Alex Davies
Senior Software Architect
Summary
Passionate technology professional with over a decade of experience in software engineering and systems administration roles. Adept at leading development projects, integrating complex systems, and optimizing performance across various platforms. Expertise in ROS and embedded Linux.
Open Source Projects
A sophisticated project that compiles the OpenSCAD programming language into Python, providing seamless integration with proper tracebacks. This project also includes a QT-based graphical user interface (GUI) for enhanced usability. Although still in development, PySdfScad showcases advanced programming techniques and cross-language compilation capabilities.
A comprehensive NixOS configuration repository that highlights a deep understanding of Linux system administration and reliable deployments. This project includes custom configurations and packages, demonstrating proficiency in creating stable and reproducible Linux environments using the Nix package manager.
Employment
Senior Software Architect - Spiri Robotics
August 2020 – Present
- Led the design and implementation of robotics software using ROS (Robot Operating System).
- Developed and maintained software for embedded Linux devices to ensure optimal performance under varying network conditions.
- Created data warehousing policies for intermittently connected embedded Linux devices.
- Directed the integration of multiple third-party applications into various projects.
- Utilized containerization frameworks like Docker and systemd-nspawn to create lightweight virtual servers, significantly reducing web hosting costs.
- Developed and implemented guidelines for integrating applications into our in-house SSO portal.
- Designed and developed an in-house SSO portal.
- Developed a system to build root filesystem base images using a Docker-build pipeline.
- Created project templates for deploying ROS code.
- Developed a system for deploying ROS nodes securely using Docker.
- Created onboarding and systems documentation for new team members.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and deployment of new features.
January 2023 – Present
- Overseeing all aspects of the company's information systems and infrastructure.
- Responsible for strategic planning and execution of IT initiatives.
- Leading a team to ensure the delivery of high-quality technology solutions.
Freelance Software Engineer
2016 – 2018
- Prototyped IoT devices using Micropython on the ESP32 platform.
- Developed embedded Linux deployments with Buildroot.
- Managed subcontractors to meet client user-experience expectations.
- Delivered interactive data visualizations using Bokeh in client web apps.
- Automated deployment processes with Ansible for production, testing, and development environments.
- Built minimum viable products based on client requirements.
- Updated legacy applications to modern software standards.
- Analyzed sensor data to generate proprietary metrics.
- Implemented REST APIs using Django REST framework.
- Delivered real-time data to client apps via WebSocket communication.
Software Developer - Brave New World Halifax
May 2015 – December 2015
- Implemented REST APIs using Django REST framework.
- Expanded knowledge in ReactJS development.
- Worked with and debugged a complex stack of CSS and JavaScript preprocessors, including SCSS and Babel.
- Assessed technical feasibility of client requests and developed strategies and deadlines.
- Followed Agile methodologies for project management.
- Utilized Travis CI, Docker, and other development and build tools.
Software Developer - Resource Intelligence
July 2013 – May 2015
- Developed software solutions using Python, web technologies, and front-end design.
- Created a rollover policy that significantly reduced system downtime.
- Directed the implementation of a Haystack/Solr search engine integration, improving NLP task performance.
- Led a project to develop a complex data entry and validation platform.
- Introduced a distributed task queue design pattern, cutting hours off common data-preparation tasks.
- Integrated Django with legacy databases.
- Developed tools to interface with third-party SOAP APIs, reducing implementation time for new functionalities.
- Maintained database schema and optimized database migrations with Django South.
- Implemented interactive mapping with GeoDjango.
Systems Administrator - Healthpark.ca
April 2011 – April 2013
- Managed AWS deployments and clinic LAN infrastructure.
- Created development virtual machines for a consistent remote development environment.
- Debugged and maintained Django-based FastCGI services, reducing downtime and latency.
- Managed Nginx servers.
January 2008 – February 2010
- Managed a shared hosting environment.
- Deployed PHP applications and managed domain names.
- Scripted backup routines and managed user accounts.
References
Available on request.