Timothy Y Joo
Forward Deployed Engineer at Alpha School
Crafting AI products that accelerate learning and unlock human potential.
About Me
I'm a Forward Deployed Engineer at Alpha School.
What is an FDE? A Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) collaborates directly with clients to customize and deploy tailored software or AI solutions, bridging technical capabilities with real-world needs. They combine coding expertise with customer-facing problem-solving to deliver high-impact results in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Before Alpha School, I graduated from the elite 12-week Gauntlet AI program, mastering AI-driven app development and versatile problem-solving across diverse domains.
Prior to Gauntlet AI, I co-founded Houdini Swap, a pioneering cross-chain liquidity aggregator that revolutionizes private cryptocurrency transactions across 100+ blockchains, achieving over $1 billion in private swap volume.
Outside of work, I co-host the Just Submit podcast, where we unpack AI breakthroughs, entrepreneurship lessons, and the future of education.
I live by one motto: How can I help?
Experience
Forward Deployed Engineer
Alpha School
2022 - Present
As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Alpha School, I work directly with clients to implement our educational technology solutions, ensuring smooth integration with existing systems and providing technical support throughout the deployment process.
- Building deep expertise in K-12 pedagogy, curriculum standards, and school expansion across communities.
- Developing go-to-market playbooks to expand Alpha School's AI platform to communities nationwide.
- Serving as a liaison between early-adopter educators and internal product teams to align roadmap with classroom realities.
AI Fellowship (Cohort 04)
Gauntlet AI
Jan 2025 – Mar 2025
Completed an intensive 12-week program focused on AI-driven application development and versatile problem-solving across diverse domains.
- Built prototypes leveraging vision-LLM, retrieval-augmented generation, and multimodal coaching.
- Collaborated with peer fellows to review code and experiments, honing best practices.
- Continue to mentor incoming cohorts on prompt-engineering techniques.
Co-Founder & Head of Operations
Houdini Swap
Aug 2022 – Dec 2023
Co-founded a cross-chain liquidity aggregator enabling private cryptocurrency transactions across 100+ blockchains.
- Managed relationships with third-party exchanges and negotiated improved service terms.
- Raised $250 K seed investment from Theia Blockchain to accelerate growth.
- Built and operated customer-support stack (Telegram + Zendesk) safeguarding over $200 M in swap volume with zero client-fund losses.
- Led product planning with the development team, establishing sprint timelines and feature roadmaps.
Full-Stack Software Engineer
FitRankings
Mar 2019 – Jul 2021
Redesigned and expanded FitRankings' digital challenge platform as part of a small engineering team.
- Delivered new registration builder, notification system, and challenge analytics features.
- Implemented full Stripe integration, opening new consumer revenue streams.
- Participated in security overhaul of backend and frontend, supporting Air Force and Space Force contracts.
- Refactored stats-aggregation API into modular services and led the support queue handling hundreds of tickets.
Skills & Expertise
AI Application Prototyping
Rapidly prototype LLM-powered MVPs, implement retrieval-augmented generation, and craft voice-enabled AI experiences.
Fundraising & Partnership Development
Closed $250 K seed round and secured exchange agreements to accelerate growth.
Stakeholder Road-mapping
Turn educator & customer feedback into sprint plans and product strategy.
Product Ops & Support at Scale
Built 24/7 Telegram & Zendesk stacks safeguarding $200 M+ in user volume.
Full-Stack Engineering
React, Python/Django, Stripe, and security-hardening for gov-grade apps.
Cross-Chain Crypto Infrastructure
Privacy swaps across 100+ blockchains and robust exchange integrations.
Get In Touch
I'm always open to discussing new projects, opportunities, or partnerships. Feel free to reach out through any of the channels below.