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BALA CARTER

SOFTWARE ENGINEER WITH A PASSION FOR INNOVATIVE AND HUMAN FRIENDLY INTERFACES

About

Originally from South Africa, I am a dedicated Software Engineer based in Los Angeles with a lifelong passion for programming stemming from modding video games and building websites as a child. After earning my B.S. in Computer Science from CSULA, I have specialized in crafting elegant, intuitive web experiences using modern technologies, primarily React/Preact and TypeScript.

Over the last three years, I've played a central role in developing and scaling innovative frontend solutions, including large-scale e-commerce implementations and building a brand new framework for delivering our frontend products to partners. My work has allowed me to play key roles in the full lifecycle of major projects, from building new features to executing extensive refactors and performance improvements on core application pieces. My commitment remains focused on innovation and building high-quality, high-performing, and truly accessible experiences that delight users everywhere.

Skills

⚛️

React & Preact

Expert

Expert in building scalable, performant web applications with React and Preact. Specialized in component architecture and state management.

📘

TypeScript

Expert

Strong typing and modern JavaScript development. Building type-safe applications with excellent developer experience.

🏗️

Frontend Architecture

Advanced

Designing and implementing scalable frontend solutions, component frameworks, and design systems for large applications.

Accessibility

Proficient

Committed to building inclusive, accessible interfaces that work for everyone, following WCAG guidelines.

🎨

CSS & Styled Components

Expert

Modern CSS practices, responsive design, and CSS-in-JS solutions like Styled Components for beautiful interfaces.

🔧

Node.js & APIs

Proficient

Backend development with Node.js, RESTful API design, and full-stack integration capabilities.

Experience

Cover Genius

Software Engineer

Remote

March 2022 – Present
  • Architected and deployed a new, high-performance system for building and shipping customizable embedded insurance UI to partners, significantly improving maintainability, product desirability, and developer experience.

  • Drove E-commerce Revenue by developing third-party solutions for embedded insurance sales, requiring close collaboration with backend teams to integrate new features.

  • Enhanced Frontend Architecture through strategic refactoring of core logic (e.g., migrating styling to CSS Modules) and implementing performance optimizations (e.g., code chunking, network request optimization).

  • Fostered team knowledge by developing internal sandboxes for testing and leading educational workshops on the new product architecture.

ReactPreactTypeScriptCSS ModulesSystem Architecture

Mercury Insurance

Frontend Developer

California

March 2021 – March 2022
  • Integrated user data tracking for comprehensive analytics within Mercury's main insurance writing application using a custom framework.

  • Developed and deployed targeted user engagement tools (polls and guides) using Pendo, JavaScript, HTML, and SCSS to enhance user experience and data collection.

  • Created a custom Google Tag Manager framework with JavaScript to meet complex user data implementation requirements.

  • Styled backend templates to align with UI mockups and implemented logic to handle desired application flows and features.

JavaScriptHTML/SCSSPendoGoogle Tag Manager

ACTnow Foundation

Software Engineer Intern

California

July 2020 – September 2020
  • Improved User Experience by updating the existing desktop site to be mobile-first and fully responsive across all screen sizes.

  • Developed the client's free test kit questionnaire using React and TypeScript to create reactive forms and ensure data integrity.

  • Integrated PayPal APIs and utilized TypeScript for robust error checking on input fields to facilitate client transactions.

ReactTypeScriptResponsive DesignMobile-FirstPayPal APIForm Development

Contact

Interested in working together? Feel free to reach out for opportunities, collaborations, or just to say hello.