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Lance Winward
Senior Systems and Software Engineer at Qualtrics
Professional Background
Lance Winward is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in systems and software engineering, currently serving as the Systems and Software Engineering Team Lead at Qualtrics in Provo. In this pivotal role, Lance leads the Sustained Engineering, Leverage, and Automation (SEAL) team, overseeing a talented group of engineers dedicated to developing cutting-edge system tooling and designing robust software reference architectures. His leadership is instrumental in maintaining multi-year custom software solutions that drive efficiency and innovation within the organization.
Among his notable accomplishments at Qualtrics, Lance spearheads SICOM, an internal software product that proficiently manages thousands of miniature AWS data centers for custom software micro-applications. This groundbreaking tool empowers software engineers to deploy software environments in under 30 minutes, employing best-in-class DevOps practices such as infrastructure-as-code and configuration-as-code. Lance’s commitment to embracing twelve-factor methodologies demonstrates his passion for streamlining processes and enhancing productivity within software development teams.
Lance's journey at Qualtrics began as a Software Engineer intern, after which he climbed the ranks through various roles including Software Engineer, Senior Systems and Software Engineer - Engineering Services, and finally to his current leadership position. His deep understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile methodologies serves as a cornerstone for his successful career at the company.
Education and Achievements
Lance's academic background laid a strong foundation for his career in technology. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU), where he studied Accounting with a minor in Computer Science, achieving a commendable GPA of 3.63. His minor in Computer Science showcases his dual proficiency in both business and technology, allowing him to merge analytical skills with technical expertise effectively. Notably, Lance earned a minor GPA of 3.95, underlining his dedication and aptitude for computer science. This rigorous academic training has greatly equipped him for the complexities of software engineering.
In addition to his primary role at Qualtrics, Lance is known for his contributions to team success, mentoring newer members, and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing. His philosophy revolves around cultivating an agile work culture that promotes continuous learning and improvement.
Career History
Lance's career trajectory is marked by a series of progressively responsible roles at Qualtrics, a company renowned for its innovative software solutions. After starting his journey as a Software Engineer Intern, Lance quickly transitioned to a Software Engineer position in the Professional Services division, where he honed his skills in delivering customized software solutions. His keen problem-solving abilities and adaptability led to his promotion to Senior Systems and Software Engineer - Engineering Services, where he played an integral role in developing tools that significantly enhance the efficiency of software engineering processes.
His current position as a Team Lead of SEAL underscores his leadership capabilities and technical acumen. The success of Lance’s team in managing complex systems and designing robust architectures speaks volumes about his strategic vision and execution.
Additional Roles and Earlier Experience
Prior to joining Qualtrics, Lance held several positions that contributed to his broad expertise. He started his professional journey as a Sales Force Lead Generator at Waterquest, where he developed key skills in communications and sales, later transitioning into the tech industry. His experience as an Accounting Assistant / Credit Manager at Sewell Direct provided him with financial insights and organizational skills that complement his technical capabilities. Furthermore, his role as a Research Assistant at BYU’s Mechanical Engineering Department allowed him to delve into high-level research, honing his analytical and research skills that are critical in engineering.
Lance's diverse work history, spanning across technical and non-technical roles, offers him a unique perspective in software engineering, enabling him to bridge gaps between technical teams and business units effectively. His holistic understanding of both realms allows for improved collaboration and understanding within project teams, leading to superior outcomes.
Achievements
Lance Winward’s contributions to Qualtrics and the broader field of software engineering have not gone unnoticed. Through his innovative leadership of the SEAL team, he has not only streamlined processes but also inspired a culture of excellence in software development practices. His role in developing SICOM has revolutionized how software environments are set up, showcasing his ability to harness technology to solve practical problems. With a strong educational background in both accounting and computer science, Lance embodies the ideal blend of analytical and technical skills, enabling him to lead projects with financial acumen and engineering excellence in equal measure.
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