Open to opportunities

Jose Eduardo Zuñiga Santillan

@joseeduardozuigasant

Message

Senior backend engineer building scalable cloud and no-cloud microservices with Java and AI.

Canada

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a team where I can own backend architecture for secure, scalable microservices, use AI responsibly, optimize performance, and mentor others—especially in environments that value clean, testable code and Agile delivery.

I’m a Senior Backend Engineer with a strong record of designing and delivering scalable, cloud-based (and no-cloud) solutions across Latin America and North America. I focus on secure, clean, testable code in Agile environments and I enjoy turning complex requirements into reliable services.

At Ontop, I’ve built and maintained backend features, led architectural improvements, resolved critical production issues, and mentored team members through pair programming and technical guidance. Highlights include building AI agents using MCP servers and tools with Spring AI, implementing a generative AI job-description feature for tricky title edge cases, and optimizing a high-traffic reports workflow by cutting processing time from 100s to <1s using caching and algorithmic enhancements.

Earlier at Sura, I developed secure, cloud-based backend solutions and strengthened platform security with an AI-driven ID verification system using AWS Rekognition. I also implemented real-time session management and supported a chatbot across multiple channels (WhatsApp, web, and Facebook) while automating manual support processes with lightweight apps and batch jobs.

My career also includes building operationally impactful systems and improving performance and compliance, including automated risk scoring reports and refactoring financial applications for peak demand. I currently teach application development, service-oriented architecture, and software design and analysis—so I bring both engineering depth and a strong commitment to knowledge sharing.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Backend Engineer

Current

Ontop

Nov 2023 - Present (2 years 7 months)

Delivered and maintained secure, scalable backend features in an Agile environment; built AI agents using MCP servers with Spring AI and implemented generative AI job-description generation. Optimized a high-traffic reports pipeline from 100s of seconds to <1s using caching and algorithmic improvements, and designed a new independent microservice to decouple integrations.

Java Spring Boot Spring Cloud Kafka Kubernetes AWS Microservices Architecture Caching PostgreSQL CI CD

Current

Professor

Current

ISIL

Aug 2022 - Present (3 years 10 months)

Teach application development, service-oriented architecture, and software design/analysis while mentoring students to strengthen technical skills and align with industry practices. Cover Java/Java EE and Jakarta technologies, event-driven architecture, and API/service design using hands-on guidance.

Java API Design Service Oriented Architecture Event Driven Architecture Software Design Mentoring

Fullstack Engineer (Backend focus)

Sura - Integra AFP

Apr 2021 - Oct 2023 (2 years 6 months)

Developed secure cloud-based backend services and mentored developers aligned to business goals. Built an AI-driven ID verification system with AWS Rekognition, implemented real-time single-session enforcement, and automated support workflows with batch jobs to reduce operational workload.

Java Spring Boot Spring Security PostgreSQL REST APIs Session Management Microservices CI CD

Senior IT Analyst

Profuturo AFP

Jun 2018 - Apr 2021 (2 years 10 months)

Implemented automated risk scoring reports to meet regulatory data requirements efficiently and refactored financial applications to improve database performance during peak COVID-related processing. Increased operational efficiency through process automation and system optimization, reducing manual workload for key users.

.NET Java Spring Boot Batch Processing ETL Process Automation Performance Optimization

Associate Consultant

Inetum

Mar 2017 - May 2018 (1 year 2 months)

Developed an Online Management System for performance tracking and helped pioneer the client’s first Agile project. Automated and optimized monthly sales generation for end customers, improving efficiency and reducing manual workload.

C++.NET Core Visual Basic SQL Server T SQL JavaScript Agile Delivery Automation

Software Developer

Effitec IT

Sep 2016 - Mar 2017 (6 months)

Developed APIs and web applications using .NET (C# and Visual Basic), Angular, and JavaScript, delivering solutions aligned to client requirements. Built integrations and data handling using Oracle and Informix databases.

C# .NET Visual Basic .NET Angular JavaScript REST APIs Oracle Informix