Open to opportunities

James Forrister

@jamesforrister

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Seasoned Senior Python Engineer focused on scalable backend systems.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that values innovation and collaboration, where I can leverage my skills in backend development and contribute to impactful projects.

I am a seasoned Senior Python Engineer with extensive experience in building robust and scalable backend systems. My journey has taken me through various roles, collaborating closely with startups, small teams, and larger organizations. I thrive on transforming ideas into reliable applications that address real business needs. My approach goes beyond just writing code; I prioritize understanding the requirements, asking the right questions, and delivering simple solutions to complex challenges.

Throughout my career, I have successfully reduced technical debt and enhanced performance by maintaining clean and manageable systems. My most notable achievements include integrating advanced technologies like OpenAI GPT-4 into SaaS products, developing a B2B consulting marketplace that secured significant funding, and implementing PCI-DSS-compliant microservices for financial platforms. I believe that the best software is built with care, strong communication, and a clear understanding of its purpose, and I strive to embody these principles in every project I undertake.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Full Stack Developer

Ratio

Apr 2022 - Apr 2025 (3 years)

Integrated OpenAI GPT-4 and LangChain APIs into client SaaS products, powering intelligent customer support chatbots, dynamic onboarding, and AI-driven analytics dashboards. Built a B2B consulting marketplace platform from scratch to connect businesses with independent consultants, delivering the initial MVP in under 4 months which enabled the startup to secure a $500K seed funding.

Python Django React Next.js AWS ECS Terraform GitHub Actions GraphQL OpenAI GPT 4 Lang Chain

Backend Python Developer, Founding Engineer

Finxact

Aug 2017 - Mar 2022 (4 years 7 months)

Spearheaded 0–to–1 MVP launch for Finxact’s banking API platform using Django, FastAPI, and gRPC, enabling digital account creation, real-time payments, and instant fund transfers for neobank partners. Designed and implemented PCI-DSS-compliant payment orchestration microservices (Kafka, Celery), processing ACH, Stripe, and Plaid transactions while enabling rapid onboarding of third-party payment

Python Django fastAPI gRPC Kafka Celery TensorFlow PyTorch PostgreSQL MongoDB Kubernetes Terraform AWS GCP

Python Developer, Engineering Coordinator

TAO Connect

Jul 2015 - Jul 2017 (2 years)

Re-architected the mental health portal by migrating legacy PHP to Django/React, enabling secure, HIPAA-compliant video counseling and resource scheduling for thousands of users in higher-ed settings. Developed patient intake and appointment modules with FastAPI and PostgreSQL, streamlining onboarding, insurance validation, and cross-provider scheduling for clinicians and care teams.

Python Django React fastAPI PostgreSQL Pydantic Celery scikit learn Twilio Kubernetes Docker S3

Software Engineer

Clikpak

Jul 2013 - Jul 2015 (2 years)

Engineered order management service using Django and Celery, streamlining transaction-heavy order processing for over 10,000 SKUs and enabling same-day fulfillment across the US retail network. Developed a headless checkout API (Flask, FastAPI) to decouple cart and payment flows, reducing page latency and supporting omnichannel shopping carts for mobile and PWA users.

Django Celery Flask fastAPI Angular Stripe Twilio Docker Kubernetes RESTful APIs Swagger SEO PWA

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Florida Gulf Coast University

Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science

Obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. The curriculum provided a strong foundation in the principles of computing and software development.