Michael Varnell

Michael
Varnell.

Software engineer in Rogers, Arkansas.

At Rocket Software, I build tools that help support engineers make sense of mainframe logs. I also mentor developers and build software for local nonprofits.

Explore my work
Ink drawing of a three-bay mainframe rack with exposed processor drawers

Selected work

GitHub ↗

Rocket.Build

Global Finalist

Worldwide Finals · Waltham, Massachusetts

Mainframe log analysis

I led the team that built a machine-learning tool to help support engineers trace mainframe failures across complex logs. We advanced to the finals after a qualifying round that drew more than 700 participants from 21 countries.

Read the 2025 event recap ↗

Dog Park Meetup

A React and Firebase platform where dog owners can find parks, coordinate visits, check dog compatibility, and share community updates. The codebase is maintained in a private repository.

AI Learning Chatbot

An intelligent AI-powered chatbot built with TypeScript that creates personalized, adaptive learning experiences through natural language conversation and context-aware responses.

FakeStore

A smart e-commerce storefront with AI-ready architecture, demonstrating advanced React patterns, shopping cart logic, and intelligent product filtering.

Space Launch Live Code

A real-time space launch tracking application leveraging external APIs and live data feeds, built as a live coding demonstration project.

REST API for Frontend Developers

Educational resource teaching frontend developers how to interact with REST APIs - the foundation for integrating AI services into web applications.

About me

I work with the people who keep mainframes running.

At Rocket Software, I build tools that help support engineers make sense of logs and diagnose problems. As my team’s AI Champion and a member of our AI Innovators group, I try out new tools and teach colleagues how to use them in their daily work.

Teaching is a thread through my work. I mentored front-end developers at Promineo Tech, and I volunteer with GiveCamp NWA to build software with nonprofits in Northwest Arkansas.

Experience

Rocket SoftwareAI-Focused Software Engineer & Technical Support Engineer IICurrent · Rogers, AR
  • Led the team behind an AI-powered log analysis tool selected for the Rocket.Build 2025 Worldwide Finals
  • Integrating AI and machine learning capabilities into enterprise mainframe workflows
  • Building intelligent automation tools that leverage AI to accelerate support resolution
  • Serving as my team's AI Champion and a member of Rocket Software's internal AI Innovators group, early-adopting new AI technologies and training colleagues on company-wide AI implementations.
Promineo TechFront End Software Development Mentor2022 - 2024 · Remote
  • Taught developers to build AI-enhanced web applications with React, JavaScript, and TypeScript
  • Mentored students on integrating AI APIs and intelligent features into modern front-end projects
  • Guided aspiring developers through building AI-driven chatbots, smart UIs, and ML-powered tools
  • Pioneered AI-focused curriculum additions to prepare students for the AI-first development landscape
GiveCamp NWAWeb Developer VolunteerOct 2023 - Present · Northwest Arkansas
  • Building AI-enhanced web solutions to help nonprofits maximize their impact
  • Architecting intelligent automation tools for nonprofit workflow optimization
  • Collaborating in hackathon-style sprints to deliver technology solutions rapidly
Education & certifications

Education

Front End Software DevelopmentPromineo Tech · 2022 - 2023

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information SystemsUniversity of Central Arkansas · 2006 - 2009

Certifications

Certificate of Completion: AI Fluency Framework & FoundationsAnthropic · Apr 2026

Certificate of completion: Claude 101Anthropic · Mar 2026

Claude Code in ActionAnthropic · Mar 2026

IBM Z Xplore - ConceptsIBM · Feb 2025

Fundamentals for ZoweInterskill Learning · Jan 2025

Get in touch

I welcome recruiting inquiries and personal notes about my work. Please skip project pitches, agency offers and automated outreach.

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