Mark Stachowski
Senior Java Architect & Engineering Leader
Transforming businesses with innovative software solutions and leadership
Get in TouchAbout Me
With over 20 years of diverse experience spanning military, government, and corporate sectors. I've established myself as a Senior Java Architect and Engineering Leader. My journey from a US Navy Operations Specialist to a high-impact tech leader has equipped me with a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership skills.
My core expertise lies in backend development with Java, particularly in AWS environments, complemented by deep experience with Spring Boot, microservices architecture, and cloud-native technologies. I've consistently led high-performing engineering teams, driving significant productivity improvements and implementing mission-critical features for major corporations and government organizations.
Throughout my career, I've architected and delivered robust solutions across various domains, including military command systems, financial services, media and entertainment, and government projects. My experience spans from developing sophisticated backend systems and RESTful APIs to orchestrating complex cloud-based solutions and implementing DevOps practices.
I'm passionate about creating efficient, scalable Java-based solutions and have a proven track record of successful project deliveries in Agile environments. My background includes key roles such as Lead Technical Architect, Engineering Manager, and Principal Systems Engineer, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the entire software development lifecycle and the ability to bridge technical excellence with business objectives.
Professional Experience
Lead Software Developer
Fox Corporation (Consultant)
Los Angeles, California, United States (Remote)
- • Spearheaded development of FOX MediaCloud a high-performance media management system on AWS, significantly enhancing content delivery capabilities.
- • Led a high-performing team that improved productivity by 300% accelerating project completion rates and enhancing operational efficiencies.
- • Engineered and implemented an automated workflow for media transcoding seamlessly integrating AWS S3 with MCVOD services, streamlining content processing.
- • Developed and integrated new user attributes into the Okta provisioning process further enhancing security compliance and user management for MyFox and FoxConnect platforms.
- • Created an international auto-tagging feature for Fox Nation, dramatically improving content discoverability and management across multiple media formats.
- • Resolved critical issues related to transcoding delays and failures, optimizing media processing workflows and ensuring high availability of media assets.
Engineering Manager
Oliver Technology Corporation
Austin, Texas, United States (Remote)
- • Led multiple Agile development teams in the creation of an innovative end-to-end collections litigation platform for financial and legal institutions, significantly streamlining legal processes.
- • Architected a scalable, secure, and highly available AWS cloud infrastructure for mission-critical financial applications, ensuring robust performance and data protection.
- • Spearheaded the development of both the legacy CLX system and the new OXP platform, managing the full software development lifecycle and ensuring seamless integration.
- • Implemented an ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) stack for real-time application insights and observability, enhancing system monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.
- • Provided strategic leadership in team development, including staffing, mentoring, and performance reviews, fostering a high-performing engineering culture.
- • Championed the adoption of cloud-native development practices and advanced Java techniques, significantly improving team capabilities and software quality.
Lead Technical Architect
Ignite IT - Innovation & Technology
Washington DC-Baltimore Area (Remote)
- • Spearheaded architectural decision-making for complex software solutions, ensuring successful planning and execution of mission-critical projects.
- • Led the development of a pivotal global donation collection application for a major nonprofit, playing a crucial role in raising relief funds during the Ukraine-Russia Crisis.
- • Architected and implemented robust AWS Infrastructure as Code using RedHat OpenShift, significantly enhancing deployment efficiency and scalability.
- • Championed Agile methodologies, guiding and mentoring development teams in creating and deploying new features using Java, Spring Boot, React, and MySQL.
- • Orchestrated the implementation of a comprehensive CI/CD pipeline, dramatically improving developer workflows and accelerating time-to-production.
- • Conducted thorough code reviews and architectural assessments across projects, ensuring high code quality and adherence to best practices.
- • Drove process automation initiatives, resulting in reduced costs, minimized error rates, and faster deployment cycles.
Technical Lead/Architect
USAA (Consultant)
San Antonio, Texas, United States (Remote)
- • Spearheaded the technology transformation strategy by migrating all inbound Mortgage Cadence applications to a new gateway architecture, significantly enhancing system resiliency and disaster recovery capabilities.
- • Led multiple teams, including nearshore testers, in a critical initiative to restore approximately 25,000 active ATM/Debit cards to their standard spending limits, directly impacting members with personal limit increases.
- • Architected and developed high-performance RESTful microservices using Java 8+, Spring Boot, and Spring Security, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.
- • Created a reusable Spring Boot RESTful microservice framework for rule modules, enabling rapid deployment into production with code completion within two months.
- • Implemented rigorous code quality measures, achieving and maintaining over 90% code coverage for unit testing through automated checks in SonarQube.
- • Developed the Back-Office MSR authorization service for the Bank Deposits Authorization JAR, which became a mandatory microservice dependency in Deposits Technology.
- • Served as Scrum Master, facilitating the Scrum Framework and fostering an agile development environment that significantly improved team productivity and project outcomes.
Technical Lead (GS-13/14 equivalent)
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
NSWC Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division
- • Managed the $274 million Orca XLUUV (Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle) program for the U.S. Navy, overseeing development of autonomous underwater vehicles by major defense contractors including Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
- • Led critical code reviews for mission-critical weapons systems, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards and approving systems safety to the Weapon System Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB).
- • Contributed to research, development, and systems engineering support for the Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD) system in collaboration with the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University.
- • Implemented automated testing frameworks for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technology, significantly enhancing safety and reliability of critical systems.
- • Utilized Java and Node.js for real-time data processing in mission-critical applications, improving operational efficiency and data accuracy.
- • Conducted Systems Operational Verification Testing (SOVT) to ensure the readiness and reliability of naval combat systems.
- • Provided expert guidance on energetics and energetic materials for Navy, Joint Forces, and national defense applications.
Tactical Systems Analyst/Engineer
BlueWater Federal Solutions
United States Fleet Forces Command (USFLTFORCOM)
- • Developed critical software solutions to enhance maritime force readiness, directly contributing to the operational effectiveness of the United States Fleet Forces Command.
- • Implemented advanced data analytics solutions using Java and Python, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making in fleet operations.
- • Enhanced the Fleet Response Plan with innovative software tools, improving the Navy's ability to respond to global maritime challenges.
- • Designed and optimized systems for processing and visualizing fleet operational data, enhancing situational awareness and command decision-making capabilities.
- • Collaborated with military personnel to ensure that developed systems met the specific needs and requirements of naval operations.
- • Conducted thorough testing and validation of tactical systems to ensure reliability and performance in mission-critical scenarios.
Principal System Engineer
Snipp Interactive
Washington D.C. Metro Area
- • Architected and implemented robust AWS cloud solutions, ensuring 24/7 global availability for critical business applications and services.
- • Designed and deployed a comprehensive suite of IT solutions in the AWS cloud, including receipt processing applications and mobile messaging services.
- • Implemented automated security controls and compliance processes, significantly enhancing the overall security posture of cloud-based systems.
- • Deployed the ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) stack for real-time insights across global platforms, improving monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.
- • Managed high-impact DevOps projects, streamlining deployment processes and improving overall operational efficiency.
- • Developed and implemented continuous monitoring systems for key data analytics, providing valuable business insights and supporting data-driven decision making.
- • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of cloud solutions with existing business processes and applications.
Senior Systems Engineer
SAIC
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- • Led the Software Development Group for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Global Command and Control Systems-Joint (GCCS-J) 4.x versions, playing a pivotal role in enhancing naval command and control capabilities.
- • Managed end-to-end project lifecycle for the design and integration of RSNF-specific communications and intelligence platforms, ensuring seamless interoperability with existing systems.
- • Spearheaded the GCCS-J 4x installations across multiple critical sites, including the Saudi Arabian Software Support Center, HMS Riyadh Testbed, three underground command centers, and various naval vessels.
- • Engineered innovative solutions for GCCS-J, resolving End-of-Life (EOL) issues and significantly optimizing system performance to meet evolving operational requirements.
- • Conducted comprehensive Systems Operational Verification Testing (SOVT) to ensure reliability and effectiveness of implemented systems in real-world scenarios.
- • Oversaw GCCS-M sustainment and procurement activities, maintaining operational readiness of maritime command and control systems.
- • Provided expert guidance and training to RSNF personnel, enhancing their proficiency in operating and maintaining advanced C4I systems.
- • Collaborated with international teams and stakeholders, navigating complex cultural and technical environments to deliver mission-critical solutions.
Senior Systems Engineer
SAIC
Patuxent River, MD
- • Led the integration of GCCS 4.x Suite on both Solaris and Windows operating systems, enhancing interoperability and performance of critical command and control systems.
- • Spearheaded the design and implementation of hardware solutions for Royal Saudi Navy command centers, ensuring robust and scalable infrastructure to support mission-critical operations.
- • Engineered sophisticated Communications and Intelligence servers on Solaris 8, optimizing data processing and information sharing capabilities for naval operations.
- • Implemented and configured Windows Domain Controllers with Exchange 2003, establishing secure and efficient communication networks for military personnel.
- • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of various systems, enhancing overall operational effectiveness of naval command centers.
- • Conducted thorough testing and validation of implemented systems, ensuring reliability and performance in mission-critical scenarios.
- • Provided technical expertise and guidance in the selection and implementation of cutting-edge technologies to meet evolving military requirements.
Systems Integration Specialist
QinetiQ North America
Stafford, VA
- • Led the first phase of design, testing, and integration of Global Command and Control Systems - Joint (GCCS-J) 4.x versions into the Marine Corps' Combat Operations Centers, significantly enhancing operational capabilities.
- • Engineered and implemented advanced technological solutions for Marine Corps command centers, ensuring state-of-the-art capabilities for mission-critical operations.
- • Conducted comprehensive functionality testing for critical military applications, ensuring reliability and performance in demanding operational environments.
- • Performed rigorous security analysis compliant with SPAWAR Charleston standards, enhancing the overall security posture of integrated systems.
- • Provided expert instruction to Marine Expeditionary Units at Camp Lejeune, focusing on advanced UNIX systems administration and basic networking, preparing personnel for deployments to Iraq.
- • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of various systems, optimizing interoperability and operational effectiveness.
- • Developed and implemented innovative solutions to address unique challenges in military technology integration, contributing to enhanced combat readiness.
Operations Specialist, Second Class (OS2)/Surface Warfare Specialist (SWS)
US Navy
USS Ponce (LPD-15)
- • Served as the C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems expert, contributing significantly to maintaining a recognized maritime picture of the Northern Arabian Gulf during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
- • Achieved an exceptional 98% performance rate within 4,000 hours of work on GCCS systems, demonstrating outstanding technical proficiency and reliability in mission-critical operations.
- • Managed comprehensive C4I equipment training programs for the Naval Combat Information Center, enhancing the operational readiness and effectiveness of fellow sailors.
- • Utilized advanced data visualization techniques to improve situational awareness, directly contributing to the ship's combat readiness and mission success.
- • Played a key role in the Combat Systems Training Team, conducting complex war drills and simulations to prepare sailors for real-world combat scenarios.
- • Earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of shipboard systems and operations.
- • Received multiple commendations, including the Naval Letter of Commendation for exceptional performance as the C4I systems expert.
- • Participated in critical naval operations, including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) missions, contributing to maritime security efforts.