Quinton Maki

Quinton Maki

Software Engineer II

Amazon Web Services

San Francisco, California

About Quinton Maki

Quinton Maki is an American software engineer based in San Francisco, California. He currently works as a Software Engineer II at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he focuses on generative AI and internal development tools. His work includes contributions to products such as AWS App Studio and Amazon Quick Suite.

Maki began his career outside of technology, spending several years in retail management before transitioning into software engineering. In 2021, he attended Hack Reactor, a software engineering bootcamp known for its intensive curriculum. He graduated at the top of his class and went on to teach coding fundamentals and full-stack development as an instructor at Galvanize.

Later that year, Maki joined AWS as a Software Engineer and was promoted within nine months—one of the fastest promotions in his organization. He is known for his structured approach to problem-solving, focus on continuous learning, and commitment to mentorship. At AWS, he mentors more than a dozen engineers and emphasizes collaboration, feedback, and long-term growth.

Outside of work, Maki is interested in activities that challenge him to learn new skills. He began snowboarding in 2023 and spends most winter weekends in Lake Tahoe. He also learned to sail in 2022 through the Spinnaker Sailing group in San Francisco.

Throughout his career, Maki has highlighted the importance of discipline, curiosity, and resilience in achieving success. He often speaks about overcoming imposter syndrome and finding balance through consistent reflection and personal development.

Areas of Focus

Generative AISoftware EngineeringInternal Developer ToolsMentorship in TechAWS Cloud Products

Career Background

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Software Engineer II

San Francisco, California

2023 – Present

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Software Engineer

San Francisco, California

2022 – 2023

Galvanize Inc

Lead Software Engineering Immersive Resident

Los Angeles, California

2021 – 2022

EXPRESS

Store Manager

San Francisco, California

2014 – 2021

Education

Hack Reactor

Advanced Software Engineering Immersive, Computer Science

San Francisco, California

2021

Media

Quinton Maki headshotQuinton Maki at the waterfrontQuinton Maki at eventQuinton Maki with cat

Press

Quinton Maki: From Track Star to Software Engineer and Mentor

Quinton Maki’s story begins on the track. Born in 1996 and raised in California, he spent much of his childhood running long-distance races. From the ages of 5 to 13, he competed with the Calabasas Cheetahs, a youth track and field club known for its competitive spirit.

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Quinton Maki - Ideamensch

Born in 1996 and raised in California, Quinton Maki grew up chasing finish lines. From the age of five, he ran long-distance races with the Calabasas Cheetahs before joining the track and cross-country teams at Reseda High School. Running taught him endurance and discipline, but coaching kids on that same team taught him something deeper — patience and how to bring out the best in others.

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Quinton Maki: Snowboarding Weekends and the Code That Clicks

When you meet Quinton Maki, you quickly realize he’s someone who thrives on both momentum and reflection. Born in 1996 and raised in California, his early life was defined by speed, endurance, and community. From the age of five, he joined the Calabasas Cheetahs, a youth track and field team where he ran long-distance races. For nearly a decade, weekends were spent on tracks, cross-country courses, and in the kind of shared struggle that bonds athletes together.

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Quinton Maki Calls for More Mentorship and Honest Conversations About Failure in Tech

Software Engineer II Quinton Maki is using his recent feature interview to spotlight an issue many professionals face but rarely talk about openly: imposter syndrome and the fear of failure. Drawing on his own journey from track star to tech leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Maki is advocating for a culture of mentorship and resilience in engineering and beyond.

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Quinton Maki: From Code to Confidence

Born in 1996 and raised in California, he began his journey as a long-distance runner, competing with the Calabasas Cheetahs and later with the Reseda High School track team. Coaching young athletes in his teens taught him leadership, patience, and the power of persistence—qualities that continue to guide his work today.

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Quinton Maki Champions Mentorship and Mental Well-being in Tech

Following his recent feature interview, Quinton Maki, Software Engineer II at Amazon Web Services, is calling for more open conversations about mentorship and mental well-being in the technology sector. Drawing on his own experience as a self-taught engineer who rose rapidly within one of the world’s largest tech organizations, Maki advocates for a culture where asking for help and practising self-reflection are seen as strengths, not weaknesses.

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Awards & Recognition

  • Top Graduate, Hack Reactor Software Engineering Immersive, 2021

Charities & Volunteering

  • Southern California Youth Track & Field Conference, Distance Coach, August 2010 – August 2014
  • Local Food Bank Volunteer, San Francisco, California, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Quinton Maki do?

Quinton Maki is a Software Engineer II at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he focuses on generative AI and internal development tools, including AWS App Studio and Amazon Quick Suite.

What is Quinton Maki known for?

Maki is known for his structured approach to problem-solving, commitment to mentorship, and rapid career growth after transitioning from retail management into software engineering. He mentors more than a dozen engineers at AWS and often speaks about mentorship and overcoming imposter syndrome in tech.

Where is Quinton Maki based?

Quinton Maki is based in San Francisco, California.

Where did Quinton Maki study?

Quinton Maki studied at Hack Reactor, completing the Advanced Software Engineering Immersive program in computer science, where he graduated as top of his class in 2021.

Who does Quinton Maki work for?

Quinton Maki works for Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he is a Software Engineer II.

Last updated February 20, 2026