Alex Wakeman
@alexwakeman
Pragmatic technologist with 14 years of software development experience.
What I'm looking for
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Front-end Developer
Runpath
Dec 2014 - Dec 2014 (0 months)
Enhanced and developed the front-end Angular site for a suite of financial product offerings. Developed a bespoke corporate benefits platform for Mercer Corporation using React. Coordinated with a large external Java team to integrate data and ensure seamless functionality.
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.
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.
Full-stack Developer
Doco
Feb 2012 - Sep 2012 (7 months)
Developed multiple websites and apps for various clients, including Tesco, using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and PHP. Delivered projects with high-quality visual designs and interactions. Integrated MySQL databases to collect and manage data effectively.
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
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
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.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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