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Frak Lopez

Engineering Leadership & Roaster of Coffee

Frak Lopez is a Software Engineering Manager at Wizards of the Coast, located in San Diego, California. He is recognized as a supportive engineering leader with a strong focus on building effective and sustainable engineering teams. His leadership style emphasizes communication and collaboration among stakeholders, including design and product teams, to ensure alignment and transparency throughout project development.1

Professional Background

  • Current Role: Software Engineering Manager at Wizards of the Coast
  • Previous Positions:
    • Lead Software Engineer at Around (Feb 2021 - Aug 2021): Developed a video conferencing application using Electron, NodeJS, and React, focusing on reducing complexity in core components.1
    • Head of Engineering at Track Technologies, Inc. (Feb 2018 - Jul 2018): Led engineering efforts to develop tax solutions for self-employed individuals.1
    • Co-Founder / Lead Software Engineer at We Are Altitude (Jan 2014 - Jan 2017): Managed remote teams to create websites and brands for clients.1
    • Founder / Principal Engineer at Smolio (2009 - 2014): Built a portfolio system for creatives.1

Skills and Philosophy

Frak believes that the foundation of effective engineering teams lies in a positive and communicative culture, which he actively fosters in his work environment. His technical expertise spans various technologies, including serverless architectures and modern front-end frameworks.12

Frak Lopez's commitment to leadership and innovation in software engineering positions him as a significant figure in the tech community, particularly within the gaming industry at Wizards of the Coast.

Highlights

Aug 27 · linkedin

🍜 New Post 🍜 I suck at technical interviews. Find out why this might be costing your org time and quality candidates.

In the post I dive into why the skills tested in interviews often don't reflect what actually makes someone great at their job. Spoiler: being a successful engineer goes far beyond trivia. It’s about understanding the problem space, collaborating with your team, and consistently delivering value.

🔗 https://lnkd.in/gtnGejGc

Check it out, and let me know your thoughts! What are some other ways you validate candidates? What are some interview loops you really enjoyed? What value do you think they provided? Let's discuss. #Engineering #TechnicalInterviews #CareerGrowth  #SoftwareDevelopment

Jan 24 · linkedin

A while back I wrote this little allegory about a rabbit and a turtle: https://lnkd.in/gp8RfZd9

For me it illustrated the way in which people often times experience very different worlds.

Since I grew up poor, a POC, and didn't go to college it made me different. When I started my career there were just certain conversations which would not click with some folks. In those convos I was the turtle.

However, now I can also think back to interactions with a friend who was struggling with weight and recognize that I was the rabbit. In those instances I didn't take note that maybe my biology made it easy for me and so I'm sure much of my "advice" probably created the same friction for them.

I also now find myself going back and forth with my mom who has never struggled with depression but is having to witness my father do so. She is the rabbit in that case. Having struggled with depression off and on, I can easily relate to him but she just can't. Knowing that keeps me mindful and just gives me a bit more patience in trying to help out during very difficult times.

This is an odd post from me I know but I hope y'all enjoy the little story. More importantly I hope it encourages more compassion and helps you engage with folks in your life just a little bit more.

Related Questions

What are some of the key projects Frak Lopez has led at Wizards of the Coast?
How did Frak Lopez transition from being a Lead Software Engineer to a Software Engineering Manager?
What are Frak Lopez's main responsibilities as a Software Engineering Manager at Wizards of the Coast?
Can you provide examples of Frak Lopez's leadership style and impact at his previous roles?
What technologies and tools does Frak Lopez specialize in?
Frak Lopez
Frak Lopez, photo 1
Frak Lopez, photo 2
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Experience

Software Engineering Manager at Wizards of the Coast since April 2023
Senior Software Engineer II and Senior Software Engineer at Wizards of the Coast, Engineering Manager at HUMBL, Lead Software Engineer at Around, InVision, Head Of Engineering at Track Technologies, I at 3dmotive

Location

San Diego, California, United States