Joel
Santiago
20+ years forging enterprise systems. From network security to scalable backends — building the infrastructure that powers healthcare and beyond.
Who I Am
With 20 years of experience in IT, I've built a rock-solid foundation in systems administration, network security, and troubleshooting across diverse industries — with a deep focus on healthcare technology.
I've honed my skills in backend development, automation, and API integration, leveraging Python, JavaScript (Node.js), and SQL to architect solutions that scale.
Now I'm channeling that breadth of experience into software engineering — focusing on backend systems, QA automation, and cloud technologies. Currently sharpening my edge in Java, C#, and full-stack development.
Backend & APIs
JavaScript, REST, Node.js — building systems that handle 100+ requests/min
QA Automation
Selenium, CI/CD pipelines, 40% test coverage gains
Systems & Security
20 years of infrastructure, networking, and security hardening
Healthcare Tech
Deep domain expertise in healthcare IT challenges and compliance
Career Journey
HCL America Inc.
Software Engineer | Backend & QA Automation
- Developed and maintained backend systems using JavaScript and REST APIs, handling 100+ API requests/min
- Created automated tests with Selenium, increasing test coverage by 40% and QA efficiency by 30%
- Integrated CI/CD practices, reducing deployment time by 25%
- Drove 15% improvement in software performance through cross-functional collaboration
- Increased team productivity by 20% through backend and automation initiatives
Quest Diagnostics
IT Field Technician Specialist
- Executed full network installations at new locations — switches, computers, peripherals
- Resolved complex technical issues for high-profile clients, preventing account loss
- Managed IT asset inventory and tracking across field operations
- Reduced client downtime through prompt response and effective problem-solving
Cheney Brothers, Inc.
IT Support Specialist II
- Created technical support department for PC teardowns, servicing 2000+ workstations
- Configured hardware, devices, and software for employee workstation deployments
- Collaborated with vendors on replacement components and advanced troubleshooting
Alorica Inc.
IT Support Specialist
- Managed software deployments, updates, and security patches
- Documented all support interactions for knowledge base building
- Handled 50+ daily support requests across email, phone, and chat
BellSouth Telecommunications
Help Desk
- Received "Top Agent" recognition award
- Increased division sales and productivity by 12%
- Headed multiple projects including pingo.com and IBasis.com
- Suggested new products that increased company earnings by 6%
Tech Arsenal
Languages
Backend & Automation
Cloud & Infrastructure
Credentials & Certs
Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II)
Scrum.org
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
Scrum.org
Professional Scrum Developer I (PSD I)
Scrum.org
MTA: Windows OS Fundamentals
Microsoft — Certified 2016
Featured Projects
Showcase of upcoming projects. Stay tuned as I build out my public portfolio.
API Testing Framework
Automated REST API testing suite with comprehensive coverage reporting and CI/CD integration.
Healthcare Data Pipeline
Scalable ETL pipeline for processing and transforming healthcare records with compliance safeguards.
QA Dashboard
Real-time test execution monitoring dashboard with automated reporting and trend analysis.
Let's Connect
I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, collaborations, or just talking tech. Reach out and let's build something great.