Michael J. Ruschak

Senior Full Stack Software Engineer

Senior Full Stack Software Engineer with over 20 years of experience designing, building, and delivering enterprise and consumer software solutions across web, mobile, and cloud platforms. Experienced architecting scalable applications, REST APIs, cloud infrastructure, and production systems from initial design through deployment and ongoing maintenance.

Strong background in software architecture, mobile development, cloud-native systems, DevOps automation, and technical leadership. Proven ability to build end-to-end solutions, modernize legacy applications, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, maintainable software.

Technical Skills Summary

Languages:
Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Swift, Objective-C, Python, Go, C#, C/C++, PHP
Frameworks & Technologies:
Vue.js, React, Angular, Node.js, ASP.NET, iOS, Android
Databases:
PostgreSQL, MySQL / MariaDB, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server, Redis, Oracle
Cloud & DevOps:
AWS, DigitalOcean, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Terraform, Linux, Nginx
Development Tools:
Git, Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, Xcode, Android Studio
Engineering Practices:
Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment, Software Architecture, Object-Oriented Design, Design Patterns, Database Design, NoSQL Schema Design, AI-assisted Development

Professional Experience

Paychex -- Rochester, NY

Software Engineer IV, March 2024 to Present (Remote)
Software Engineer III, August 2021 to March 2024
Senior Software Engineer (Mindex Technologies), May 2019 to August 2021
  • Developed an internal Go-based testing tool that streamlined user account creation workflows for Paychex Flex test engineers. Containerized the application with Docker to improve portability and ease of deployment.
  • Made major contributions to the backend development of the Tax Lookup wizard in Paychex Flex, while contributing to the design of a custom frontend wizard flow using a delegate pattern to improve maintainability.
  • Served as a major contributor to the State Tax Forms project, implementing backend functionality that enabled users to find, select, and eSign required state tax forms.
  • Led a team as Solution Lead in designing and delivering the Onboarding Tracker feature, collaborating with architects and product owners to enable administrators to monitor worker onboarding progress within Paychex Flex.
  • Provide technical leadership for a team responsible for maintaining worker tax functionality within the Paychex Flex application.

Harris Corporation -- Rochester, NY

Software Engineer 5, January 2019 to May 2019
Software Engineer 4, June 2018 to January 2019
Software Engineer 3, April 2016 to June 2018
  • Spearheaded the adoption of modern continuous integration and deployment pipelines using Jenkins, Terraform, and Kubernetes for the department. Presented and shared these practices across the organization.
  • Led software engineering efforts for the BeOn PTT iOS application, delivering new features including PushKit integration, alert tone controls, and ongoing application improvements.
  • Developed Java backend features for the Mission Critical Push-to-Talk server platform, implementing functionality based on 3GPP standards and SIP, RTP, and RTCP protocols.
  • Contributed extensively to the BeOn PTT Android application and supported development across multiple mobile platforms.
  • Automated build and release processes, including Jenkins build maintenance and IBM ClearQuest integration for BeOn PTT application builds.
  • Provided technical guidance to engineers and testers, including system knowledge sharing, debugging support, and recommendations for improving UI/UX automation.

Mindex Technologies @ Xerox -- Rochester, NY

Mobile Software Engineer, November 2013 to April 2016
  • Modernized Xerox Print Portal using current iOS development practices including Swift, Storyboards, Auto Layout, NSURLSession, and native frameworks.
  • Designed and developed an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) framework in Swift based on an existing Java implementation, enabling native iOS integration with printing workflows.
  • Developed enterprise mobile solutions integrating Good Dynamics mobile device management capabilities for secure App Store distribution.
  • Built REST API-driven features for Xerox Mobile Print applications and introduced CocoaPods for improved dependency management.
  • Improved engineering practices by introducing Git workflows, documenting development processes, and maintaining Jenkins CI builds.

StormFrog, Inc. -- Victor, NY

Mobile Software Engineer & Lead Web Engineer, October 2012 to November 2013
  • Led development efforts supporting Paychex's transition from Flash-based applications to modern HTML5 applications, helping establish JavaScript development standards and best practices.
  • Designed and developed Node.js middleware services to authenticate and proxy requests to Paychex APIs, improving developer productivity and simplifying integration with backend systems.
  • Optimized the Wegmans PhoneGap mobile application through performance analysis, debugging, and code refactoring.
  • Led development of an HTML5 Realtor dashboard for iVEDiX using RESTful APIs.
  • Developed a native iOS gaming platform and multiple games using the Cocos2D framework.

Martino Flynn, LLC -- Pittsford, NY

Digital Developer, January 2008 to October 2012
  • Designed and developed database-backed web applications and custom solutions for agency clients.
  • Built REST API integrations with external services including Google Maps, Dropbox, and internal business systems.
  • Led early mobile application development initiatives, creating an iPad enterprise sales application with animations, document integration, and custom user experiences.
  • Improved engineering practices by introducing version control workflows and educating team members on software development best practices.
  • Developed and maintained web applications using PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS based on client requirements and design specifications.
  • Managed and secured Linux-based virtual private server environments, including web hosting, DNS, and application deployments.
  • Created internal tools and company systems, including an employee intranet and custom business applications.
  • Developed an interactive touchscreen battlefield application for Harris RF Communications.

Independent Software Engineer & Consultant -- Rochester, NY

August 2003 to Present
  • Designed, developed, and maintained Fitmotivation, a full-stack fitness video platform that enables customers to subscribe, stream, and download fitness content through web and mobile applications.
  • Built modern web applications using Nuxt 4 frontends and Node.js REST APIs, including backend services built with Restana and integrations with third-party platforms such as Stripe and Vimeo.
  • Architected and migrated Fitmotivation data infrastructure from MongoDB to PostgreSQL to improve scalability, reliability, and relational data management.
  • Implemented secure video delivery infrastructure using AWS services including S3 and CloudFront, enabling protected streaming and downloadable video content through the PoolFit mobile application.
  • Designed and maintained cloud infrastructure using AWS, DigitalOcean, and Linux-based environments for application hosting, DNS, email, and production services.
  • Developed administrative systems, APIs, and customer-facing applications while managing the complete software lifecycle from architecture and development through deployment and maintenance.
  • Created websites, mobile applications, and custom business solutions for clients across multiple industries.

Education

Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn State) -- Williamsport, PA
BS in Information Technology (Networking Emphasis)
Graduation: December 2007 -- Cum Laude (GPA 3.5)

Certification and Awards