About Me
Software Engineer based in Raleigh, NC
About

Currently, I work at IBM as a QA/Test Developer and member of the z Platform Evaluation Team (zPET), where I lead cross-functional teams in building agentic solutions for z/OS systems. My work focuses on bringing modern AI capabilities to enterprise mainframe systems and testing them against our quality standards
For fun, I like to lift weights, train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, read books or play games.
Journey
My career at IBM began in 2020 as an intern while pursuing my Computer Science degree at Siena College. After an extensive screening process—including multiple interviews over several months and a three-hour technical examination—I joined IBM’s z/TPF team. IBM extended my internship through graduation and offered me a full-time position upon completing my degree.
Since then, I’ve progressed from intern to architect roles, focusing on z/OS systems and pioneering AI integration within IBM Z. I apply data structures and algorithms to solve complex technical challenges, develop custom web crawlers for generative AI applications, and bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders.
Experience
IBM - QA/Test Developer (10/2024-Present)
- Leading z/OS engineers in building agentic solutions for z/OS Dump Management, accelerating enterprise AI adoption
- Drove automation initiative reducing manual regression testing costs by 88% through Galasa, Ansible, and Jenkins implementation
- Facilitated and administered IBM Cloud account infrastructure for executive-level AI projects, developing access management processes and monitoring solutions
- Orchestrated seamless migration of AI applications between cloud accounts handling PII/SPI data with zero service interruption
IBM - Technical Architect (12/2023-10/2024)
- Spearheaded end-to-end development of AskiCDNet for IBM Client Delivery Network (iCDNet)
- Architected and implemented generative LLM-powered RAG solution using Langchain, Milvus, watsonx.data and watsonx.ai
- Led strategic migration from Java monolith to Python microservices architecture, improving scalability and maintainability while ensuring security compliance
- Mentored engineering team on development best practices and modern architecture patterns
IBM - ML Engineer (12/2022-12/2023)
- Designed CI/CD pipelines for AskiCDNet digital worker platform using watsonx Assistant and Cirrus
- Developed Java Spring Boot REST API middleware integrating ServiceNow, Palo Alto Prisma, and other third-party APIs for advanced customer support
- Improved system performance by 40% through strategic caching and query optimization, enhancing user experience across the platform
IBM - Software Developer (July 2021 - December 2022)
- Designed and developed REST APIs using Node.js and Express.js, enabling seamless integration with z/TPF systems
- Created a VSCode extension for the z/TPF Learning Platform, providing an innovative solution for remote z/TPF development in C/C++
- Implemented unit tests and adhered to best practices to maintain high code quality, ensuring reliability and stability
- Facilitated team retrospectives in agile meetings, promoting a culture of continuous improvement
- Promoted to Band 6
IBM - Backend Development Intern (June 2020 - July 2021)
- Developed features in C for the middleware & security squad that helped increase SSL security
- Implemented a MongoDB security interface in C++ for the database squad, improving role-based access control user experience
- Learned z/TPF operating system development
- Location: Poughkeepsie, New York
- Extended internship through graduation, leading to full-time offer
Education
Siena College - B.S. Computer Science, Minor in Entrepreneurship (2017-2021)
- GPA: 3.5/4.0
- Honors: President’s List Spring 2019, Dean’s List Fall 2020, Dean’s List Spring 2020
- Member: Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computer Science Honor Society)
- Celebration of Academic Excellence Certificate
- Served as project manager for capstone course developing a website for a high school programming contest
- Research Assistant (Nov 2019 - Apr 2020): Developed Java frontend with Swing/JavaFX for novel AI implementation in conjunction with GE and Department of Defense, visualizing AI decisions over time
- Teaching Assistant (Sep 2018 - Apr 2019): Assisted with Java and GameMaker classes, troubleshot student code
- ITS Student Consultant (Aug 2019 - Nov 2019): Troubleshot technical issues ranging from networking to hardware
- Competed in Ludum Dare, a 48-hour game competition
- Practiced competitive programming on HackerRank and LeetCode
- Built cross-disciplinary apps combining business and technical perspectives
Saint John Vianney High School (2013-2017)
Skills
Top Skills: Python, Jenkins, Linux, IBM Cloud, and z/OS
Technical Stack: IBM Cloud, z/OS, z/TPF, Machine Learning for z/OS (MLz), AI System Services on z/OS, Watsonx Assistant for Z (WXA4Z), Go, Python, C, C++, Linux, Watsonx, Langchain, RAG, DevOps, Docker, Kubernetes, Postgres, MongoDB, REST APIs, Ansible, Java, Node.js, Express.js, React, Git/GitHub, Cirrus, Galasa
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Elementary)
Certifications
- IBM Agile Explorer Badge
- IBM Consulting Generative AI Foundations
- Python for Data Science Badge
Patents & Innovation
I hold several patents through IBM invention disclosures and mentor engineers in intellectual property development and the patent submission process, fostering innovation across teams.
Early Career & Teaching
Before joining IBM full-time, I gained diverse experience in software development and education:
Black Rocket Productions - Technical Customer Support Specialist (May 2019 - Aug 2019)
- Developed proprietary software to automate cloud computers through the Paperspace API
- Provided quality assurance for software and courses in schools across the United States
- Debugged, tested, and corrected student and instructor code in various programming languages
- Supervised instructors across the country
Black Rocket Productions - Assistant Instructor (June 2018 - Aug 2018)
- Taught students game development, app development, and multiplayer games
- Facilitated a safe, fun, and educational atmosphere during camp hours
Projects & Community
I maintain an active presence on GitHub with 26 public repositories, showcasing work in Java, Go, Python, C/C++, and web technologies. Notable achievements include being an Arctic Code Vault Contributor and earning Pull Shark recognition.
Currently learning Go and exploring emerging technologies across various domains. I develop custom web crawlers for generative AI applications and apply data structures and algorithms to complex technical challenges.
Connect
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justin-largo
- Twitter/X: @justinlarg0
- GitHub: @jlargs64