Hi, I’m Ellis Pae.

I build clean, modern, and meaningful digital experiences.

I’m a full-stack software engineer who builds thoughtful product experiences end to end, from clean, performant interfaces to reliable backend systems. I primarily work with Next.js, React, and TypeScript, and regularly own features across the stack, including data modeling, APIs, and production delivery.

Full-stack feature development, from frontend UX to backend logic and data.
Clean architecture, maintainable code, and systems built for scale.
Ownership across the lifecycle, from discovery and implementation to testing, deployment, and iteration.
View My Work

Experience

Software Developer

Metro Church · Jan 2023 – Present

  • Built and maintained the church’s production website using React, Next.js, TypeScript, and AWS S3 to deliver dynamic content for sermons, events, and community resources
  • Designed and launched a sermon platform powered by Sanity CMS and GraphQL, featuring modern layouts, summaries, and advanced filtering to improve discoverability and engagement
  • Improved content organization, URL consistency, and publishing workflows through CMS automation and structured content models
  • Optimized site performance, SEO, and reliability while integrating third-party services to expand accessibility and reduce manual maintenance

React · Next.js · Tailwind CSS · Sanity · GraphQL · AWS

Software Engineer in Test

The Gnar Company · Aug 2022 – Feb 2024

  • Developed and optimized a large-scale web application using React, RxJS, and Ruby on Rails, supporting 7,300+ submissions and delivering more than $3.3M in benefits
  • Led and owned quality assurance strategy across the platform, coordinating test coverage, releases, and production readiness while contributing production code
  • Improved usability, responsiveness, and reliability across frontend and backend systems through targeted enhancements
  • Implemented production-grade code and automated unit, integration, and end-to-end tests to increase release confidence and system stability
  • Supported deployments and production troubleshooting to maintain application stability under real-world usage

React · TypeScript · RxJS · Ruby on Rails · PostgreSQL · Auth0 · Cypress · Jest · Docker · CI/CD

CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Specialist

U.S. Army · Jul 2010 – Jul 2018

  • Led and trained a 40-soldier platoon in CBRN defense, decontamination procedures, and emergency response, achieving a 100% readiness rating
  • Conducted risk assessments and developed mitigation strategies for CBRN threats, strengthening safety protocols and operational readiness
  • Managed and maintained a $1M inventory of specialized CBRN detection and decontamination equipment, ensuring reliability during critical missions

Skills

A snapshot of the stack, tools, and practices I use to ship.

Languages

  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • Ruby
  • Python
  • SQL
  • HTML
  • CSS

Frontend

  • React
  • Next.js
  • Redux
  • Tailwind CSS

Backend

  • Node.js
  • Ruby on Rails
  • PostgreSQL
  • REST APIs
  • GraphQL

Testing & Quality

  • Cypress
  • Jest
  • React Testing Library
  • TestRail
  • Unit Testing
  • Integration Testing
  • End-to-End Testing

Tooling & Platform

  • Git
  • GitHub
  • CI/CD
  • Docker
  • AWS (S3)
  • Auth0
  • Sanity CMS
  • Datadog

Collaboration & Tools

  • Jira
  • Confluence
  • Figma
  • pgAdmin
  • Postico

Methodologies

  • Agile / Scrum
  • Test-Driven Development (TDD)
  • Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)
  • Code Reviews
  • Continuous Improvement

About

Curiosity, craft, and work that earns trust.

I’m a software engineer driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how systems work, why they break, and how to make them better. I enjoy breaking down complex problems, asking good questions, and shaping solutions that are clear, reliable, and built to last.

My background spans full-stack development, quality engineering, and production ownership. That range has shaped how I build: with care for user experience, respect for maintainability, and attention to the details that make software dependable in the real world.

I’m motivated by work that has real impact. Software that helps people, improves processes, and creates trust through thoughtful design and technical excellence matters deeply to me. I’m always learning, refining my craft, and looking for roles where curiosity and purpose meet.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me exploring new coffee, traveling, playing golf, or learning something new simply for the joy of it.

Beyond Code

A few things I enjoy outside of building software.

My Golf Journey

A long-term pursuit of patience and refinement. I track my rounds closely, focusing on fundamentals and steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Statistics shown reflect my play as of November 16, 2025.

Summary

Average Score

101.3

Best Round

91

Recent Rounds

94 · 97 · 98

Key Performance

Fairways Hit

37.1%

GIR

17.2%

Putts / Round

39.5

Additional Stats

Par or Better (avg)

2.2

Double or Worse (avg)

9.8

Par 3 Avg

4.5

Par 4 Avg

5.7

Par 5 Avg

6.7

Penalties (avg)

2.7

Some of My Favorite Music

A rotating, unfiltered mix pulled from some of my favorite songs. It’s what I tend to keep on while building or winding down, and I hope it gives a small sense of my personality and taste.

Contact

I’m always open to thoughtful conversations, new opportunities, or interesting problems worth solving. If you’d like to connect, feel free to reach out.