JONATHAN SMELTSER
Lead AI Engineer • Value Engineering • Rapid MVP Development
Memphis, TN • j.smeltser@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/jdsmeltser
Professional Summary
AI-native engineer who builds production MVPs that close deals. $425K in enterprise sales driven through rapid prototyping and technical proof-of-concepts. Expert in architecting AI-powered solutions across diverse tech stacks—Make.com automation, Next.js applications, TypeScript CLI tools. Creator of award-winning AI support tool adopted company-wide at Zapier. Passionate about turning client requirements into working prototypes in days, not weeks.
Technical Expertise
AI & Automation
Agentic AI Patterns • Model Context Protocol (MCP) • AI Agent Development • Make.com Automation • OpenAI/Claude Integration
Development
TypeScript • Python • JavaScript • Node.js • React • Next.js 15 • Bun Runtime
Data & APIs
PostgreSQL • SQLite • Supabase • Drizzle ORM • REST APIs • GraphQL • Webhooks • Real-time Systems
Professional Experience
Make.com — Value Engineer, Enterprise Team
July 2024 - Present (Remote)
Build enterprise proof-of-value solutions demonstrating Make.com's automation capabilities. Architect client-facing MVPs that accelerate sales cycles and drive adoption.
Revenue Impact:
- $425,673 in closed revenue across 15 months (July 2024 - October 2025)
- FY 2025: $169,000 in 6 months | FY 2026: $255,673 YTD
- Consistently exceed quarterly quotas through technical demonstrations
Key Achievements:
- Endear AI Assistant — Built full React prototype with AI chat interface for enterprise SaaS client. Demonstrated conversational AI architecture using Make.com webhooks, Google Sheets, and OpenAI integration. Influenced $50K+ deal.
- Multi-Stack Integration — Designed 20+ proof-of-concepts spanning Salesforce, NetSuite, Supabase, PostgreSQL, and custom APIs for diverse enterprise clients.
- 48-Hour Turnaround — Consistently deliver working prototypes within 48-72 hours, translating complex business requirements into technical demonstrations.
Tech: Make.com Scenarios • Python/JavaScript • React • REST APIs • Webhooks • Multiple Database Systems
Zapier — Technical Specialist (3 roles, promoted twice)
November 2021 - July 2024 (Remote)
Sales Assist Representative II (Nov 2023 - Mar 2024)
- Exceeded sales quota by 15% in first month through technical consultations and solution demos
- Built trust with 500+ prospective customers via live chat
- Automated sales processes (chat scheduling, revenue reporting) improving team efficiency
Sr. Retention Specialist (Jul 2023 - Nov 2023)
- Improved retention rates from <5% to >20% through technical solutions and workflow optimization
- OfferFit Automation — Architected time-tracking automation saving 5+ hours per engineer weekly
Technical Support Specialist (Nov 2021 - Jul 2023)
- SupportSidekick (AI Tool) — Won Zapier's AI HackWeek with AI-powered Zendesk app. Adopted by entire support organization (100+ users), streamlining ticket resolution.
- Launched live chat support for high-value customers (50% of all video consultations)
Tech: Zapier Platform • Python/JavaScript Code Steps • REST APIs • AI Integration (OpenAI)
Technical Portfolio
Demonstrating continuous learning and rapid prototyping:
Arc (Codebase SDK) — AI-native development workspace with TypeScript CLI + API. Graph-based workflow, knowledge system with FTS5 search, agent session tracking. Migrated Node.js → Bun achieving 24x faster startup.
Tech: Bun, TypeScript, SQLite, Drizzle ORM, Commander.js
Nectre — Professional networking MVP with real-time features. Next.js 15 + Supabase backend, ordered-pair connection pattern, comprehensive Row Level Security.
Tech: Next.js 15, React 19, Supabase, PostgreSQL, TanStack Query
Make-OS — Desktop OS built entirely in Make.com with component architecture. AI agent creates applications conversationally through natural language.
Tech: Make.com, Python, Alpine.js, AI Agents
Pocket OS — File-based micro-app platform where specs compile through conversation. Multiple specialized apps including custom functions generator and document analyzer.
Tech: Next.js, TypeScript, Markdown Specifications
Endear Client Demo — React prototype with AI chat interface, Make.com webhook backend, demonstrating rapid client MVP capabilities.
Tech: React, Vite, Tailwind, Make.com Webhooks, OpenAI
GitHub: github.com/JDsmeltser & github.com/smeltserMake
Earlier Experience
Carlson Software — Head of Managed Services (Dec 2019 - Nov 2021)
Established first technical support team. Achieved 83% efficiency improvement through automation solutions.
Smeltser Solutions — IT Consultant (Dec 2012 - May 2018)
Technical consulting to 70+ businesses. 80% client retention, 37.5% average productivity increase.
Education
Christian Brothers University — Bachelor of Arts, Religion & Philosophy (2007-2016)
What Sets Me Apart
Rapid Prototyping
As an early adopter in AI-native engineering, I've refined my skill set in rapid prototyping. What would typically take weeks or months of effort, I can ship in a few days.
Tech Stack Agnostic
Portfolio spans Bun, Node, Python, Next.js, Supabase, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Make.com. I adapt to client infrastructure.
Revenue-Focused
$425K in sales demonstrates ability to build demos that close deals, not just technically impressive solutions.
Daily Builder
Active on LinkedIn sharing AI explorations. Currently shipping multiple projects while driving enterprise deals.
References available upon request