Scott Johnson

Contact Information

Scott Johnson
jaywir3@gmail.com
https://www.jwir3.com
https://www.github.com/jwir3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwir3
+1 701 741-9338

Summary

Principal-level Systems Engineer with over 15 years of experience specializing in C++ engine architecture, rendering pipelines, and system performance optimization. Deep expertise in low-level internals (Mozilla Gecko), with a proven history of engineering core graphic systems that underpin modern applications. Passionate about mentoring engineering teams, driving code quality standards, and solving complex multi-threading and memory management challenges. Currently finishing a PhD in Computer Graphics.

Core Competencies

• Engine Architecture & Internals: Deep knowledge of massive C++ codebases (Mozilla Gecko), Layout & Rendering pipelines, and System Architecture.
• System Performance & Optimization: CPU/GPU profiling, Memory management, Thread safety strategies, and V8/SpiderMonkey engine optimization.
• Graphics Programming: OpenGL, DirectX, Vulkan, and custom shader development (GLSL/HLSL).
• Leadership & Mentoring: Leading technical initiatives, mentoring senior engineers, and bridging communication between artists, designers, and engineers.

Work Experience

Remote

Capture Software Engineer at Chromatic Mar 2023 - Present

• Architected fault-tolerant distributed systems for visual testing, ensuring high availability and scalability.
• Optimized image processing algorithms using low-level rendering expertise, directly improving performance for developer tools.
• Led cross-team initiatives to improve infrastructure maintainability and build pipelines.
• Performed research into new image comparison algorithms, resulting in implementation of several features unique to Chromatic.

Founder/CEO at FoamFactory Jan 2021 - Mar 2023

• Led full-stack architecture of a SaaS platform, balancing technical trade-offs between rapid iteration and system stability.
• Architected a high-performance backend leveraging Rust, prioritizing type safety and memory security.

Principal Engineer at Medal Dec 2019 - Jan 2021

• Game Tech Architecture: Engineered core recording technology for a high-traffic desktop gaming application, working with native node modules and OS-level integrations.
• Performance Optimization: Developed a secure, hardware-accelerated video capture system, optimizing low-level resource usage (CPU/GPU) to ensure minimal impact on gameplay frame rates.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborated with engineering and design teams to align on technical strategy and mentored team members on debugging complex threading and performance issues.

Lead Graphics Engineer at InVision App Dec 2016 - Dec 2019

• Rendering Engine: Designed and implemented a GPU-based vector rendering engine using WebGL, Rust, WebAssembly, haXe, and TypeScript, solving complex performance challenges to deliver 60fps interactivity.
• Developer Experience: Prototyped next-generation rendering solutions using WebAssembly and Rust to increase developer efficiency.

Minneapolis, MN

Mobile Engineering Lead at When I Work Sep 2014 - Dec 2016

• Led a team of developers in an Agile environment, instituting rigorous code reviews and CI/CD practices.
• Collaborated with product and design stakeholders to deliver robust application features.

Edina, MN

Android Engineering Lead at Jingit Nov 2013 - Sep 2014

• Led several cross-functional teams in developing mobile solutions, focusing on user engagement and application performance.
• Mentored junior engineers and contractors to form a cohesive team focused on building and scaling a retail interaction application on several mobile platforms.

Remote

Platform Engineer, Layout at Mozilla Jun 2011 - Oct 2013

• C++ Engine Internals: Engineered performance-critical, low-level rendering and layout systems within the Gecko engine using C++.
• Standards & Stability: Architected core rendering systems compliant with W3C standards (CSSOM, WebGL), ensuring cross-platform stability.
• Performance Profiling: Optimized rendering pipelines for high-performance web applications, leveraging deep knowledge of DirectX and OpenGL to maximize hardware utilization.
• Contributed to large-scale open-source projects, collaborating with the global community to drive web technology evolution.

Education

University of Minnesota

Master of Science, Computer Science 2006-2009

Graduate research focused on computational geometry, photorealistic rendering, and algorithm optimization. Graduated summa cum laude.

University of North Dakota

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 2001-2006

Focused study in software engineering and computer graphics. Graduated summa cum laude.

Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) 2001-2006

Focused study in statistical theory, number theory, and combinatorics. Graduated summa cum laude.

Awards and Recognitions

• Open Source Contribution: Google Summer of Code Mentor & Grant Recipient (Crystal Space 3D SDK), 2007-2009.
• Top Secret Clearance (Currently Inactive); United States Department of Defense, 2009-2011.
• Inducted Lifetime Member, Phi Beta Kappa & Upsilon Pi Epsilon.

Skills

• Languages: C++14/17 (High Proficiency), Rust, GLSL/HLSL, TypeScript/JavaScript, Go, Python.
• Graphics & Systems: Unreal Engine 5, WebGL, OpenGL, Vulkan, DirectX, Multi-threaded Programming, Engine Architecture.
• Desktop & Web: Electron, Native Node Modules, Browser Layout/Rendering Engines.
• DevOps & Tools: Git/GitHub, CI/CD, AWS, Docker, Linux/MacOS/Windows Development.