Daniel E. McGrath
Full-Stack / Backend Software Engineer • Performance & Developer Productivity
Full-stack / backend software engineer with 5+ years across Java/JavaFX/Web apps, data platforms, and AWS. Known for improving concurrency, scaling messaging systems, and shipping internal tools that cut cycle time. Recently impacted by company-wide restructuring and now seeking backend/infra/full stack roles where performance and developer productivity matter.
About Me
Learn more about my background, values, and what drives me in software development.
Professional Background
I'm a full-stack software engineer with over 5 years of experience building scalable applications and improving developer productivity. My journey in software development began with a passion for solving complex problems and creating tools that make a difference.
Throughout my career, I've focused on performance optimization, system architecture, and building internal tools that streamline development workflows. I believe in writing clean, maintainable code and creating systems that scale with the needs of the business.
Currently, I'm seeking backend and infrastructure roles where I can leverage my expertise in performance optimization and developer productivity to make a significant impact on engineering teams and product development.
Values & Approach
Performance First
I prioritize performance optimization and efficient resource utilization in all my work, ensuring applications run smoothly and scale effectively.
Developer Experience
I believe in creating tools and systems that improve developer productivity and reduce friction in the development process.
Clean Architecture
I design systems with maintainability and scalability in mind, using proven patterns and best practices.
Continuous Learning
I stay current with industry trends and technologies, always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge.
Location & Contact
Interests & Hobbies
Experience
My professional journey across software development, focusing on performance optimization, developer productivity, and scalable systems.
DeVilliers Technology Solutions
Boston, MA
Mid-Level Lead Software Developer
Oct 2022 - Aug 2025
- Designed segmented thread pools (short vs. long-running) with dynamic scaling, eliminating UI freezes from contention and improving responsiveness by 10x
- Implemented a JavaFX two-way file transfer feature (FDT protocol) with error checking, retries, and confirmations, reducing failed transfers and manual recovery
- Re-architected the message backend with priority queues and optimized threading using inheritance/polymorphism patterns, reducing new protocol onboarding time from weeks to hours
Part-Time Junior Software Developer
Jul 2021 - Jan 2022
- Rewrote a JavaFX app that became the primary simulation testing tool, streamlining test runs and reducing manual steps
Criteo
Boston, MA
Software Development Engineer
Jan 2022 - Oct 2022
- Enhanced analytics dashboards by deploying Spark clusters and integrating Hive/Vertica, improving data processing speed and dashboard responsiveness
Part-Time Software Development Intern
Jul 2021 - Jan 2022
- Contributed to a gamified ad-experience browser extension (Angular, ASP.NET), improving delivery timelines and boosting user engagement
WHOOP
Boston, MA
Co-op Web Developer
Jan 2020 - Aug 2020
- Built internal apps: (1) membership services portal with Stripe integration to cut manual operations; (2) dashboard/tools for signal processing & field testing to improve data accessibility
- Implemented AWS monitoring/alerting for key metrics, increasing uptime and detecting multiple intrusion attempts
MEDITECH
Boston, MA
Co-op Programmer
Jan 2019 - Aug 2019
- Built a VSCode extension for React Native components, streamlining integration and reducing boilerplate code for the development team
Skills & Technologies
A comprehensive overview of my technical skills and expertise across different domains of software development.
Languages
Programming languages I use for development
Frameworks & Libraries
Frameworks and libraries for building applications
Cloud & Infrastructure
Cloud platforms and infrastructure tools
Data & Analytics
Data processing, storage, and analytics technologies
Development Practices
Methodologies and best practices
Tools & Platforms
Development tools and platforms
Key Strengths
Performance Optimization
Expertise in improving application performance through thread pool optimization, concurrency management, and system architecture improvements.
Developer Productivity
Building internal tools and systems that streamline development workflows and reduce cycle time for teams.
Full-Stack Development
Experience across the entire stack from frontend frameworks to backend systems and cloud infrastructure.
System Architecture
Designing scalable systems with proper error handling, monitoring, and maintainable code patterns.
Featured Projects
Recent work showcasing my expertise in performance optimization and developer productivity
JavaFX Thread Pool Optimizer
Designed and implemented segmented thread pools with dynamic scaling to eliminate UI freezes and improve application responsiveness by 10x
• Improved UI responsiveness by 10x
• Eliminated UI freezes from thread contention
FDT File Transfer System
Implemented a robust two-way file transfer feature with error checking, retries, and confirmations to reduce failed transfers and manual recovery
• Reduced failed file transfers
• Eliminated manual recovery processes
Message Backend Architecture
Re-architected message backend with priority queues and optimized threading patterns, reducing new protocol onboarding time from weeks to hours
• Reduced protocol onboarding from weeks to hours
• Improved system scalability
WHOOP Membership Portal
Built internal membership services portal with Stripe integration to automate manual operations and improve operational efficiency
• Cut manual operations
• Improved operational efficiency
Signal Processing Dashboard
Developed dashboard and tools for signal processing and field testing to improve data accessibility and analysis capabilities
• Improved data accessibility
• Enhanced analysis capabilities
React Native VSCode Extension
Built a VSCode extension for React Native components to streamline integration and reduce boilerplate code for the development team
• Streamlined component integration
• Reduced boilerplate code
Get In Touch
I'm always interested in hearing about new opportunities and interesting projects. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to connect!
Send a Message
Contact Information
What I'm Looking For
Backend & Infrastructure Roles
I'm particularly interested in roles focused on performance optimization, system architecture, and developer productivity tools.
Full-Stack Opportunities
Open to full-stack positions where I can leverage my experience across the entire development stack.
Remote & Hybrid
Prefer remote or hybrid work arrangements, with occasional travel for team meetings and collaboration.