Alexander (Sandy) McFadden

Kentville, NS - (902) 599-1024 - sandymc@gmail.com sandymc@gmail.com - https://sandym.ca https://sandym.ca

Profile

A senior software developer with deep experience building and maintaining products for a global user base. Recognized for delivering elegant, scalable solutions and quickly navigating complex systems. Combines technical depth with a user-first mindset, thoughtful problem-solving, and a collaborative spirit. Passionate about creating reliable, secure, and intuitive applications while mentoring teammates and partnering effectively across departments.

Skills

Technical Skills

  • Languages & Frameworks: JavaScript, TypeScript, React, HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL, Node.js, Express.js, Python
  • State Management: Redux, MobX, React Context
  • Development Tools: GitHub, Jest, React Testing Library, Playwright, Git

Professional Skills

  • Problem-solving and debugging complex systems
  • Quickly learning new technologies and tools
  • Technical documentation and knowledge sharing
  • Cross-team collaboration
  • Mentoring and knowledge transfer
  • User experience optimization

Work Experience

Automattic

Web Software Developer

Kentville, NS

Jan. 2021 - Apr. 2025

Worked across multiple product teams building user-facing features and internal tools that improved performance, security, and customer experience.

Day One - https://dayoneapp.com https://dayoneapp.com

Joined the Day One team to help build a web client to go along with the existing iOS, Mac, and Android apps. Played a key role in taking a small prototype to beta to full launch. Quickly grew this to ~40K monthly active users. It also laid the foundation for the recently launched Windows app.

  • Implemented crypto library for content encryption and decryption
  • Designed high-performance client-side search system
  • Developed shared journals feature
  • Created Export and Import system
  • Implemented resilient, interruptible/resumable download mechanism for media files

Simplenote - https://app.simplenote.com https://app.simplenote.com

Full-stack development across web client, Electron desktop app, and backend (Google App Engine).

  • Led a cross-team initiative to bring Simplenote into app store compliance by enabling in-app account deletion across MacOS, iOS, and Android. Designed and implemented an API endpoint and coordinated integration efforts with each client team. We successfully met the app store deadline and avoiding disruption to our primary user acquisition channels.
  • Implemented a localization system for emails and initial welcome note ensuring 360,000 monthly active users received correspondence in their preferred language.
  • Implemented a theme system using CSS variables
  • Fixed critical security issues

Happiness Operations Developer

Built and maintained internal tools to improve customer support workflows.

  • Designed and implemented a unified ticket triaging system for Zendesk with goals to:
    • Replace multiple disjointed ticket processing systems
    • Create a predictable, ordered system for processing rules to prevent conflicts
    • Reduce API usage by batching updates after all rules were processed
    • Improve routing accuracy by ensuring all triaging tasks completed before assignment
  • Maintained internal support tools

Automattic

Happiness Engineer / Support Lead

Kentville, NS

Dec. 2014 - Jan. 2021

Started as a Happiness Engineer helping users get the most out of WordPress.com and other Automattic products. Provided technical support, troubleshooting, and bug reporting to improve the customer experience.

In 2016, moved into a Lead role within the Happiness division.

  • Led and supported team of Happiness Engineers through feedback, coaching, and performance evaluation
  • Assisted in operational planning — forecasting support demand, scheduling staff, and ensuring service goals
  • Focused on team member growth while maintaining high-quality customer support

Acadia University

Library Technology Specialist

Wolfville, NS

Sept. 2013 - Dec. 2014

  • Provide support for the Library's automated systems.
  • Assist library staff and patrons with the use of library technology.
  • Provide and support custom programming as required.

OurValley.ca

Owner / Developer

Kentville, NS

Mar. 2004 - Oct. 2022

  • Design and Develop custom web applications and websites for businesses.
  • A local guide to the Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia.

Michelin North America (Canada)

IT Support / Developer

Waterville, NS

July, 2012 - Dec. 2012

  • Worked on developing and maintaining the internal Intranet website used by employees mainly for communications and reporting. Main technology used was ColdFusion.

Additional Experience

  • Register.com - Solutions Specialist, Yarmouth, NS (Nov. 2004 - Sept. 2005)
  • On-Line Support Inc. - Sales & Service Supervisor, Dartmouth, NS (Oct. 2003 - Sept. 2004)
  • EastLink Communications - Network Support Specialist, Halifax, NS (Nov. 2002 - Oct. 2003)
  • On-Line Support Inc. - Operations Supervisor, Kentville, NS (Mar. 2000 - Nov. 2002)

Education

Acadia University

Bachelor of Computer Science

Wolfville, NS

Graduated 2010

  • Recipient of the Director's Award for "Dedication and Efforts toward Promotion of the School and Voluntary support to Fellow Students".

Nova Scotia Community College

Electronics Engineering Technician Diploma

Kentville, NS

Graduated 2001