Erin Willows

Software Engineer & Digital Solutions Architect

About

I am an experienced software engineer and solutions architect with expertise in both the private and public sector. Specializing in front-end engineering and user experience, I have a proven track record of leading technical initiatives, building scalable solutions and navigating complex organizational environments.

Regular Activities

  • Advise decision makers, including agency leaders and managers on technical direction and process
  • Work with internal customers to propose solutions and coordinate their implementation with developers
  • Create and stakeholder architectures for public facing applications
  • Provide estimates for creating new user interfaces including design, development and usability
  • Provide estimates for implementing legislative bills and agency projects
  • Review software prior to purchase for compliance with accessibility and usability requirements
  • Do code reviews for framework level changes

Professional Accomplishments

  • Led the creation of a framework for creating single page applications with a consistent look & feel from common user interface components
  • Created a library for injecting a shared header and footer safely across 80+ web applications using web components
  • Worked across divisions to evangelize modern software development practices like agile SDLC and pull requests
  • Founded User Interface Community of Practice for sharing information and bringing developers in different divisions together
  • Developed the architecture and technical implementation approach for integrating Washington state's public facing identity provider Auth0 into current and future applications. Worked across agencies to vet and socialize the architecture
  • Led the redesign of the agency's public website and content migration.

Skills & Technologies

Runtimes .NET, Node
Languages C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS, Sass
Frameworks React, Vue, Vite, esbuild
AI Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini
Software Visio, Figma, Excel, Git, Github, Azure DevOps, Notion
Process Agile (Kanban & SCRUM), Proposal Writing, Systems Analysis
Cloud Azure

Currently Learning

AI Software Development with Agents
Godot Game Engine

Work History

Timeframe Organization Roles
2017-present Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
  • Digital Solutions Architect (current)
  • Senior Developer (previous)
2014-2015 F5 Networks (Contractor) Senior Developer
2012-2014 Holland America Lines Junior Developer
2011-2012 Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Final Test

Education

  • 2016: Western Governors University (WGU)
  • 2006-2010: Central Washington University (CWU) - Computer Science Major

Hobbies & Interests

I enjoy gardening, making home improvements, and spending time with the local wildlife at my home in Belfair, Washington. I also enjoy trips to California and New Mexico to visit friends.

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