Austin Wiggins

Background

About Austin Wiggins

I'm a transitioning service member with a background in human-centered design, and an active TS/SCI, looking for work as a software engineer or data engineer. I'm passionate about using technology to advance the pubic interest. Through my role in the military started as a linguist, where I developed (and still maintain) proficiency in Turkish and Korean, it evolved into championing innovation for the US Department of Defense as a Human-centered designer and data engineer. Over the past 5 years, I've specialized in human-centered design, applying its principles to policy, organizational challenges, and software. I believe good technology starts with understanding; understanding the public interest, understanding the user's context, understanding root problems understanding usability, software engineering fundamentals. Through this you will now doubt get solutions that are effective and useful, but also don't cause future harm. This approach has guided my work in software development as of recently, where I try to prioritize usability, accessibility, and real-world connection to user problems, even if its work on the backend. My technical experience spans Python, JavaScript, and Go, with production-level work in Django and exposure to React. In data engineering, I have hands-on experience with Kafka, Airflow, Spark, Hadoop, and both relational and NoSQL databases. I am committed to continuous learning, currently expanding my skills in Rust and full-stack development. My foundation in backend engineering is complemented by a strong command of SQL, Git, Linux, and shell scripting. I hold a master’s degree in Public Interest Technology and have earned IBM certifications in Data Engineering and Backend Software Engineering, with a Full-Stack Developer certification in progress. My leadership and project management skills have been honed through six years of managing cross-functional teams, often in multicultural and multilingual settings. Driven by a commitment to public interest, I seek opportunities where technology can make a tangible difference-particularly in sectors like health, education, and civic technology. I thrive in remote roles but am also available for on-site work in Jacksonville, Florida. I am also the author of the technology blog Multidisciplined, where I explore the intersection of design, engineering, and public good. If you are seeking a software or data engineer who centers people in every line of code and every project decision, I welcome the opportunity to connect.