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Tafadzwa Gonera

@tafadzwagonera

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Experienced back-end software engineer specializing in Java and TypeScript.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that challenges me technically and offers opportunities for growth.

I am an experienced back-end software engineer with a strong focus on building reliable and scalable systems. My expertise lies in Java and TypeScript, where I have successfully developed microservices architectures and messaging services that enhance operational efficiency. At TourAxis, I implemented the NATS messaging protocol, which significantly improved communication between NestJS microservices, and I developed a flexible installment payment service that reduced cart abandonment rates.

Throughout my career, I have consistently aimed to optimize processes and reduce operational costs. While working at Groundflr, I migrated our back-end from Heroku to AWS, which not only cut monthly costs but also enhanced the reliability of our continuous deployment process. My experience also includes automating premium collection services and streamlining client verification processes, which have led to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

With a solid educational background, including an MBA in Finance and Marketing and a BSc in Computer Science, I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth. I am passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex problems and drive business success.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Back-end Node.js Engineer

Current

TourAxis

Sep 2024 - Present (9 months)

Enabled scalable and modular business capabilities by implementing NATS messaging protocol to enhance communication between NestJS microservices. Boosted Amplitude conversions by reducing cart abandonment through a flexible installment payment service built using a NestJS microservice backed by MySQL.

NestJS NATS MySQL Amplitude Pino

Back-end Java/Node.js Developer

Groundflr

Nov 2021 - May 2024 (2 years 6 months)

Mitigated Heroku request timeouts for a chat API using OpenAI by implementing Throng-based clustering and concurrency optimizations with BullMQ Workers to achieve reliable, scalable real-time interactions. Cut monthly operational costs and enhanced the reliability of the CD process by migrating from Heroku to AWS services such as Amplify, EC2, and App Runner, and by containerizing deployments usin

Throng BullMQ Heroku AWS Amplify EC2 App Runner Docker Spring Boot Mockito

Back-end Node.js Engineer

Sanlam

Nov 2020 - Nov 2021 (1 year)

Reduced premium-related service requests and cut manual payment resolution which could take up to a working day by automating premium collection through a NestJS microservice. Streamlined client verification during onboarding by developing a NestJS microservice integrated with third-party SOAP services, improving process efficiency.

NestJS SOAP AWS Lambda SNS SQS Event Driven Architecture

Digital Project Manager

Crescendo Global

May 2016 - May 2021 (5 years)

Grew revenue by $10,800 (₹65/$) by creating a conversion funnel with landing pages and SEO. Improved domestic brand recognition for leadership hiring with strategic marketing initiatives.

SEO Landing Pages Conversion Funnels Marketing Strategy

Full-stack JavaScript Developer

CoGrammar

Sep 2019 - Oct 2020 (1 year 1 month)

Increased lead tracking accuracy by optimizing Google Analytics (GA) events and Google Tag Manager (GTM). Boosted page engagement metrics by optimizing on-page SEO, as tracked in GA.

Google Analytics Google Tag Manager SEO Lighthouse Dns Prefetch Preconnect

Full-stack JavaScript Developer

Limabean

Dec 2013 - Oct 2014 (10 months)

Bolstered the agency's brand by developing customized product features for clients such as 2U and Allan Gray, and delivering client projects on time and within budget. Enriched user experience by converting website designs into responsive, cross-browser compatible UIs using flexbox/grid layouts, CSS media queries, jQuery, and native JavaScript.

Flexbox CSS Grid CSS Media Queries jQuery JavaScript User Experience Design Browser compatibility

Full-stack Java Developer

Sebiz Infotech

Jun 2012 - Dec 2012 (6 months)

Created full-stack web apps running on MySQL, Apache Tomcat and Java EE components. This role provided foundational experience in enterprise Java development.

MySQL Apache Tomcat Java EE Full Stack Web Development Web Applications

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Solutions Architect Associate, Cloud Computing

Completed the Amazon Web Services Solutions Architect Associate certification in December 2021. Demonstrated proficiency in designing scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.

Punjab Technical University

MBA, Finance and Marketing

Grade: Gold Medalist Student

Earned an MBA in Finance and Marketing, graduating as a Gold Medalist Student in May 2017. Focused on advanced business strategies, financial management, and market analysis.

Punjab Technical University

BSc., Computer Science

Grade: First Division with Distinction

Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, achieving First Division with Distinction in May 2012. Gained foundational knowledge in computer science principles, programming, and software development.