Principal Engineer | Engineering Leader | Conference Speaker
Vancouver, BC, Canada
SUMMARY
Jarrod Connolly is a Principal Software Engineer and Conference Speaker with over 20 years of experience. He has led the
design and development of backend services for major PC/Console games, driven innovation in mobile and web acceleration,
and mentored engineering teams to achieve excellence. He has a strong background in leading engineering teams,
mentoring, and driving technological innovation.
Jarrod excels in creating scalable, high-performance systems and is proficient in Python, C++, Node.js, and
Kubernetes. He actively contributes to his community, holding leadership roles in local advisory and parent councils,
and has several patents in mobile web acceleration and optimization. As an active contributor to open-source projects,
Jarrod continually fosters innovation and collaboration within the tech community.
EXPERIENCE
Respawn Entertainment
Senior Staff Engineer
(October 2024 - Present)
Phoenix Labs
Principal Software Engineer
(August 2022 - May 2024)
I led the backend services architecture for an unannounced original IP PC/Console game and integrated these services
into the Unreal Engine game code. I analyzed performance and scalability for production readiness and incorporated
comprehensive observability for diagnostics. Additionally, I selected and implemented the core backend database to meet
the project's technical and performance requirements.
Kabam Games Inc.
Senior Software Engineer II
(September 2018 - July 2022)
Under my leadership, the Central Tech Engineering team transformed into a high-performing, respected group. I guided the
team in developing a one-year technical roadmap, authored and presented technical architecture advancements, and
showcased our team's business impact at company QBRs. I also took the initiative to speak at and attend conferences,
inspiring our team's technical direction.
On the engineering front, I led the architecture of mobile game services and backend APIs in Node.js, integrating
features with MongoDB and Redis. I enhanced legacy systems by transitioning to Pub/Sub, improved service quality through
metrics and alerting, and identified inefficiencies via network traffic analysis. I introduced Docker-based local
environments, enforced coding standards, and converted logging frameworks to structured logging. I improved developer
cycle times by isolating services and codebases, extracted monolithic codebases into NPM packages, and implemented a
Canary In the Gold Mine test framework. Additionally, I facilitated the move to Kubernetes and Continuous Deployment and
introduced load-testing tools for production readiness.
Radware Canada
Lead Software Engineer
(February 2013 - August 2018)
After Radware acquired Strangeloop, I integrated our Front-End Optimization (FEO) technology, now branded as FastView,
into Radware's Application Delivery Controller (ADC) products. I released SAML-based security and SSO features for
Radware's Web Application Firewall and architected Node.js backend APIs and React front-ends for security appliances. I
also worked on acceleration features, including mobile performance and the HTTP/2 protocol.
Leading a cross-functional team of Senior Engineers, Quality Assurance, and IT/Operations, I collaborated directly
with Directors, Project Managers, and Team Leads to develop top-tier products. I ran scrum-related meetings, sprint
planning sessions, and iteration demos, ensuring high-quality software delivery on time and budget using agile
methodologies. I conducted code reviews, implemented a unit test framework for APIs, established CI/CD systems, and
managed and mentored team members.
Strangeloop Networks
Senior Software Developer
(November 2007 - February 2013)
I was part of the core C# team at Strangeloop Networks, which developed the industry-leading automated Front End
Optimization (FEO) solution, the Strangeloop Site Optimizer web acceleration appliance. I researched and developed FEO
treatments to automatically and safely accelerate web performance. Additionally, I led the launch of a pioneering Mobile
FEO product and patented mobile acceleration techniques. My responsibilities also included developing code in C, C++,
and C# for the network appliance.
Intrawest
Senior Software Developer
(December 2005 - November 2007)
At Intrawest, I contributed significantly to designing, developing, and maintaining both internal and customer-facing
applications. I was part of the team that designed and implemented their Web 2.0 online booking system using C# and
ASP.NET. Additionally, I mentored junior team members and collaborated closely with business analysts and project
stakeholders throughout various phases of software development.
Tarasoft
Software Developer
(June 2000 - October 2004)
Initially hired to expand and maintain Tarasoft Titan in new MLS markets, I adapted the C++ application for various MLS
systems across North America while developing web-based systems for credit card subscriptions and customer databases. As
the company entered the MLS market with Tarasoft Matrix, I played a pivotal role in its inception, architecture, and
development. Leading the architecture and development efforts, I interviewed new team members and ensured successful
product releases to critical live systems. Tarasoft Matrix is now widely adopted by major MLS organizations across North
America, including MRIS in Washington, DC, serving over 50,000 daily users and deployed in multiple large markets.
A model plugin for the Sequelize ORM that automatically creates and updates unique slugs for your models.
VOLUNTEERING
Homma Elementary - SD38 - Parent Advisory Council
Chairperson
(2023 - Present)
The Homma Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group that fosters school and community spirit and promotes cooperation,
communication and team effort to establish a fun and healthy environment for all connected with Homma Elementary School.
Child Care Development Advisory Committee
Chairperson
(2021 - 2022)
Vice Chairperson
(2019 - 2020)
Committee Member
(2017 - 2018)
As City Council directs and as resources are provided, the Child Care Development Advisory Committee (CCDAC) provides
City Council with advice (e.g., information, options, analysis, recommendations), regarding the planning, development,
support and promotion of a range of quality, affordable and accessible child care in the City of Richmond.
Member of the Grants Subcommittee, responsible for grant proposal review and recommendations to the City.