Abraham Cuenca

SUMMARY Senior Software Engineer with 20+ years building production systems across automotive, healthcare, education, and gaming — specializing in high-availability API architecture, deployment velocity, and legacy modernization at scale. Proven force-multiplier who accelerates team output through internal tooling, engineering education, and proprietary frameworks; credited by peers as a solution-focused engineer who translates complex technical requirements into clear business value. Bilingual (English/Spanish), available for contract, consulting, and technical partnership engagements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Languages:

JavaScript (ES6+), TypeScript, Python, C#, Java, GDScript, Lua, SQL

Frontend:

React.js, React Native, AngularJS, Tailwind CSS, HTML5, CSS3/SASS, Bootstrap, Webpack

Backend:

Node.js, Express.js, GraphQL, Apollo GraphQL, WebSocket, REST API Design

Datastores:

PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Firebase, Appwrite, SQL Server, MySQL

Cloud & Infrastructure:

AWS, Nginx, LEMP Stack, PM2, Linux, Linode, Strapi CMS

Game Development:

Godot 4.x, Phaser, Wayfarer Framework (proprietary)

Tooling & Practices:

Git, Conventional Commits, SemVer, Storybook, Jest, Vim, tmux, CI/CD, Agile

Architecture Patterns:

Multi-tenancy, RESTful APIs, Event-driven systems, Modular component design, Infrastructure-as-code

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Edmunds.com, Inc. — Santa Monica, CA

Software Engineer V | Oct 2022 – Present

  • Elevated system reliability for a high-traffic automotive marketplace serving millions of monthly users by leading architectural improvements to the CarCode messaging platform, reducing technical debt across legacy deployment pipelines using Webpack, Node.js, TypeScript, and WebSocket.
  • Accelerated team knowledge transfer and deployment confidence by delivering recurring internal presentations on emerging technologies — recognized by colleagues as a primary resource for upskilling on modern tooling and patterns.
  • Increased engineering team output as a force-multiplier by mentoring peers and contributing to cross-functional initiatives, while maintaining ownership of critical frontend systems in a mature, high-availability ecosystem.
  • Placed 3rd out of 20 teams in the Edmunds Disrupt Hackathon (2019), winning $2,000 by building an internal Chrome Extension providing developer tools for Edmunds APIs and products — extending a track record that includes the CarCodeSMS product, itself an Edmunds Hackathon winner in 2015.

Software Engineer IV | May 2018 – Oct 2022

  • Delivered frontend systems for CarCode, an Edmunds-backed automotive communication product, by owning React.js and AngularJS development across product iterations — contributing to a platform originally seeded through internal innovation programs.
  • Expanded full-stack capability in a production AWS environment by integrating PostgreSQL data layers and Java-based backend services, enabling feature velocity across a cross-functional product team.

Pixel Pilgrim Studios, LLC — Los Angeles, CA

Founder & Lead Developer | 2023 – Present

  • Bootstrapped an independent game studio to production launch by architecting, designing, and shipping The Drug Name Emoji Game (May 2025) — a web-based, mobile-friendly educational game built in ~40 hours of weekend development using Godot 4.4.1 and a proprietary in-house framework.
  • Eliminated redundant scaffolding across all future studio projects by authoring the Wayfarer Framework, an open-source Godot 4.x game framework featuring modular scene loading, cross-platform input, localization for 7 languages (EN, ES, DE, FR, PT-BR, ZH-CN, JA), settings persistence, and a developer console — standardizing production for all Pixel Pilgrim titles.
  • Established a collaborative publishing model by co-developing with domain expert Dr. Timothy Gauthier (idstewardship.com), demonstrating ability to drive cross-disciplinary product delivery from concept to launch as a solo technical founder.

Nucamp Coding Bootcamp — Remote

Full-Stack Web Development Instructor | Mar 2021 – Mar 2023 (Part-time)

  • Upskilled 100+ career-changers into production-ready developers by instructing full-stack web development curriculum covering React, React Native, Node.js, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, HTML/CSS/SASS, and Bootstrap across multiple cohorts.
  • Reduced student attrition and accelerated competency growth by delivering mentorship-driven instruction, translating abstract engineering concepts into applied, project-based learning outcomes.

YourWebDevGuy — Los Angeles, CA

Founder & Principal Software Engineer | 2002 – 2018

  • Generated consistent client revenue over a 16-year independent practice by delivering end-to-end web and software solutions across industries including healthcare, legal, hospitality, and small business — serving as sole architect, developer, and project manager on every engagement.
  • Established professional brand equity that persists today through yourwebdevguy.com, an active technical blog covering web development, security, and engineering career development with a growing readership.

Inter-Con Security, Inc. — Los Angeles, CA

Tech Lead | 2016 – 2017
Senior Programmer Analyst | 2014 – 2016

  • Preserved business continuity during a critical payroll system implementation by single-handedly completing all Inter-Con software deliverables on deadline after two engineers resigned mid-project — with no complaints and no rework required.
  • Delivered scalable, business-aligned solutions by probing stakeholder requirements deeply, proposing technology architectures that minimized future rework, and communicating technical trade-offs clearly to non-technical executives.

EARLY CAREER HISTORY

Riotap Health Informatics, Inc. — Full-Stack Web Developer (2013–2014): Built patient-facing and internal web applications in a regulated healthcare environment using .NET, C#, and SQL Server. Mahfouz Michael MD, Inc. — Software Developer (2009–2012): Developed and maintained clinical practice management software. Recognized with a California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition for hard work and dedication in the role of Marketing Director, San Miguel Foundation (Apr 2012). TeleServ, Inc. — Web Developer (2008–2009): Delivered web-based telecommunication products.

PROJECTS
Beli's List (Oct 2024 – Present) — Cross-platform mobile event-planning app built with a collaborator using TypeScript, React Native, Express.js, GraphQL, Apollo, PostgreSQL, Firebase, Appwrite, and Tailwind CSS. Demonstrates full modern stack ownership outside of primary employment.

The Drug Name Emoji Game (Launched May 2025) — See Pixel Pilgrim Studios above. Full case study available at uhhhehheh.com.

SPEAKING & PRESENTATIONS

  • "Express GraphQL Server" — Public slide deck presented to engineering audiences on building production GraphQL APIs with Express.js.
  • "Semantic Versioning" — Public slide deck on SemVer standards and release workflow best practices.
  • TEDx Pitch: "My Journey and Impostor Syndrome" (2024) — Pitched for an internal Edmunds TEDx event; subsequently published as an open essay for engineers navigating career self-doubt.
  • SCaLE (Southern California Linux Expo) — Attendee and community participant since 2016; engaged with the regional open-source and Linux ecosystem annually.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Thinkful — Engineering Immersion, Cohort 17 | Nov 2017 – Apr 2018

Intensive full-stack JavaScript program covering Node.js, React, PostgreSQL, and modern web architecture. Selected Certifications:

  • Model Context Protocol: Advanced Topics — Anthropic (2026)
  • Introduction to Model Context Protocol — Anthropic (2026)
  • Claude Code in Action — Anthropic (2026)
  • Introduction to Agent Skills — Anthropic (2026)
  • AI Fluency Framework & Foundations — Anthropic (2026)
  • Jr. Penetration Tester — TryHackMe (2025)
  • Web Fundamentals — TryHackMe (2025)
  • AWS Essential Training — LinkedIn Learning (2017)
  • Nginx & the LEMP Stack — Linux Academy (—)
  • Learning Python & Django — LinkedIn Learning (2017)

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Edmunds Disrupt Hackathon 2019 — 3rd Place ($2,000 prize, out of 20 teams): Built an internal developer Chrome Extension for Edmunds APIs with teammates Richard Herrera and Allen Vartanian (Team Mic Drop).
  • California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition (Apr 2012): Recognized for hard work and dedication as Marketing Director, San Miguel Foundation.
  • Brackeys Game Jam 2025.1 — Participant: Designed and shipped a complete game entry solo under competitive jam constraints.

VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY

  • Mentor — Coding Coach program; guided early-career developers through technical foundations and job search.
  • Pro-Bono Web Developer Consultant — Taproot Foundation; delivered web consulting to nonprofit organizations.

LANGUAGES English (Native) · Spanish (Fluent)