Kelly Popko, Software Engineer

Milwaukee, WI 53005
(262) 402-1085
kelpopko@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Software Engineer with a growth mindset dedicated to user-first development and mentorship. Proven ability to align technical solutions with business objectives, delivering high-quality software. Strong background in debugging and collaboration, experienced in TDD, API integration, and agile methodologies. Passionate about continuous learning, creative problem-solving, and coding. Active mentor in Exercism and interested in open source.

Skills - Qualifications

Languages, Frameworks, Concepts: Ruby/Rails, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Model View Controller (MVC), SQL/PostgreSQL, JavaScript/Node.js, HTML, CSS, Elixir, Python, Bash/shell
Testing: Test-Driven Development (TDD), RSpec, Minitest, Cypress, Capybara
Project Types: Migrations, New Features, Bug Fixes, Process Improvement, Automation, Debugging, Investigation
Tools: Version Control (Git/GitHub), Heroku, Vercel, CI/CD (Buildkite), Vim, tmux, Sidekiq
Soft Skills, Business Skills: Strong Communication (Written and Verbal), Project Management, Documentation, Prioritization, Empathy, Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Teamwork: Pairing, Collaboration, Feedback, Mentoring

Certifications

09/2024 | SQL (Basic) Certificate, Hackerrank (SQL)
04/2022 | JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Certification, freeCodeCamp (JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
06/2021 | Introduction to Programming Nanodegree, Udacity (Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS)

Professional Experience

SERTA SIMMONS BEDDING | Atlanta, GA (Fully Remote)

09/2018 - 01/2024

Software Engineer (Serta Simmons Bedding)

05/2022 - 01/2024

Deployed new features, resolved bugs in Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Node.js, HTML, enhancing application functionality. Supported data migrations, launches, ensuring smooth transitions. Upheld code quality through pair programming, code reviews. Documented Jira tickets, QA instructions, team processes to streamline communication. Participated in Agile ceremonies (grooming, sprint planning, retrospectives), promoting team alignment and efficiency.

Contributed to a cross-functional initiative to streamline Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) fulfillment, transitioning from custom integrations to a unified EDI-based ERP system for improved scalability and operational efficiency.
Developed key JSON-based processes for Purchase Order creation and parsed/integrated incoming Advance Ship Notices in Ruby on Rails, ensuring reliable order processing for 100% of the brand’s Direct-to-Consumer fulfillment.
Wrote RSpec test coverage for Purchase Order and Advance Ship Notice processing, adhering to Test-Driven Development (TDD) and resulting in 95% test coverage of new features.
Collaborated with engineering leadership to allocate resources effectively, resulting in the appointment of key roles such as Tech Lead and Technical Project Manager.
Triaged defects and new requirements for bug fixes and process improvement, prioritizing resolutions to prevent post-launch complications and ensure positive user experiences.
Integrated Shopify order data with a Ruby on Rails backend, ensuring accurate processing of shipping fees, sales tax, and recycling fees, leading to the successful migration of 100% of website orders.
Supported 10+ product launches requiring both frontend and backend work, establishing expertise in various product types and ensuring on-time launches
Maintained an in-house task automation tool (Node.js app and Chrome extension), improving stakeholder user experience and saving the company thousands of dollars.
Developed UI and accessibility enhancements for a Ruby on Rails application (CRM), improving user experience for internal teams and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.

Software Quality Analyst (Serta Simmons Bedding)

05/2021 - 05/2022

Conducted acceptance, regression, and edge case testing for Agile teams, ensuring quality in customer-facing and internal systems while identifying and prioritizing defects.

Led integration testing, manual QA, and UAT for a cross-functional referral program, resulting in a successful launch with zero defects reported in first 90 days, earning stakeholder appreciation for thorough testing and education.
Ran regression test suites using Bash shell script, ensuring comprehensive test coverage and software quality.
Updated and wrote tests in the Cypress test suite—fixing existing tests and adding test coverage as needed.
Resolved production bug tickets, showcasing problem-solving skills and attention to detail, contributing to software quality.

Customer Experience Specialist, Partnerships (Serta Simmons Bedding, formerly Tuft & Needle)

09/2018 – 05/2022

Processed bulk vendor orders and handled specialized B2B2C partnership customer cases. Collaborated with specialized CX teams to assist both associates and customers.

Co-created guided warranty intake system for Tuft & Needle using Typeform integrated with Google Sheets. Significantly reducing CPO, streamlining processes for customers and CX alike. Implemented process for additional company brands.
Wrote shell scripts to automate repetitive bulk order processing tasks using Bash, optimizing efficiency by 50% and reducing room for human error. Automation work consulted for official company programmatic solution.

TUFT & NEEDLE | Phoenix, AZ (Fully Remote)

05/2012 - 09/2018

Customer Experience Specialist, Enablement (Tuft & Needle)

05/2012 – 09/2018

Resolved customer problems and inquiries across multiple channels (phone, email, live chat) with empathy and expertise. Handled escalated cases, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.

Co-architected, wrote, maintained Confluence documentation, e.g. on product information, product returns, warranty cases, and third-party certifications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and accessibility for Customer Experience teams, contributing to a high Net Promoter Score (NPS).
Developed, led company-wide new-hire training on 1Password and shipment/fulfillment processes, ensuring secure onboarding and operational consistency.

Open Source Contributions

Exercism

08/2024 - current

Exercism Profile | Mentorship Feedback
Provided mentorship in Ruby, Python, and JavaScript tracks, achieving a 100% satisfaction rate across 14 students.
Contributed to Python track, accepted PR (link fix)

4 Pull Requests accepted and merged, in The Odin Project curriculum, enhancing clarity and fixing errors in content.

Education

Bachelor of Arts│ University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI