Jean Lafontant

Software Engineer

✉ jeanlafontant.dev@gmail.com☎ 508-649-8350🔗 linkedin.com/in/jean-lafontant/🐙 github.com/jrl508

Methodical and adaptable Software Engineer with a background in STEM. Pivoted from Mechanical Engineering study at UMass Lowell to Full-Stack development after discovering coding in robotics design. Experienced in fast-paced startup environments, wearing multiple hats to take complex features from early concept to verified deployment. Quick learner who builds with React, Node.js, Python, and Ruby, with hands-on experience deploying to major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), specializing in GCP.

Employment

Web Developer (Contract)

Nov. 2024 – Apr. 2025
Prostrategix (Client: Proper Optics) • Remote
  • Migrated Proper Optics’ Virtual Try On (VTO) platform to the latest version, ensuring system stability and validation.
  • Worked on Azure hosted services to sync Wix product data into MongoDB with strong data integrity controls.
  • Developed Wix Velo modules to retrieve and normalize product data, supporting QA verification efforts.
  • Optimized backend workflows and collaborated with engineers to troubleshoot and resolve production issues.

Career Break — Full-Time Caregiver

Jul. 2021 – Nov. 2024
Family & Technical Development
  • Managed full-time family and childcare responsibilities for two young children.
  • Maintained technical skill development and built full-stack personal projects (e.g., HeyNeighbor).

Junior Software Engineer

Feb. 2020 – Dec. 2021
Mediazact Inc. • Boston, MA (Remote)
  • Collaborated in an agile team to architect and build a new ledger-focused accounting web application.
  • Used React, Node.js, and SQL databases to implement high-throughput front-end and back-end logic.
  • Informed key UI/UX layout decisions to optimize ledger reconciliation workflows.
  • Integrated external web APIs and third-party accounting software to streamline sync performance.
  • Investigated, debugged, and resolved production bugs, ensuring platform stability.

Projects

HeyNeighbor

Dec. 2021 – Present
React, Node.js, PostgreSQL, Stripe API, Bulma CSS, Firebase
  • Designed and built a peer-to-peer tool sharing app helping neighbors borrow local gear safely.
  • Implemented secure Stripe checkout flows to execute transactional rental booking payments.
  • Built geographical location search queries and radius-based maps utilizing Postgres lookups.
  • Engineered fully responsive, intuitive layouts and state-driven rental forms.

Deal Map

Feb. 2020 – Dec. 2021
React, Node.js, MySQL, MobX, Auth0, Emotion, Gatsby
  • Partnered in a development team to build a startup financial accounting application.
  • Integrated third-party accounting databases using REST APIs and Xero synchronization endpoints.
  • Implemented Auth0 protocols supporting multi-method user authentication.
  • Utilized MobX state actions to manage local variables and store components smoothly.

Boston Taekwondo Academy Site

Oct. 2019 – Feb. 2020
React, Gatsby, SCSS, Formspree API, Heroku
  • Redesigned and deployed a responsive landing page and registration site for a martial arts academy.
  • Configured static page pre-rendering using Gatsby, improving search visibility and SEO ranks.
  • Set up contact forms linking to Formspree endpoints, automating student inquiry notifications.

Skills

Languages

JavaScript (ES6+)PythonRubyHTML5 / CSS3SQL

Frameworks & Libraries

React.jsNode.jsExpress.jsReduxGatsbyRuby on RailsMobX

Databases

PostgreSQLMySQLMongoDBFirebase

Cloud & DevOps

GCP (Strongest)AWSMicrosoft AzureHerokuNetlify

Concepts & Tools

RESTful APIsGit / GitHubStripe APIAuth0 / OAuthAgile / ScrumSCSS / LESS

Education

Lambda School

Full Stack Web Development
Apr. 2019 – Feb. 2020

UMass Lowell

Studied Mechanical Engineering
Sept. 2010 – May 2016

Volunteering

Dog Walker & Play Group

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue
Nov. 2018 – Feb. 2019