20+ years
Technical depth and AI workflow momentum, grounded in an undaunted humanity
Loren Johnson
Senior Product Engineer with 20+ years of full-stack software experience building and shipping products. I lead through architecture, product discernment, and execution clarity, carrying high-level intent into reliable real-world outcomes. Currently exploring human-agent workflows in AI-native product development. Berlin, Germany.
Range
Strong collaborative cross-functional orientation and deep individual contributor capability
Current focus
Actively experimenting with agent-driven product workflows and practical guardrails
How I Work Best
- When trust and investment across the team reveal focus to complement quality delivery
- When intent of the product is proven against the realities of UX
- Where quick low-friction design and execution iterations are the norm
- Where solid architecture is expected and unnecessary complexity is shunned
- Where AI workflow activation drives better results (not just more)
Selected Experience
2023 - Present | Berlin, Germany (Remote)
Senior Software Engineer - Wikimedia Deutschland
Contributed to Wikibase Suite, a self-hosted MediaWiki + Wikibase distribution used by GLAM institutions (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) in the Linked Open Data ecosystem. Helped modernize Docker-based deployment and custom image tooling for reliable VPS self-hosting, partnered directly with community users and maintainers, and delivered a core Wikibase federation feature. wikimedia.de
2016 - Present | Oakland, CA (Hybrid)
Senior Software Engineer - Hylo
Helped build and evolve Hylo.com, an open-source collaboration platform for mission-driven communities to coordinate work, share resources, and organize across groups rather than in siloed channels. Owned day-to-day development of the React Native app plus substantial work across the React, Node.js, and GraphQL stack. Led migration from a heavily customized Draft.js editor to Tiptap/ProseMirror, modernized the end-to-end GraphQL data layer, maintained CI/CD and DevOps workflows, and shipped continuous product feature additions. hylo.com
2019 | Remote
Product Owner + Engineer - Holo / Holochain
Worked on Holo's HoloPort initiative, a Web3-era peer-to-peer infrastructure effort to bootstrap distributed hosting through dedicated devices. Drove scope, prioritization, sprint planning, and delivery with an 8-person distributed scrum team while staying hands-on technically. Guided implementation across React, Node.js, and GraphQL, including browser UX integration with local runtime services and WebAssembly components. holo.host | holochain.org
Workflow R&D
Exploring emerging tooling for AI-assisted coding, from the rhythm of human-in-the-loop spec/refactor cycles to more hands-off multi-agent workflows.
Working Relationships
How do AI tools reshape trust, agency, and collaboration across real teams? This is a central question across both my engineering work and personal practice at this time.
Hypnograph + Divine
Currently building two macOS apps: Hypnograph for immersive creative exploration of media archives, and Divine, a white-label tarot/oracle-style card deck application.
Outside Work
I'm an active filmmaker and dancer. I maintain balance and sanity by getting into the forest and water whenever possible, with a particular affinity for kayaking.