Alex WakemanAW
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Alex Wakeman

@alexwakeman

Pragmatic technologist with 14 years of software development experience.

United Kingdom
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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

I am a pragmatic and versatile technologist with a proven track record in delivering complex and highly robust software solutions. With 14 years of professional development experience and 4 years in technical leadership, I have successfully implemented scalable solutions for data-intensive applications across both front and backend. My expertise encompasses all aspects of delivery, including technical design, agile development, stakeholder engagement, automated testing, CI/CD, and deployments.

In my current role as a Technical Lead at the UK Home Office, I manage a team of engineers and focus on high-profile data pipeline projects that deliver vital insights for counter-terrorism efforts. I have led significant migrations to AWS cloud infrastructure and developed intuitive front-end applications using React. My experience also includes working on RAG (AI) applications, where I was heavily involved in the architecture and design of end-to-end systems.

Throughout my career, I have consistently prioritized high reliability and scalability, optimizing database operations and implementing robust testing processes. I thrive in collaborative environments and am passionate about mentoring engineers to achieve their best work.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

UO
Current

Technical Lead

UK Home Office

Oct 2020 - Present (4 years 9 months)

Managed a group of engineers across multiple departments, focusing on a high-profile data pipeline project for counter-terrorism. Led efforts to migrate a legacy analytics pipeline from on-premises servers to AWS cloud infrastructure, optimizing PostgreSQL operations across large datasets. Developed and deployed a Python-based ETL layer ahead of schedule, and rebuilt a legacy Gov.UK website backen

CO

Senior Software Engineer

Capital One

Nov 2019 - Jun 2020 (7 months)

Built a robust web application for threat modeling within engineering teams, delivering deployment pipelines for both front-end and back-end systems. Ensured scalability of applications in AWS and developed an intuitive UI using React and Redux. Contributed to UI/UX design and maintained high code standards through extensive reviews and demos.

MJ

Software Engineer

Ministry of Justice

Sep 2018 - Nov 2019 (1 year 2 months)

Delivered an end-to-end solution for online divorce applications on time and within budget, integrating with an internal case management system. Managed deployments into the Azure cloud platform using extensive logging and monitoring tools. Implemented comprehensive testing (unit, functional, integration) within a continuous deployment pipeline.

UO

Full-stack Developer

UK Home Office

Dec 2017 - Sep 2018 (9 months)

Re-wrote the entire front-end using an updated Angular framework, significantly improving automated testing and reliability. Developed backend services with Java Spring Boot and Apache Camel to process high-performance RabbitMQ event stream data and deliver it swiftly to the UI. Enhanced agile practices and improved cross-team collaboration and stakeholder relationships.

CF

Lead Developer

Close Brothers Finance

Jul 2017 - Dec 2017 (5 months)

Led a team of offshore developers to deliver applications using Node.js, Angular, and React. Refactored and added features to an existing web application, enabling customers to electronically sign credit agreements. Deployed a Kubernetes cluster for a Node.js application to scan file uploads for security purposes.

YT

Full-stack Developer

YouView TV

Dec 2015 - Sep 2016 (9 months)

Built a suite of TypeScript-based APIs for internal engineers, translating digital TV platform hardware interfaces into accessible APIs. Coordinated front-end and back-end developers to align on requirements and ensure smooth integration. Implemented an asynchronous architecture with a focus on performance and scalability, utilizing Node.js and RxJS.

DC

Full-stack Developer

Dixons Carphone

Jul 2015 - Dec 2015 (5 months)

Collaborated on a contracted team to research and implement the migration of legacy Java systems to a more maintainable architecture using Spring Boot and Node.js integration. Conducted extensive prototyping to enable rapid deployment of tailored customer online and in-store journeys. Developed the contract purchasing journey for iPhone customers using AngularJS, Node.js, and a Java backend.

AS

Full-stack Developer

Adjust Your Set

Jul 2014 - Dec 2014 (5 months)

Built a media distribution platform from scratch using Node.js and Angular as part of a small start-up. Developed the backend with Node.js, providing a range of RESTful endpoints and an admin front-end. Designed an API that allowed third-party publishers to extract pre-formatted web page content, enabling seamless integration of promotional material.

AD

Full-stack Developer

Adbrain

Jun 2013 - Jul 2014 (1 year 1 month)

Built an online advertising management platform with RESTful endpoints using C# .NET and an Angular front-end. Enabled agencies and business users to manage banner distribution, track analytics for performance metrics, and utilize user-matching optimization tools. Integrated the platform with a big-data infrastructure for enhanced data processing and insights.

TA

Full-stack Developer

TMW Agency

Oct 2012 - Jun 2013 (8 months)

Worked on various projects involving JavaScript and HTML5, focusing on UI interactions, graphics, and cross-device/browser compatibility. Utilized PHP to support front-end development, alongside some .NET backend work. Collaborated with well-known brands, delivering tailored solutions for their digital needs.

88

Front-end Developer

888.com

Oct 2011 - Feb 2012 (4 months)

Developed a bingo game for UK customers, utilizing advanced graphics animation techniques. Ensured compliant integration with secure backend systems. Collaborated extensively with designers to integrate assets and achieve desired visual outcomes.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Coventry University logoCU

Coventry University

BSc (Hons), Psychology

Undertook a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology, focusing on human behavior and cognitive processes. Developed strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills.

University College London logoUL

University College London

MSc, Computer Science

Studied advanced topics in Computer Science, including complex algorithms and software engineering principles. Developed a strong foundation for building robust and scalable software solutions.

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Alex Wakeman - Technical Lead - UK Home Office | Himalayas