Isaac MacDonald
Andrews,IN
Summary
Results-driven frontend software engineer with hands-on experience building clean, responsive web applications using React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and modern tools like hooks, state management, and performance optimizations. After starting out in IT support at The Cellular Connection—where I handled troubleshooting, device setups, and light scripting—I transitioned into full-time development, owning features end-to-end and refactoring legacy code to make things faster and easier to maintain.
These days I freelance, delivering quick-turnaround projects for small businesses and startups: everything from polished React UIs to simple AI-powered features (chatbots, content tools, basic ML integrations via Python and APIs like OpenAI or Hugging Face) that actually solve real problems without over complicating things. I thrive on turning client ideas into working products fast, iterating based on feedback, and keeping code maintainable so it's not a headache down the road. Always learning—whether it's new frontend patterns or practical ways to bring AI into everyday apps—and excited to bring that mix of reliability and curiosity to the right team or project.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Software Engineer & AI Developer
Self-employeed
Andrews, IN
01.2024 - Current
- Delivered end-to-end web applications for 10+ clients using React, modern JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, and CSS3, building responsive, high-performance UIs with reusable components, hooks, and state management (Redux/Context API) to meet tight deadlines and client specifications.
- Integrated beginner-friendly AI/ML features into client projects using Python (with libraries like scikit-learn, Hugging Face Transformers, or OpenAI APIs), including chatbots, sentiment analysis tools, recommendation engines, and basic image/text classifiers, enhancing app functionality without requiring advanced data science expertise.
- Developed custom AI-powered web tools, such as automated content generators, resume analyzers, or data summarizers, combining React frontends with Python backends (Flask/FastAPI) and lightweight databases, delivering prototypes in 2–4 weeks that automated repetitive client tasks and improved efficiency by 50–80%.
- Built and deployed full-stack prototypes for small businesses/startups, incorporating AI integrations (e.g., natural language processing for search/chat, predictive features via simple models), while handling deployment (Vercel/Heroku), API connections, and basic security best practices.
- Optimized existing client applications by refactoring React codebases, implementing performance improvements (lazy loading, memoization, code splitting), and adding AI-driven enhancements like personalized recommendations or automated insights, resulting in faster load times and higher user satisfaction.
- Provided consulting and rapid development services for beginner AI systems, including prompt engineering for LLMs, fine-tuning open-source models for niche use cases (e.g., customer support bots), and creating interactive dashboards with React + Python data pipelines.
- Managed full project lifecycles independently: gathered requirements via client calls, designed solutions, wrote clean/tested code (Jest for frontend, PyTest for backend), iterated based on feedback, and ensured on-time delivery within budget constraints.
- Collaborated remotely with diverse clients (startups, agencies, non-tech businesses) using agile tools (Trello/Slack/Notion), Git for version control, and clear documentation to facilitate smooth handoffs and future maintenance.
- Created AI-assisted automation scripts and tools in Python (e.g., web scrapers with AI parsing, invoice processors, or analytics trackers), often wrapped in simple React interfaces, saving clients dozens of manual hours per week.
- Maintained high client satisfaction through proactive communication, bug fixes post-launch, and scalable solutions that supported growth from MVP to production-ready features.
Software Engineer II
Annie's Publishing
Ft. Wayne
12.2018 - 11.2023
- Developed and maintained complex, responsive web applications using React, modern JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, and CSS3, delivering pixel-perfect, user-centric interfaces for [X] key features and modules that improved user engagement and retention.
- Built reusable React components, custom hooks, and advanced UI elements with state management (Redux/Context API), routing (React Router), and styling solutions (CSS-in-JS, Tailwind, or styled-components), accelerating development velocity by [X%].
- Optimized frontend performance through code splitting, lazy loading, memoization, and efficient rendering techniques, achieving [e.g., 40% faster page load times / 95+ Lighthouse scores / smoother UX on mobile/desktop].
- Integrated frontend applications with Python-based backend APIs and databases (e.g., REST/GraphQL endpoints, PostgreSQL/MySQL), handling data fetching, state synchronization, and real-time updates to ensure seamless full-stack functionality.
- Collaborated closely with designers and product teams in agile sprints to translate wireframes and requirements into high-fidelity, accessible React interfaces, participating in design reviews, user testing, and iterative improvements.
- Implemented responsive design and cross-browser compatibility using modern CSS (Flexbox, Grid, media queries) and React best practices, supporting 100% mobile-first experiences across devices.
- Wrote and maintained comprehensive unit/integration tests for frontend components using Jest, React Testing Library, and Cypress.
- Refactored legacy frontend codebases to modern React patterns (hooks, functional components) and upgraded JavaScript/ES6 features, enhancing maintainability and developer productivity.
- Debugged complex frontend issues including rendering problems, state inconsistencies, performance bottlenecks, and API integration errors, minimizing downtime and delivering rapid resolutions.
- Contributed to CI/CD pipelines, Git workflows, and deployment processes focused on frontend builds, enabling faster release cycles and consistent, reliable user experiences.
IT Technician
The Cellular Connection(Verizon)
Huntington, IN
02.2017 - 10.2018
- Provided first-line technical support to 100+ retail store employees and corporate users, resolving hardware, software, network, and device connectivity issues via phone, email, remote tools, and in-person visits to maintain high operational uptime across multiple locations.
- Troubleshot and repaired Verizon wireless retail equipment including POS systems, smartphones, tablets, mobile hotspots, printers, and network devices, achieving fast resolution to minimize sales floor disruptions.
- Diagnosed and fixed common mobile OS issues (Android/iOS), account provisioning problems, activation errors, and carrier-specific Verizon service configurations for both employee and customer-facing technology.
- Managed help desk ticketing system to log, prioritize, track, and close support requests, consistently meeting or exceeding first-call resolution targets and improving response efficiency.
- Performed hardware setup, configuration, and deployment of new employee devices, computers, peripherals, and store technology infrastructure to support business expansion and daily operations.
- Assisted with basic scripting, automation, and programming tasks (e.g., batch scripts, simple tools in Python/PowerShell, or custom utilities) to streamline repetitive IT processes, reduce manual workload, and enhance team productivity.
- Collaborated with retail management and Verizon partners to implement software updates, security patches, and system configurations while ensuring compliance with company IT standards and policies.
- Delivered exceptional customer service during technical interactions, explaining solutions clearly to non-technical users, resulting in positive feedback and reduced repeat incidents.
Education
Associates - Computer Science
Ivy Tech
05.2018
Skills
- HMTL
- SOLIDITY
- CSS
- PHP
- JAVASCRIPT
- LARAVEL
- SQL
- Phpmyadmin
- Windows
- Linux
- Photoshop
- Nodejs
- Ethersjs
- Ganache
- Truffle
- React
- Alchemy
- GIT
- Bitbucket
- Python
- Object-oriented programming
- Git proficiency
- Database management
- API integration
- MySQL
- REACT
- Claude
LANGUAGES
English
Professional Working Proficiency
Interests
Programming, Blockchain Technologies, Web Development, Education
Timeline
Freelance Software Engineer & AI Developer
Self-employeed
01.2024 - Current
Software Engineer II
Annie's Publishing
12.2018 - 11.2023
IT Technician
The Cellular Connection(Verizon)
02.2017 - 10.2018
Associates - Computer Science
Ivy Tech