My work spans both the technical and creative—from engineering secure, scalable platforms to producing music and creating games and visual media. I’m driven by projects that fuse cutting-edge technology with creativity and human-centered design to deliver real-world impact. Career highlights include a pivotal role at Carnegie Mellon University's Institute for Software Research, where I led development of the IoT Privacy Infrastructure—an initiative focused on transparency and data ethics in connected devices. As lead architect of Bright Plaza’s Kaje Authentication Platform, I secured multiple U.S. patents for innovations in digital security, authentication systems, and cloud-based identity infrastructure—all while forging a parallel creative path as an independent music producer and designer. I actively integrate AI tools into my workflows to boost speed, insight, and creative range—using LLMs and generative platforms for code debugging, data parsing, complex queries, visual prototyping, and content creation across image and video, always with expert review and hands-on refinement

Justin Donnell

5.0 (2 reviews)

My work spans both the technical and creative—from engineering secure, scalable platforms to producing music and creating games and visual media. I’m driven by projects that fuse cutting-edge technology with creativity and human-centered design to deliver real-world impact. Career highlights include a pivotal role at Carnegie Mellon University's Institute for Software Research, where I led development of the IoT Privacy Infrastructure—an initiative focused on transparency and data ethics in connected devices. As lead architect of Bright Plaza’s Kaje Authentication Platform, I secured multiple U.S. patents for innovations in digital security, authentication systems, and cloud-based identity infrastructure—all while forging a parallel creative path as an independent music producer and designer. I actively integrate AI tools into my workflows to boost speed, insight, and creative range—using LLMs and generative platforms for code debugging, data parsing, complex queries, visual prototyping, and content creation across image and video, always with expert review and hands-on refinement

Available to hire

My work spans both the technical and creative—from engineering secure, scalable platforms to producing music and creating games and visual media. I’m driven by projects that fuse cutting-edge technology with creativity and human-centered design to deliver real-world impact.

Career highlights include a pivotal role at Carnegie Mellon University’s Institute for Software Research, where I led development of the IoT Privacy Infrastructure—an initiative focused on transparency and data ethics in connected devices. As lead architect of Bright Plaza’s Kaje Authentication Platform, I secured multiple U.S. patents for innovations in digital security, authentication systems, and cloud-based identity infrastructure—all while forging a parallel creative path as an independent music producer and designer.

I actively integrate AI tools into my workflows to boost speed, insight, and creative range—using LLMs and generative platforms for code debugging, data parsing, complex queries, visual prototyping, and content creation across image and video, always with expert review and hands-on refinement

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Experience Level

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Work Experience

CTO / Advisor at Bright Plaza, Inc.
April 1, 2013 - Present
Served as primary architect and developer of multiple enterprise platforms, including a patented web-based authentication system designed to reduce risks and costs of password compromise, and a moderated discussion platform to address online misinformation. Led full-stack development, cloud architecture (traditional and serverless), database design, and scalable backend services. Built and maintained backend systems, admin tools, and responsive web portals using modern full-stack frameworks and component-based UI design. Collaborated closely with CEO, advisors, and shareholders to align technical execution with business and product strategy. Inventor on multiple U.S. patents for secure, user-centric identity and authentication technologies.
Project Scientist / Advisor at Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science - Institute for Software Research Software and Societal Systems Department
July 1, 2018 - Present
Primary architect and developer of the Internet of Things Privacy Infrastructure, a platform designed to publicize connected devices and the data they collect. Built and maintained backend systems, cloud infrastructure, and a web-based management portal enabling real-time discovery and transparency of IoT resources. Supervised and collaborated with the mobile development team on app development. Worked closely with faculty, research teams, and external stakeholders to align system architecture with privacy, data ethics, and regulatory transparency goals. Contributed advisory and ongoing technical expertise to shape product direction.
VP of Technology at CoeoSpace
February 28, 2022 - August 11, 2025
Brought on as the first internal technical leader to evaluate externally developed platforms and define a long-term technical strategy. Assessed existing codebase and infrastructure, uncovering architectural flaws and technical debt, and proposed a complete system rebuild aligned with product and business goals. Defined scalable architecture plans and outlined roadmap options to improve performance, maintainability, scalability, and user experience.
Various IT and Early Engineering Roles (System Administrator, Programmer, Network Engineer, IT Support) at Various Companies
April 1, 2013 - August 11, 2025
Began IT career during the transition to Windows 95, handling hardware upgrades, OS migrations, and desktop support. Gained deep hands-on experience across PC and server hardware, software, printers, and operating systems. Expanded into networking and systems administration for small to mid-sized environments including installation and configuration of routers, switches, servers, and security appliances. Developed scripting and automation tools that evolved into programming and early web and software development projects, laying foundation for full-time engineering and product roles. Earned a comprehensive view of technology from infrastructure to code and user needs through extensive hands-on work.

Education

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Industry Experience

Gaming, Computers & Electronics, Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment, Other, Education, Professional Services
    paper Justin Donnell - Rise - (music)

    Rise is a high-energy track featuring a dynamic blend of fast and melodic piano and driving rock drums. Enhanced with cinematic sound effects, this track exudes energy and excitement, inviting listeners to embark on an exhilarating musical journey. The track symbolizes rising above and overcoming adversity.

    paper Justin Donnell - Tonight - (music)

    Tonight is a smooth yet energetic sound, driven by a steady beat, deep bass, and melodic flow. Female vocals weave in and out, adding a subtle, hypnotic vibe. With an urban feel and laid-back confidence, Tonight embodies the essence of effortless momentum—elevating the moment and letting the rhythm take control. Perfect for nights that feel endless and full of possibility.

    paper Justin Donnell - Descend - (music)

    Descend begins with cinematic suspense—dark textures and unnerving sound design pulling you into a slow spiral. It builds to a sudden jolt of hard energy, then slips into a slow, hypnotic groove. Later, that groove reemerges—familiar, but more forceful—propelled by an undercurrent that refuses to rest. At its core, three voices loop in tangled counterpoint—a spooky, chromatic melody full of quiet tension. Strange, unsettling, and unwilling to resolve.

    paper Justin Donnell - Wander - (music)

    Wander blends melodic piano and synth with intricate percussion and cinematic effects, creating a reflective and immersive soundscape. A brief, wordless vocal emerges occasionally, adding emotional depth and enhancing the track’s sense of quiet contemplation and soulful exploration.