# Tony Papousek

Email: tony@papousek.org

GitHub: https://github.com/TonyPapousek

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/TonyPapousek/

## Summary

Senior backend engineer specializing in TypeScript, Node.js, AWS, and GraphQL. Currently building a small game for Steam.

## Skills

### Languages & Frameworks

- TypeScript
- JavaScript
- Node.js
- GraphQL
- NestJS
- React

### Practices

- Microservices
- Systems Architecture
- AI-Augmented Tooling

### Cloud & Infrastructure

- Lambda
- API Gateway
- Docker
- PostgreSQL
- Redis
- S3

## Experience

### Senior Software Engineer (Founder)

Company: Ardentis Works, LLC

Location: Cedar Mill, Oregon

Start Date: Sep 2025

End Date: Present

- Designed a heterogeneous cluster to run game simulations and train neural-network gameplay agents
- Developed AI-assisted debugging tooling using headless simulation environments
- Creating "Manifold", a game in Godot targeting Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck

### Senior Backend Engineer

Company: ComplyAuto

Start Date: Oct 2023

End Date: Aug 2025

- Designed and shipped a WYSIWYG component-based template editor, unlocking template creation for non-technical users
- Partnered with AppSec to threat-model and harden backend services, closing critical attack vectors across authentication, authorization, and input validation
- Reworked local development and debugging workflows for backend services, cutting feedback loops from minutes to seconds
- Drove adoption of testing standards and code review practices, measurably reducing production defect rate

### Senior Engineer

Company: Chief

Start Date: Oct 2022

End Date: Sep 2023

- Implemented federated GraphQL APIs (NestJS + TypeORM), designing database schemas and delivering flexible data access patterns
- Built responsive, reusable React components (TypeScript + Chakra UI) for the team's product surfaces
- Achieved full unit and integration test coverage on critical backend paths, significantly reducing regression incidents
- Collaborated closely with architects and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver on shared technical vision

### Senior Backend Engineer

Company: LiveControl

Start Date: Nov 2021

End Date: Aug 2022

- Replaced polling-based events dashboard with real-time GraphQL subscriptions, eliminating ~15-minute data delays for end users
- Cut external service call volume by 2 orders of magnitude and internal call volume by 3-4 orders through backend restructuring and caching layers
- Decomposed and modernized legacy monolith services, improving deployability and enabling independent team scaling
- Built CI/CD pipelines for Node.js, GoLang, and Protobuf services, automating build, test, and deploy across the platform

### Principal Data Architect

Company: 33 Sticks

Start Date: Apr 2021

End Date: Oct 2021

- Modernized legacy data pipelines, implemented A/B testing infrastructure, and advised enterprise clients on analytics strategy

### Senior Developer

Company: Epsilon / Publicis Groupe

Start Date: Aug 2019

End Date: Apr 2021

- Front-end development in Angular/TypeScript; technical consulting across analytics, tag management, and personalization for enterprise clients

### Applications Engineer

Company: Digital IQ

Start Date: Oct 2015

End Date: May 2019

- Full-stack development and technical architecture; managed engineering teams and delivered consulting engagements for Fortune 500 clients