Will Kencel

About

I'm a Software Engineer at Microsoft with 6+ years of experience building large-scale systems. My work spans the full stack (React, React Native, TypeScript, C#/.NET, Python, and Go) with a focus on shipping software that serves millions of users. Previously, I worked on Xbox Payments (100M+ users, 120+ countries) and Xbox PC Gaming & Handhelds (50M+ MAU, ROG ALLY release), where I led features with $30M+ annual revenue impact.

Between my two stints at Microsoft, I founded Aurora Technologies, a software consultancy where I helped companies build full-stack applications and integrate AI tools, from LLM-powered platforms with function-calling and vector databases to ML-driven physical therapy apps using computer vision.

I hold an MS in Artificial Intelligence from the University of San Diego and a BS in Physics and Music from Skidmore College. I've taught advanced AI courses at Codesmith covering LLMs, RAG pipelines, embeddings, and agentic systems. Outside of work, you'll find me hiking, rock climbing, or on an adventure with my bernedoodle, Coda.