developer 09/2012–04/2013

  • Evolved JSP Portlets utilizing JavaScript and jQuery best practices.
  • Optimized performance for high-traffic intranet that required dynamic data driven features.
  • Coordinated progress with the team in order to address and prioritize road blocks or potential problems.
  • Paired and coordinated with other developers to tackle larger system-strategies around different user-roles.

Azul 7  -  Web Developer 04/2011–08/2012

  • Built advanced custom WordPress themes and features which integrated client-specific data requirements.
  • Assisted third-party developers with optimized interfaces to implement in .NET.
  • Designed CSS sprites to limit HTTP requests and speed up the delivery of websites to the end-users.
  • Integrated social media strategies including plugins and metadata to reach broader audiences per client's needs.
  • Leveraged SMACSS to produce highly efficient and customizable components.
  • Ensured complex features were cross-browser, ADA compliant and mobile-friendly.
  • Constructed Adaptive and Responsive sites based on client requirements.
  • Crafted various unique components including: gantt charts, bar graphs, timelines and mega-menus.

Salt Creative  -  Interactive Developer 03/2009–03/2011

  • Optimized Photoshop designs into emails and websites using HTML and CSS.
  • Developed shareable and embedded holiday-themed bracket with a PHP and MySQL backend to track votes.
  • Utilized parallax scrolling to create a more engaging interface.
  • Decreased site-load times while increasing search engine optimization on multiple websites.
  • Worked effectively and shared ideas with the team to provide high quality client service.

Education

The Art Institutes International Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media

10/2005–12/2008