JD Peace: A Creative Software Engineer Building MedTech Solutions

Randy Horton

Published on: June 20th, 2025

At Orthogonal, we celebrate the diverse paths and passions that shape our team. This month, we’re spotlighting JD Peace, a software engineer and emerging tech lead whose creative approach and commitment to quality are helping drive our work in regulated MedTech. From an early interest in psychology and biomedical engineering to hands-on projects in AI, cloud computing, and healthcare software, JD brings a unique blend of technical expertise and real-world problem-solving. JD’s story is a reminder that innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about people, creativity, and building solutions that truly make a difference.

JD’s Unconventional Path to MedTech

JD Peace’s journey into software engineering didn’t follow a straight path. With an early academic focus on psychology and a desire to help people with neurological conditions, JD initially aimed to create brain-oriented technologies. A natural aptitude for calculus and encouragement from family led to a shift toward biomedical engineering, opening up opportunities at the intersection of medicine and technology.

JD’s early career focused on electronic health records and DevOps roles, applying standards such as FHIR and HL7 to enhance system interoperability. Joining Orthogonal represented a significant transition into regulated MedTech, allowing JD to contribute to software that directly affects patient outcomes. Now stepping into a tech lead position, JD applies a multidisciplinary perspective and a strong commitment to delivering meaningful, high-quality digital health solutions.

Engineering for What’s Next: Navigating Innovation with Intent

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape the healthcare software landscape, but JD sees a bigger picture, specifically the growing reliance on advanced computing and the implications it brings. Massive increases in processing power are driving innovation at an unprecedented rate, but also raising the stakes for cybersecurity and data protection.

Beyond technology, the pace of innovation often outpaces the speed of regulation. JD emphasizes the importance of precision and responsibility, particularly in a field where software can have real-world clinical consequences. Keeping up requires not only technical fluency but also a strong awareness of regulatory expectations and a commitment to thoughtful, user-centered development.

Crafting Solutions On and Off the Clock

Outside of work, JD finds fulfillment in hands-on creativity. In Chicago’s maker and hacker spaces, JD explores metal casting, welding, woodworking, and even open-source coding projects that support local nonprofits. Through volunteering at the Chicago Tool Library, JD also contributes to accessible community resources, blending technical skills with a broader mission of equity.

JD’s hobbies often refer to practical problem-solving, such as redesigning overpriced therapy tools for 3D printing or building a step-tracking app to replace a discontinued Fitbit feature. These side projects reflect a consistent theme: making everyday technologies more inclusive and intuitive for real people.

Building with Care, Leading with Purpose

A strong personal commitment to quality drives JD. Delivering excellent work isn’t just a professional obligation, it’s a reflection of values rooted in accountability, care, and respect for end users. This mindset aligns naturally with Orthogonal’s focus on quality management and regulatory rigor.

As JD moves into leadership, the goal is to support and expand a collaborative engineering culture that balances innovation with discipline. With the team working remotely across locations and time zones, JD plays a key role in nurturing trust, communication, and shared purpose. Looking forward, JD aims to help Orthogonal model how creative, responsible use of AI can strengthen and not replace the human side of engineering.