3 min reading time
From the Fine Details to the Big Picture: Meet the Senior Frontend Engineer Nataša Vatreš
From frontend details to big-picture thinking, Nataša Vatreš has carved out a successful path at LearnUpon over the past two and a half years.
In this interview, she shares how mentorship, reflection, and a strong support system helped her grow into a Senior Frontend Engineer role — and how that shift has amplified the impact of her work. We also get a glimpse into what day-to-day collaboration looks like for her team, her advice for aspiring senior engineers, and the unexpected connection between frontend development and — who would have thought? — nail art.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey at LearnUpon so far? What led you to the Senior Frontend Engineer role?
My time at LearnUpon has been really meaningful. I’ve been here for about two and a half years, and it’s been a period of constant learning and growth. Becoming a Senior Frontend Engineer felt like a natural next step, as I was already taking on more responsibilities.
LearnUpon has a well-structured career framework that encourages development through regular feedback and reflection. A key moment in my journey was the mentorship I received, which gave me support and direction at the right time. It helped me grow in a way that made the transition into the senior role feel both clear and well-earned.
How has your role changed since becoming a Senior Engineer? What responsibilities are new or different now?
Since stepping into the Senior role, I’ve noticed a shift in the amount of impact I’m able to make. Earlier in my journey, my work was mostly focused on specific tasks or features, without much visibility beyond the immediate scope.
Now, I’m more involved in broader initiatives — from collaborating across teams to contributing to product direction and helping others move past blockers. That transition, from focusing mainly on delivery to having a voice in higher-level planning, has made my work feel more meaningful and connected to the bigger picture.
Can you describe what collaboration looks like within your team? How do designers, backend engineers, and product managers work together?
Our team includes backend engineers, a product manager, a designer, an engineering manager, and me on the frontend side. We work closely together on a daily basis — with regular stand-ups, bi-weekly planning, refinement and retrospective sessions.
When we start working on a new feature, we sit down with product and design during quarterly planning to align on goals and priorities. From there, we stay in constant communication throughout the implementation phase to make sure everything runs smoothly.
On the frontend side specifically, I work closely with backend engineers on integration and with designers to clarify UI and UX details. It’s a very collaborative setup that helps us move quickly and stay in sync as a team.
What do you enjoy most about working at LearnUpon?
Without a doubt, the people. The culture here is incredibly supportive. From onboarding onward, I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions, getting help and being myself. That kind of environment really encourages growth and over time, many of us have become friends outside of work too.
What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to grow into a senior engineering role?
Take the time to reflect on your own work. Be honest with yourself, recognize what’s going well and identify areas where you can grow. LearnUpon offers great support for that, with structured growth paths and engineering managers who are there to guide you.
Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback, especially the kind that challenges you. Once you know what to improve, it’s much easier to make a plan and move forward with confidence.
Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about — and does it influence your work in any way?
One of my favorite hobbies is doing nail art. I find it relaxing, but also really creative. It’s a fun way for me to express myself and focus on the details.
That same attention to detail definitely shows up in my frontend work. I care a lot about how things look and feel, and I enjoy refining those final UI touches that make a design feel complete and polished.
Interested in joining the team?
We’re always looking for people who love to collaborate and make an impact through learning. Check out our open roles at LearnUpon and see if there’s a fit for you!