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Architecture that holds up
I bring perspective to the high-leverage choices: application design, integrations, system boundaries, trade-offs, and the long view of a platform.
Senior Technical Lead Willetts Technology, Inc.
Systems are strongest when their people are, too.
I’m Daren Sipes. For more than 19 years at Willetts Technology, Inc., I’ve helped lead technology from architecture through delivery—building reliable platforms, making sound decisions, and helping teams keep moving forward.
Focus
Architecture & delivery
Platform
AWS & DevOps
Frontier
AI innovation
At a glance
A technical leader with a builder’s mindset, a coach’s patience, and a practical eye for what makes systems—and teams—work.
Professional life
Technical direction, with both feet on the ground.
At Willetts Technology, Inc., I serve as the team’s principal technical authority and a close advisor to development leadership. More than 19 years of growth with the company gives me both context for the work and a long-term stake in doing it well.
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Operations built in
From AWS infrastructure to everyday DevOps practice, I care about the reliability, security, and clarity that let a product keep serving people.
03
Innovation with a purpose
I help teams explore AI and emerging technology with judgment—looking for useful improvements, not novelty for novelty’s sake.
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The main product I work on at Willetts is PUPS EHR. My foundation in PHP and end-to-end web development has grown into long-term product ownership across architecture, cloud infrastructure, engineering standards, and the hard problems in between.
The path here
Experience that connects the technical and the human.
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19+ years · Willetts Technology, Inc.
Senior Technical Lead
Guiding architecture, DevOps, AI initiatives, and engineering practice while helping leadership turn product goals into sound technical decisions.
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Along the way
Team leader, development lead & Scrum Master
My Willetts experience has included leading developers and CX teammates, serving as a development lead and Scrum Master, and making delivery clearer and more sustainable for the people doing it.
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Built from the code up
Senior developer & lifelong builder
I spent years as a senior and lead developer, building deep web-development experience across applications, databases, infrastructure, and the details that turn a good plan into a working product.
Long before the keyboard
I learned to build things before I learned to build software.
That practical foundation still shapes how I approach technology: understand the parts, respect the craft, and leave the work stronger than you found it.
As an Army kid, I started kindergarten in Newport News, Virginia, then spent three formative years in Okinawa, Japan through fourth grade. Those early moves taught me to be curious, adaptable, and comfortable in new environments.
By fifth grade, I already knew I wanted to be a computer programmer. I was always taking things apart, figuring out how they worked, fixing them, and putting them back together. Back home, I graduated from Flintstone High School and the Center for Career and Technical Education in 1999. CCTE gave that instinct a hands-on start in PC repair and networking—from running Cat 5 and making Ethernet cables to understanding how the physical layer fits together.
My parents owned Little Orleans Campground for many years, and working in the family business gave me another kind of education. I loved the long days spent cutting grass and weed-eating—taking pride in making the property look good for other people to enjoy. My dad and grandfathers helped pass down that love of outdoor work, tools, and time outside. I also grew up around general contracting, heavy equipment, tractors, electrical work, framing, and fine carpentry. I’m more than a computer guy—and I think that makes me a better one.
- 01PC repair & networking
From Cat 5 runs and Ethernet cables to the systems they connect.
- 02Campground & contracting
Hands-on work with equipment, maintenance, electrical, framing, and finish carpentry.
- 03A wide early world
Army-family roots, time in Okinawa, and an appreciation for new places and perspectives.
Technical range
Comfortable in the details. Useful in the big picture.
Engineering
- PHP & modern web applications
- JavaScript, HTML & CSS
- Databases & integration work
Platform
- AWS infrastructure
- DevOps & operational readiness
- Security, reliability & systems thinking
Leadership
- Technical strategy & architecture
- Team guidance & development practice
- Agile delivery & cross-functional partnership
Life beyond the screen
Coaching, the outdoors, and a good view around the next bend.
When I’m not solving technical problems, you’ll likely find me with my family, outdoors, or around a soccer field. The Appalachian mountains feel like home, and those things aren’t separate from the way I work—they keep me present, patient, and connected.
- AVID PrideTeam manager and assistant coach—helping kids become brave, creative leaders
- U.S. SoccerLicensed 9v9 and 11v11 coach since November 2024
- OutdoorsCamping, hunting in the fall, time at the range, fishing, and hiking
- TravelExploring with Lynn—New Zealand, St. Lucia, Sedona, and beyond
- Looking aheadA tractor, light farming and gardening—corn and soybeans for the deer, squash and jalapeños for me—a bass boat, and more quiet time on the lake
Education
Always learning.
Master’s DegreeApplied Computer Science · Frostburg State University
Bachelor’s DegreeComputer Science · Frostburg State University
Associate’s DegreeComputer Science · Allegany College of Maryland
Stay in touch
Want to compare notes?
I’m always glad to connect with good people doing thoughtful work.