Professional headshot of Sal Castoro

Hi, I'm Sal

I'm a passionate software engineer with over 5 years of experience creating amazing digital experiences. I love turning complex problems into simple, beautiful solutions.

Currently, I work with modern frontend technologies like React and Astro, while also designing backend systems with Node.js and Python on cloud infrastructure such as AWS. I'm always excited to learn new technologies and tackle challenging projects.

When I'm not coding, you can find me exploring new technologies, playing tabletop RPGs, or sharing my knowledge through blog posts and community involvement.

Skills & Expertise

A comprehensive overview of my technical skills and areas of expertise

Frontend

React Expert
TypeScript Advanced
Astro Advanced
Tailwind CSS Expert
Next.js Advanced

Backend

Node.js Advanced
Python Advanced
PostgreSQL Advanced
MongoDB Intermediate

Tools

Git Expert
Docker Intermediate
AWS Intermediate

Design

Figma Advanced

Professional Experience

My journey through various roles and the impact I've made along the way

Application Engineer

Great American Insurance Group

April 2023 - Present

  • Led modernization of flagship commercial insurance quoting platform, migrating from legacy systems to React and Node.js/Express, resulting in 30% faster page load times and ~20% reduction in quoting errors reported by brokers
  • Designed and launched a new multi-coverage insurance product from backend schema to frontend UI, contributing to a 12% increase in broker-submitted quotes in its first quarter
  • Built robust data synchronization pipelines between modern web platform and legacy ERP systems using microservices architecture; resolved schema and nullability mismatches, reducing manual data correction needs by 80%
  • Delivered technical presentations to 50+ engineers during company meetings on Redux architecture, agentic coding tools, and AI-assisted workflows
  • Acted as point of contact for onboarding and mentorship, helping ramp up junior devs and collaborating on complex front-end/back-end challenges
React TypeScript Node.js Express Redux PostgreSQL AWS Microservices

Software Developer

PS Solutions

May 2022 - March 2023

  • Built PTO request and tracking system in React and Node.js/Express deployed via AWS
  • Integrated RingCentral calling functionality into client CRM using TypeScript and microservices architecture
React Node.js Express AWS TypeScript RingCentral API Microservices

IT Analyst

Clima Cube Self Storage

Jan 2020 - Apr 2022

  • Developed a custom price tracking tool with React and Next.js using TypeScript that increased observability into competitor pricing allowing for frequent rate adjustment
React Next.js TypeScript CSS AWS