Open to opportunities

Alex Mbolonzi

@alexmbolonzi

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Backend Java engineer with 16+ years building scalable microservices, APIs, and cloud-native systems.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking senior backend or engineering leadership roles where I can design scalable systems, mentor teams, work with cloud-native stacks, and deliver client-focused solutions in agile environments.

I am a Backend Java Engineer with over 16 years of experience designing, developing, and deploying scalable backend systems using Java, Spring Boot, and microservices architecture. I specialize in building robust RESTful APIs and integrating third-party systems.

I have led and mentored engineering teams as an Engineering Manager and Technical Delivery Manager, working closely with clients to define requirements and ensure successful onboarding and delivery. I have a strong track record delivering high-quality software in agile environments and conducting code reviews and UAT.

My technical toolkit includes Java, Python, Spring Boot, Docker, Kubernetes, and multiple databases (MySQL, Oracle, Postgres, MongoDB), plus experience across major cloud platforms including Google Cloud and AWS. I have implemented mobile money and payment integrations (e.g., M-Pesa, Airtel Money) and designed API specifications for system integrations.

I am certified as a Professional Scrum Master I and hold cloud and Kubernetes certifications. I bring a pragmatic, client-focused approach to engineering leadership and backend architecture, mentoring junior developers and ensuring solutions meet both technical and business needs.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Technical Delivery Manager

Andela Kenya Limited

Oct 2021 - May 2022 (7 months)

Collaborated with clients to assess engineering team needs, onboarded and mentored engineers, and ensured successful integration of distributed talent into client teams.

Onboarding Technical Mentorship Stakeholder Management Java Microservices API Integration Agile

Engineering Manager

Kyosk Digital Services

Jul 2021 - Dec 2021 (5 months)

Led backend, frontend and mobile engineers to design and deliver scalable microservices and APIs using Java, Spring Boot and Angular, enforcing coding standards and driving cross-team integration.

Team Leadership Java Spring Boot Angular API Design Microservices Code Review Agile

Partner Engineering Manager

Andela Kenya Limited

Dec 2018 - Jun 2020 (1 year 6 months)

Served as technical liaison between clients and engineering teams, aligned backend development goals, and mentored junior developers in Java best practices and backend techniques.

Liaison Between Clients Java Backend Mentorship API Design Integration Stakeholder Management Agile

I.T. Project Manager

Powerhive

Mar 2016 - Apr 2018 (2 years 1 month)

Managed commercial relationships with mobile money vendors, conducted integration testing and ensured third-party compliance with industry standards for payments integrations.

Project Management Vendor Management Testing API Integration UAT

Software Consultant

Self Employed

Mar 2015 - Feb 2016 (11 months)

Developed backend systems and integrated mobile apps with M-Pesa, delivering Java/Spring Boot RESTful APIs and defining API specifications for client platforms.

Java Spring Boot RESTful APIs M Pesa Integration Backend Development UAT

Software Engineer

Multimedia Mobile

Jul 2013 - Mar 2015 (1 year 8 months)

Designed and developed backend systems using Java and Spring Boot, integrated third-party services via RESTful APIs, and supported user acceptance testing and deployments.

Java Spring Boot RESTful APIs Integration UAT Backend Development API Design Deployment

Senior Software Developer

Mahindra Comviva Technologies Ltd

Nov 2011 - May 2013 (1 year 6 months)

Implemented and integrated Airtel Money systems, designed APIs, conducted UAT and delivered end-user training following deployments.

API Design Java UAT Client Training Payments

System Implementation Engineer

Cellulant

Dec 2009 - Oct 2011 (1 year 10 months)

Implemented and integrated Cellulant systems with client platforms, authored API integration documents, and led UAT and end-user training post-implementation.

System Integration API Documentation UAT Client Training Java Technical Support

System Developer

AgriTrace

May 2009 - Sep 2009 (4 months)

Researched, designed and wrote software specifications and developed an e-Dairy portal to support dairy operations and reporting for Limuru Dairy.

System Design Web Development Java Database Design Reporting UAT

Software Developer

JJ People

Feb 2009 - May 2009 (3 months)

Developed open-source and proprietary software, mentored junior developers through task assessment and hands-on guidance.

Software Development Mentorship Open Source Java Code Review Training Problem Solving

Software Developer

Wisemen Trainers & Consultants

Mar 2004 - Aug 2007 (3 years 5 months)

Created and maintained a Student Database Management System delivering daily, monthly and yearly reports, and assisted with software/hardware installation and troubleshooting.

Database Development Reporting Troubleshooting Java SQL client support