Chris Bridges

Full Stack Developer · Veteran · Transmission Builder Turned Engineer

Get In Touch View Résumé

About Me

I'm a full stack developer and computer science student with a non-traditional background: years of hands-on work as an automotive transmission technician, U.S. Army service as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and motor transport operator, and now a deep focus on software engineering and security.

That mix means I care a lot about tools that work in the real world. I’ve spent time diagnosing mechanical failures, tracking down subtle software bugs, and building systems people rely on. Whether it’s a dashboard, Android app, or macOS tool, I’m happiest when I’m solving practical problems with clean, understandable code.

My background in ethical hacking and reverse engineering pushes me to think defensively about everything I build—how it fails, how it can be abused, and how to make it safer by default. I like blending that mindset with user-focused design so the result feels both robust and approachable.

What I bring from previous careers

  • Military discipline, adaptability, and staying calm when things break unexpectedly.
  • Hands-on troubleshooting from building and rebuilding automatic transmissions on the bench.
  • Blueprint reading, fabrication, and shop workflow from welding and manufacturing work.
  • A strong bias toward reliability and maintainability, not just “it runs on my machine.”
14+ yrs Automotive transmission experience
5+ yrs Military motor transport & maintenance
2023–2026 BS Computer Science (Software Engineering), SNHU

Snapshot

Full Stack Developer · Automotive Technician · U.S. Army Veteran · Security & Reverse Engineering Enthusiast

I like solving messy, real-world problems: aging legacy systems, complex data, and tools for non-technical users. My goal is to grow into a senior backend role where I can own systems end-to-end, with a strong focus on security and reliability.

Node.js & Express Python & Dash MongoDB Android (SQLite) macOS / Swift Raspberry Pi Security & Reverse Engineering Transmissions By Shane U.S. Army Veteran

Featured Projects

Grazioso Salvare Rescue Dog Dashboard

A data-driven dashboard built for a fictitious consulting client to help identify ideal rescue dog candidates. Uses MongoDB queries, interactive Dash DataTables, and geolocation mapping so users can filter, visualize, and explore animals in real time.

Python Dash MongoDB Data Visualization

Travlr Getaways Full Stack Travel Site

A full stack travel booking experience using MEAN-style patterns. Includes an admin view for managing trips and a public-facing site with server-rendered pages, dynamic content, and a clean responsive layout designed for both desktop and mobile travelers.

Node.js Express MongoDB Handlebars

SysTraceApp – macOS Log Tracing Utility

A macOS app built in Xcode and Swift that explores system logging and tracing. Focused on permissions, async log retrieval, and building a clean UI for inspecting OSLog entries—blending systems-level curiosity with practical tooling.

Swift macOS OSLog Xcode

Technical Skills

Languages & Frontend

  • JavaScript / TypeScript
  • HTML5 / CSS3 / Responsive Design
  • React & basic Vue.js
  • Swift (macOS) · OpenGL (C++)

Backend & Data

  • Node.js / Express
  • Python (APIs, Dash, scripting)
  • MongoDB / PostgreSQL / SQLite
  • RESTful APIs · basic GraphQL

Platforms & Focus Areas

  • Android app development (SQLite storage)
  • Raspberry Pi & embedded systems
  • Security, ethical hacking & reverse engineering
  • Git / GitHub · CI-friendly workflows

Currently Learning

What I’m actively leveling up on:
Advanced backend patterns System design Digital content creation Security & secure coding Docker & containerization Cloud deployment workflows Android app polish & UX

Experience

Automotive Technician – Transmissions By Shane

September 2011 – Present · Martin, Georgia

Diagnose and repair automatic transmissions and transfer cases, primarily on the bench. Clean, inspect, and rebuild modern and classic transaxle and rear-wheel-drive units (including 350 turbo, C-4, and more), ensuring reliability before reinstallation.

Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic / Motor Transport Operator – U.S. Army

February 2007 – September 2012 · Ft. Sill, Oklahoma

Maintained and repaired wheeled vehicles and supported motor transport operations in high-responsibility environments. Developed strong troubleshooting skills, attention to procedure, and the ability to keep critical equipment operational under pressure.

Welder – Universal Steel, Inc.

June 2005 – February 2007 · Sugar Hill, Georgia

Read engineered blueprints and fabricated handrails to spec, later moving to the paint shop to oversee priming, painting, and preparing materials for shipment. Gained experience in precision fabrication, quality control, and logistics.

Computer Science Student – Southern New Hampshire University

May 2023 – April 2026 (Expected)

BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering. Built end-to-end projects across web, mobile, systems, and data: Android weight-tracking app, MongoDB-backed dashboards, embedded Raspberry Pi labs, OpenGL graphics assignments, and reinforcement learning experiments using TensorFlow.

Security & Reverse Engineering Enthusiast

Ongoing

Self-directed work in ethical hacking, memory inspection tools, reverse engineering, and secure coding. This perspective drives a “defensive by design” approach to both code and architecture in all of my projects.

Let's Connect

I'm always interested in hearing about new projects, roles, and collaborations.