Cas Donoghue

Cas Donoghue Senior Software Engineer & Team Lead

Results-driven Senior Software Engineer with expertise in distributed systems, data analysis, and technical leadership.

About Me

As a Senior Software Engineer and Team Lead, I bring a wealth of experience in architecting and implementing robust solutions across diverse industries. My journey has taken me from building analysis pipelines for genomics in the biotech sector to developing scalable distributed systems for configuration management at Puppet, showcasing my versatility and depth of technical expertise.

Throughout my career, I've been recognized for my ability to tackle complex technical challenges and lead high-performing engineering teams. I have a demonstrated passion for driving software excellence, optimizing system performance, and achieving impactful outcomes. My approach to leadership is hands-on - I believe in leading by example and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

I'm adept at mentoring junior engineers, driving best practices in software development, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. Whether it's scaling systems, implementing cutting-edge technologies, or architecting innovative solutions, I'm committed to delivering results that push the boundaries of what's possible in software engineering.

Professional Experience

Senior Software Engineer & Team Lead at Puppet

  • Led the technical direction for Puppet Enterprise orchestration features, architecting solutions that scaled throughput and capacity over 10 fold
  • Collaborated with product teams and fellow engineers to design and implement high-performance, secure, and reliable distributed systems
  • Mentored team members and elevated engineering practices through code reviews, design discussions, and promoting best practices in software development
  • Played a key role in Agile ceremonies, ensuring efficient sprint planning and delivery while maintaining a focus on technical excellence
  • Provided technical leadership across multiple projects, offering guidance on architecture decisions and implementation strategies
  • Developed and maintained components using a diverse tech stack including Clojure, Java, Ruby, and C++
  • Spearheaded improvements in CI/CD pipelines, significantly enhancing team velocity and deployment reliability
  • Led security reviews and provided expert support for critical customer escalations, demonstrating deep technical knowledge and problem-solving skills

Data Science Coding Bootcamp Instructor at UO

  • Developed and led advanced data analysis workshops using Python, focusing on real-world applications and complex problem-solving techniques
  • Designed and implemented curriculum for advanced data visualization using JavaScript, enabling students to create sophisticated and insightful data representations
  • Architected robust data pipelines, guiding students from basic linear regression to advanced machine learning models using gradient boosting techniques
  • Provided expert guidance on working with both relational and document databases, emphasizing best practices in data management and utilization

Big Data Analyst at Oracle

  • Architected and implemented robust data pipelines for analyzing critical data from global manufacturing operations of computing hardware
  • Led automation initiatives in collaboration with QA and manufacturing teams, significantly reducing manual intervention in data collection processes
  • Designed and developed intuitive dashboards and reports for business leaders, translating complex data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making

Genomics Researcher at Sarepta Therapeutics

  • Designed and implemented data analysis pipelines for clinical research applications, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of genomic data processing
  • Developed automated analysis workflows for complex biological data, enabling faster and more accurate interpretation of genomic information
  • Collaborated with scientific teams to optimize computational analyses and reporting processes, accelerating research outcomes
  • Conducted technical evaluations of software systems, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory standards in the biotech sector

Technical Skills

Java

Ruby

Python

C++

Postgres/Oracle RDB

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Jenkins

Secure Coding

Performance Engineering

Distributed Systems

CI/CD

Linux

Declarative State

Key Projects

Puppet Bolt

Key Maintainer for Puppet Bolt, an open-source, agentless task automation and orchestration tool.

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  • Triage new issues and feature requests
  • Ensure technical direction aligns with Enterprise use cases
  • Answer community questions on Slack

Terraform Plugin for Bolt

Maintainer for the Terraform plugin module, supporting automation and management of infrastructure resources.

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  • Ensure integration with Terraform state backends remains compatable
  • Develop content and tutorials
  • Triage bug and feature requests

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Graduated: June 2018

GPA: 3.93

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Graduated: June 2012

GPA: 3.23

Outside the Code

Skiing

I got in to skiing after doing some mountaineering. I loved the idea of being able to ride down once you have done a big climb. I enjoy both backcountry skiing as well as resort/alpine skiing. I love living in the PNW because there are so many volcanoes to explore in the Cascades!.

Wing Foiling

Living in such close proximity to the Columbia River Gorge I decided that I need to take up a wind sport. I have been getting out Wing Foiling as much as possible. I am currently able to get up on foil and stay up wind but i'm still working on Jibing and gracefully riding switch