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National Engineers Week recognizes the innovators who shape our world. At gWorks, our engineers play a critical role in building software that support small towns across the US. In our Behind the Software series, we’re introducing you to the talented individuals behind our cloud solution. Today, we’re featuring Dan Mancuso, Lead Software Engineer.
From Apple IIc to Software Engineering
Dan’s passion for technology started early with an Apple IIc and a game called Apple Logo. In the game, players programmed a turtle to move across the screen and draw patterns. It was a simple yet powerful introduction to coding. “It felt like magic,” Dan recalls.
As he considered career paths, software engineering stood out. It was something he truly enjoyed, and once he started, everything clicked. Now, as a Lead Software Engineer at gWorks, Dan combines that early passion with his expertise to improve software infrastructure and streamline development processes.
The Juggler of Software (Literally!)
Beyond coding, Dan has another unique skill—juggling! He was skilled enough in his youth to compete in junior international competitions. These days, he can still juggle three balls, though he admits anything beyond that is a challenge. This mix of precision, practice, and problem-solving carries over into his approach to engineering.
A Day in the Life: Supporting and Innovating
Dan leads gWorks’ DevOps team, where his days are split between supporting ongoing projects and planning for the future. He works on:
- Setting up new computers, managing software releases, and maintaining existing systems.
- Developing a “pre-prod” environment to test changes before they go live, reducing errors and improving reliability.
- Automating tasks to eliminate repetitive work and allow developers to iterate more efficiently.
- Improving software delivery pipelines to make updates smoother and faster.
His ultimate goal? Empower developers to manage infrastructure, iterate quickly, and recover from issues without disrupting clients.
Engineering for Small-Town Impact
Dan’s work directly benefits gWorks’ clients by making software more efficient and reliable. From creating testing environments to improving security with PCI compliance, his team ensures that small-town governments have access to the best possible technology.
“The most rewarding part is that we’re making a real, tangible difference in the everyday lives of these small communities,” Dan says. “I’ve already heard stories about the impact our software has, and I’m excited to keep improving it.”