Michael Kappel
Senior Software Engineer | Software Architect | .NET / ASP.NET Core / C# / SQL Server | AI Integration
Cicero, IL | (630) 362-7576 | mike@ns12.com | MichaelKappel.com | linkedin.com/in/michaelkappel
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Senior Software Engineer and Software Architect with 20+ years of experience delivering enterprise web applications, modernizing legacy systems, designing scalable architectures, and improving software quality across .NET, SQL Server, and JavaScript/TypeScript platforms. Strong fit for roles spanning ASP.NET Core MVC, C#, Web API, Razor Pages, EF Core, ADO.NET, SQL Server, cloud integration, AI-assisted engineering, semantic search, automated testing, performance optimization, and technical mentoring. Known for translating complex business rules into maintainable software, leading modernization efforts, strengthening development practices, and shipping secure, testable, production-ready systems.
CORE SKILLS
Languages & Frameworks: C#, ASP.NET Core, ASP.NET MVC, Razor Pages, Blazor, TypeScript, JavaScript, VB.NET, HTML, CSS, XAML
Backend & Data: Web API, REST APIs, EF Core, ADO.NET, SQL Server, SQL Azure, Stored Procedures, Views, Functions, Transactions, Indexing, Recursive CTEs, Data Modeling
Architecture & Quality: Software Architecture, Solution Design, Enterprise Architecture, Separation of Concerns, OOP, SOLID, Design Patterns, Dependency Injection, Unit Testing Strategy, Automated Testing, Refactoring, Performance Optimization, Maintainability
AI & Search: OpenAI API, LM Studio, ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, LLM Tooling, Prompt Engineering, Agent Workflows, NLP, Semantic Search, AI-Assisted Development, Automated Documentation
Cloud, Platform & Tools: Azure, AWS, Azure DevOps, IIS, Microsoft Graph API, Power BI, Visual Studio, SQL Server Management Studio, Git, CI/CD
Delivery & Leadership: Agile, Scrum, SDLC, Technical Mentoring, Code Reviews, Legacy Modernization, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Requirements Translation
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Info724 / Insurance 724 | Remote | Feb 2023 - Apr 2026
Sr. Software Engineer / Software Architect / Mentor
• Architected AI-assisted engineering workflows using OpenAI and LM Studio APIs to support legacy-to-modern code translation, semantic search, documentation, and developer productivity.
• Rebuilt a dental insurance contract management platform using ASP.NET Core, C#, TypeScript, EF Core, and Razor Pages.
• Created automated comparison screens and test coverage to validate that rebuilt claims adjudication behavior matched the legacy platform.
• Maintained and enhanced a health insurance application built with VB.NET Web Forms, ADO.NET, and T-SQL.
• Designed and implemented a brokerage commission management system on AWS with SQL Server for transactional processing and reporting.
• Mentored junior developers on unit testing, design patterns, SOLID principles, enterprise architecture, and maintainable coding practices.
• Built Power BI applications, data models, DAX logic, and reporting databases for operational insight.
C+R Research | Chicago, IL | Apr 2022 - Jan 2023
Sr. Software Engineer
• Built Microsoft Teams file-sharing and collaboration workflows in .NET Core and TypeScript using Microsoft Graph API.
• Implemented Azure Blob Storage patterns for checked-in document storage and retrieval.
• Integrated Mailjet and Mailgun to support messaging workflows and improve mailing list quality.
• Delivered responsive, interactive client-side functionality with TypeScript and CSS while applying dependency injection and scalable backend patterns.
Transportation Management Technology | Oak Brook, IL | Nov 2015 - 2022 (Part Time)
Software Engineer / Solutions Architect / Unit Testing Mentor
• Designed service-oriented application patterns using JavaScript/TypeScript, RESTful ASP.NET services, MVC controllers, C# repositories, and SQL Server stored procedures.
• Created configurable integration patterns around third-party libraries to meet business requirements for speed, presentation, user settings, and administration.
• Built custom authorization and authentication components aligned with Microsoft claims-based security and an existing enterprise database model.
• Enabled interoperability between desktop software, web applications, and cross-site workflows through shared services and single-login patterns.
• Mentored developers in C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, Agile practices, code patterns, and Microsoft platform tooling.
ITsavvy | Addison, IL | Apr 2020 - Mar 2022
.NET Software Engineer
• Introduced Agile practices and Azure DevOps workflows to improve team delivery and visibility.
• Restructured software for unit testability and helped establish a practical automated testing strategy.
• Guided adoption of TypeScript and implemented QUnit-based client-side testing to improve front-end quality.
LongTerm Software Solutions, Inc | Warrenville, IL | Nov 2018 - Mar 2020
Software Engineer / Solutions Architect / Mentor
• Provided architecture and debugging expertise across C#, TypeScript, Angular, JavaScript, MVC, ASP.NET Core, Web API, and Classic ASP codebases.
• Developed an automated integration testing strategy generated from stored procedures to validate thousands of business scenarios prior to deployment.
• Designed multithreaded document upload workflows connecting desktop and web applications through background processing and REST APIs.
• Improved SEO foundations through sitemap, JSON schema, and URL strategy enhancements.
• Helped teams improve error handling, Agile practices, CI/CD usage, and long-term modernization planning.
RR Donnelley | Bolingbrook, IL | Dec 2013 - Nov 2015
Lead Software Engineer / Retooling Mentor
• Led an Agile Scrum team building enterprise solutions with MVC 5, EF6, design patterns, and automated unit tests.
• Applied SOLID design, repository patterns, adapters, and dependency injection to keep code flexible, testable, and maintainable.
• Advanced test-driven development practices using Gherkin-style thinking, peer programming, and structured code review policies.
Motozuma.com / BoostUp.com | Naperville, IL | Feb 2012 - Dec 2013
Enterprise Software Architect / Intern Mentor / CTO
• Migrated a platform from VB.NET Web Forms to a multi-tier C# MVC architecture on Windows Azure with SQL Azure.
• Added automated testing and improved long-term reliability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Integrated US Bank and Authorize.Net payment APIs while supporting Agile planning and stakeholder-driven product evolution.
SunGard Financial Systems | Lombard, IL | Oct 2012 - Apr 2013
Sr. Software Engineer / International Team Lead
• Worked with an international team to build a stock trading application for banking clients.
• Improved C#, SQL, and UI performance while mentoring the team on automated testing and testable code patterns.
• Developed in XAML with Prism and Unity Framework and participated in Scrum, planning, client, and management meetings.
Magenic Technologies | Chicago, IL | May 2010 - Feb 2012
Microsoft Certified Software Consultant
• Delivered enterprise systems for equipment issue tracking and employee profile management.
• Collaborated with client teams to build maintainable, layered applications from AJAX/WCF calls through SQL Server stored procedures using strong separation of concerns.
Morse Data Corporation | Chicago, IL | Nov 2008 - May 2010
Software Engineer
• Developed enterprise management software for multi-channel merchants, publishers, and fulfillment providers.
• Modernized a C# codebase from ASP.NET 2.0 to 3.5 and expanded SQL Server capabilities for client websites.
• Improved application structure through layered models, helper components, caching, DAL patterns, and reusable UI elements.
Unison UCG | Chicago, IL | Mar 2007 - Jul 2008
Software Consultant
• Built and improved applications for the City of Chicago and the Chicago Airport System using ASP.NET, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and XML.
• Created database objects including views, triggers, and stored procedures for SQL Server and Oracle.
• Worked with sensitive data daily and held Department of Homeland Security airport clearance.
Consulting & Early Career | Chicago, IL | Mar 2001 - Jul 2008
Software Developer
• Delivered full-project development for e-commerce and data-driven websites using ASP.NET, ASP, PHP, HTML, MySQL, SQL Server, and Visual Basic.
• Worked closely with SEO professionals to improve site speed, performance, compatibility, and search visibility.
• Supported UI implementation, Photoshop-to-HTML conversion, and light graphic design for production websites.
AmericanEagle.com | Park Ridge, IL | Apr 1999 - May 2001
Software Developer / Graphic Editor / HTML Specialist
• Built and maintained early web applications using HTML and Classic ASP.
• Optimized templates, images, headers, footers, and navigation for cross-platform compatibility and performance.
• Combined front-end production, reusable dynamic content, and light graphic design support.
SELECTED INDEPENDENT / VIBE CODE PROJECTS
UAIX.org: Built and published the Universal Artificial Intelligence Exchange standards site for UAI-1, including specifications, schemas, examples, validator-backed proof workflows, OpenAPI route inventory, conformance pack, governance/roadmap pages, and AI Memory package tooling.
LLMWikis.org: Created a public LLM Wiki handbook and starter bundle for durable AI-ready knowledge systems, covering reviewed source pipelines, metadata/frontmatter, trust labels, governance, security boundaries, agent instructions, linting, and retrieval/graph navigation patterns.
Geotrackable.com: Designed and iterated an AI-assisted product concept and production web experience focused on geocaching trackables, route-first journey storytelling, exact code lookup, public journey maps, adult-managed teams, and community guidance for individuals, clubs, families, troops, and schools.
MichaelKappel.com: Created and refined a retro terminal-style personal site that functions as a project hub and curated inventory of related software properties, blending distinctive interface design, personal branding, lightweight content architecture, and rapid iterative prototyping.
CERTIFICATIONS
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP); Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD); Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD); Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP); Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS); Microsoft Specialist; Certified Scrum Developer (CSD). Selected Microsoft credentials include Web Developer 4, Windows Developer 4, Windows Azure Developer, Database Developer 2008, .NET Framework 4 Web Applications, .NET Framework 4 Data Access, SQL Server 2008 Database Development, SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance, .NET Framework 4 Service Communication Applications, .NET Framework 4 Windows Applications, and Visual Studio 2010 Team Foundation Server Administration.