Dalton Orvis
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
Work Experience
Software Engineer
ReliaQuest
Sandy, UT (On-site)
Sep 2025 - Present
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Developing customer-facing threat detection interfaces for ReliaQuest's AI-powered cybersecurity platform, enabling security analysts to identify and respond to threats in real-time.
- Engineered custom AI-augmented development workflows using Claude Code and LLM APIs, reducing average task completion time from 8 hours to 3 hours—a 62% productivity improvement for the frontend team.
- Built production-ready React components and features with TypeScript, integrating GraphQL queries for real-time security data visualization and threat response workflows.
- Created code generation agent workflows and personas to accelerate UI development, enabling rapid implementation of customer-facing features and design system components.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams in a microservices architecture, integrating frontend interfaces with backend security detection services.
- Shipped performance-optimized features to production, improving threat analyst workflows and response efficiency through intuitive UI/UX implementations.
Key Skills:
ReactTypeScriptJavaScriptGraphQLMicroservices*LLM APIs (OpenAIAnthropic)*Agent FrameworksClaude CodeAI-Augmented DevelopmentThreat Detection UIReal-time Data VisualizationFrontend Engineering
Software Development Engineer in Test II
Verisk
Lehi, UT (Hybrid)
Sep 2024 - Sep 2025 (1 yr)
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Leading research, selection, and implementation of AI tools for QA, including in-depth analysis and proposal documentation for leadership.
- Spearheaded the introduction of contract testing for GraphQL APIs within the Xactimate Online (XO) product, including significant architectural refactoring of the automation framework for improved code organization and integration.
- Enhanced the Playwright automation framework by championing a shift from a functional page object model to a true object-oriented approach, leveraging TypeScript's full feature set for improved maintainability and scalability.
- Mentored team members, including developing a phased onboarding checklist for new senior SDETs, and provided ongoing support for previously developed tools (API client library, CAB automation).
- Proactively identified and addressed UI/UX defects, collaborating with UI/UX stakeholders and proposing React-based solutions that positively influenced design decisions.
- Selected as one of four QA engineers for the flagship Xactimate Online (XO) product team, authoring comprehensive proposals to shape QA/Dev collaboration and processes.
- Volunteered for, managed, and successfully completed complex production testing for critical WCF to REST service conversions, coordinating data requirements across environments.
Key Skills:
AI Tool EvaluationContract TestingGraphQLPlaywrightTypeScriptArchitectural RefactoringMentoringUI/UX CollaborationC#Test AutomationTest EngineeringSoftware DevelopmentLLM
Software Development Engineer in Test I / QA Team Lead (Vanguard)
Verisk
Lehi, UT (Hybrid)
Feb 2023 - Sep 2024 (1 yr 8 mos)
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Developed and successfully integrated a foundational API client library (Nuget package), fundamentally shifting testing strategies towards robust, less UI-dependent validation; library adopted and expanded across multiple QA teams.
- Designed and implemented a system integration test framework for the Vanguard backend services team, enabling automated validation of complex multi-service operations previously untested.
- Proactively identified and championed the "paper cuts" initiative for addressing minor technical debt, adopted by leadership.
- Developed a significant Change Approval Board (CAB) automation solution to streamline Jira issue creation, fostering CI/CD adoption and attracting interest from other service teams.
- Recognized for performing at a senior level, leading to selection as the first QA Team Lead for the Vanguard backend services team within a year of joining.
- Consistently mentored peers and actively contributed unique perspectives in discussions with leadership, enhancing team knowledge and practices.
- Dedicated significant personal time to enhance critical internal tools (e.g., UberCRC, XactUtility), implementing key features.
- Ensured application quality by investigating 1200+ automated tests and writing 50+ stable test fixtures.
Key Skills:
API Client Development (Nuget)System Integration TestingProcess Automation (Jira)MentoringC#Test AutomationQuality AssuranceAgile MethodologiesCI/CD Advocacy
Freelance Software Engineer
Self-Employed
United States (Remote)
Jan 2023 - Present
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Developed a range of end-to-end web solutions for clients across various industries, focusing on responsive front-end interfaces, scalable back-end services, and seamless integrations.
- Handled full-stack responsibilities—including database modeling, API development, and UI/UX enhancements—while maintaining clean code, robust testing practices, and timely delivery.
- Deepened expertise in building adaptable, user-centric applications that drive tangible results.
Key Skills:
JavaScript FrameworksDevOpsServer Side ProgrammingFull-Stack DevelopmentDatabase AdministrationLLM
Full Stack Software Engineer (Contract)
Nine Design + Web
Utah, United States (Remote)
Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 yr 1 mo)
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Played a pivotal full-stack role in a lean, agile team to architect and develop a greenfield SaaS platform from the ground up, designed as a modern competitor in the professional networking space, utilizing Laravel for the core framework.
- Owned comprehensive development responsibilities, from designing and implementing robust back-end RESTful APIs and database schemas with Eloquent ORM to crafting responsive, interactive front-end components (e.g., with Vue.js or similar modern JavaScript framework).
- Engineered and integrated critical third-party APIs and services, significantly enhancing platform functionality, data exchange capabilities, and overall user experience for both job seekers and potential employers.
- Instrumental in rapidly delivering core features for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), contributing to an accelerated development lifecycle and enabling early market validation for the client.
- Championed high-quality code standards, implemented unit and integration tests, and actively participated in code reviews to ensure platform stability, maintainability, and scalability.
Key Skills:
LaravelPHPFull-Stack DevelopmentAPI Design & IntegrationSaaS ArchitectureVue.jsJavaScript (ES6+)Eloquent ORMRESTful APIsHTML5CSS3GitAgile Development
Web Developer (Part-time)
Maiden Voyage Software, LLC
Sep 2022 - Jan 2023 (5 mos)
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Developed and maintained web applications using PHP, Laravel, JavaScript, and Vue.js.
- Assisted in bug fixing and feature enhancements for existing client projects.
- Gained practical experience in a fast-paced development environment, contributing to various stages of the web development lifecycle.
Key Skills:
PHPLaravelJavaScriptVue.js
Research Associate and Automation Solution Specialist
Scintillant Bioscience
Murray, UT / United States
Jan 2020 - Jan 2023 (3 yrs 1 mo)
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Reduced variety of 30+ minute data manipulation processes to less than 1 second with Pandas Python library.
- Automated redundant digital processes, saving 20+ hours per week.
- Developed custom cellular image analysis templates for data extraction.
- Executed long-term laboratory experiments using live-cell assay workflows.
- Developed high-quality assays based on clients' drug discovery needs.
Key Skills:
Laboratory SkillsBiologyPythonPandasAutomation
Software Engineer Intern
CS Flex
Ogden, UT
Jan 2022 - Jun 2022 (6 mos)
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Actively contributed to the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) of "Flex Tools," an internal full-stack web application designed to enhance the learning experience within the Canvas LMS ecosystem for a dedicated program at Weber State University.
- Developed and maintained both server-side logic using Django (Python) and dynamic front-end interfaces with vanilla JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3, ensuring seamless integration with Canvas via its REST APIs for Flex Tools.
- Collaborated closely with the team in translating UI/UX designs and user flows for Flex Tools, created with Figma-like design software, into functional and intuitive application features.
- Contributed to reducing wireframe iteration time by an estimated 5-10 hours per week through efficient prototyping and feedback implementation for the Flex Tools project.
- Played a role in optimizing user experience (UX) for Flex Tools by simplifying UI elements based on user testing feedback and incorporating accessibility best practices.
Key Skills:
DjangoPythonJavaScript (Vanilla)HTML5CSS3REST APIsCanvas LMS IntegrationFull SDLCUI/UX Design PrinciplesFigma (or similar)GitAgile Methodologies
Technical Skills
AI & Agentic Systems
Agent OrchestrationContext EngineeringRAGPrompt EngineeringMCP ServersClaudeCursor IDEOpenAI Agents SDK
Languages
TypeScriptPythonJavaScriptPHPC#SQLHTML5CSS3
Frameworks & Libraries
ReactNext.jsVue.jsLaravelFastAPIDjangoPlaywrightGraphQL
Systems & Architecture
AI Integration PatternsWorkflow OrchestrationRESTful APIsDatabase DesignMicroservicesTest Automation
Education
B.S. Computer Science
Weber State University | Ogden, UT
January 2023
Web Development
Game Development
GPA: 4.0 | With Honors
B.S. Biology & Philosophy
Utah Valley University | Orem, UT
May 2018
Honors Program Graduate
GPA: 3.5
Key Achievements
AI-Augmented Development
Cut Playwright code generation time by 40% at Verisk using agentic AI tools and context engineering practices
Enterprise Agent Systems
Working with production agent orchestration for real-time security threat detection at ReliaQuest
Full Stack Delivery
Shipped production Laravel SaaS platforms, React SPAs, Next.js applications, and Python APIs
Architecture Impact
Created foundational API client library at Verisk adopted across multiple QA teams company-wide
Balanced AI Adoption
Identifying high-value automation opportunities while recognizing where AI adds risk or complexity
Rapid Growth
Promoted to QA Team Lead within first year; consistently delivering senior-level work
Philosophy
Start with the problem, not the technology.
I practice compound engineering: building tools that create tools, designing systems that multiply team productivity. This philosophy led me to architect foundational libraries at Verisk and create frameworks adopted across multiple teams.
AI is a force multiplier, but only when applied thoughtfully. I've seen initiatives fail because teams chased novelty over value. The best AI strategies come from engineers who ship production code, understand the failure modes, and know when not to reach for AI.
Every line of code I write serves a human need. The goal isn't to replace solid engineering with AI tricks; it's to amplify our ability to solve real problems while building systems that are maintainable, observable, and trustworthy.