Derrick Orare
Senior Software Engineer
I design, build, and scale mission-critical backend systems for fintech and enterprise SaaS.
Fintech Systems
Distributed Architecture
API Scalability
Technical Leadership Philosophy
Senior Software Engineer with 11+ years of experience building scalable backend systems, APIs and fintech platforms.
Work Experience
Senior Software Engineer | Founding Developer |
- Build the first prototype for the backend through API development in Ruby on Rails postgres and later MongoDB
- Crafted and curated database architectures from the ground up, sculpting models tailored for MongoDB and architecting the inventory service.
- Orchestrated seamless integrations with Mpesa and Visa payment gateways
- Cultivated a culture of code excellence through code reviews and mentorship
- Interviewed and trained new software developers and assisted with onboarding and mentor
Key Technologies:
Ruby on Rails
Postgres ★
Mongo ★
Senior Software Engineer
- Orchestrated seamless collaboration with stakeholders, resulting in precise delivery timelines and meticulous risk assessment
- Spearheaded autonomous delivery of mission-critical software solutions, adhering rigorously to engineering best practices and stringent deadlines
- Engaged in high-stakes architectural dialogues to fortify software performance and reliability, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
- Nurtured the next generation of engineering talent through hands-on mentorship, fostering technical acumen and professional growth
- Wrote unit tests and integration tests to increase overall test coverage and reduce bug frequency
- Created APIs to be consumed by other teams within the organisation
Key Technologies:
Ruby on Rails
Postgres ★
Grape
Docker
Backend Software Engineer
- Engineered innovative features in lockstep with the engineering corps, ensuring an uninterrupted stream of value delivery.
- Championed the fortification of backend systems, emphasizing security, scalability, and peak performance.
- Architected software blueprints with surgical precision, maintaining the sanctity of code quality and organizational integrity.
- Nurtured and empowered junior engineers, instilling a culture of excellence and fostering an environment ripe for innovation.
Key Technologies:
Ruby on Rails
Postgres ★
MySql
React
Software Engineer
- Architected and executed backend infrastructures, amplifying administrative efficiencies and turbocharging sales support.
- Revamped and fortified authentication systems, databases, and critical controllers, laying a bulletproof foundation for the core platform.
- Engineered bespoke notification and email systems, revolutionizing inter-team communication and streamlining operational workflows.
- Elevated test coverage eclipsing the 90% minimum
Key Technologies:
Ruby on Rails
Postgres ★
CoffeeScript
React
Software Engineer - Founding Developer |
- Forged the backbone of the inventory service, melding Ruby on Rails and MongoDB into a seamless symphony of efficiency.
- Pioneered the art of containerization, dockerizing microservices and laying the groundwork for a revolution in continuous integration.
- Collaborated on infrastructure architecture using Kubernetes, Juju, and MAAS
Key Technologies:
Ruby on Rails
Postgres ★
Juju
Kubernetes
Docker
Software Test Engineer - Consultant |
- Served as a beacon of innovation and expertise, illuminating the path forward with invaluable product insights and technological foresight.
- Engineered and curated an arsenal of test libraries, breathing new life into the pre-existing test framework with a judicious blend of innovation and pragmatism.
- Parsed, dissected, and scrutinized test results with the discerning eye of a seasoned detective, swiftly identifying and neutralizing complex problems.
- Stood as a bulwark against failure, providing battle-hardened solutions to stubborn issues and illuminating the path to success in the darkest of testing tunnel
Key Technologies:
Java
Maven
Selenium
Software Test Engineer in Test |
- Provided product insights and technological foresight.
- Developed and maintained test libraries for the existing framework.
- Analyzed test results and logged bugs and potential issues
- Offered solutions to complex problems and ensured successful implementation
- Collaborated with other software engineers and engineers in test to ensure successful implementation of new features and bug fixes
- Developed automated tests using Java and Selenium.
- Participated in product review meetings and guided the product direction.
Key Technologies:
Java
Maven
Selenium
Software Quality Assurance Engineer |
- Created test plans and cases based on requirements and specifications.
- Conducted automated and manual testing to identify bugs.
- Analyzed test results and guided the team towards quality improvement
- Contributed innovative ideas to enhance the automation framework.
Key Technologies:
Ruby
Bash
Test Automation
Manual Testing
Scrum
Bash
Test Automation
Manual Testing
Scrum
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree - Computer Science and Afro-American Studies (double)
Technical Skills
Core competencies & technologies I work with
Backend
Postgres
MySQL
Mongo
Ruby on Rails
Node.js
Express
Java
Python
Flask
PostgreSQL
MongoDB
MySQL
Redis
Sidekiq
Grape
Frontend
React
ReactJS
NextJS
jQuery
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
CoffeeScript
Tools
Git
Selenium
Maven
Kubernetes
Juju
Docker
Jenkins
Bash
Methodologies
Agile
Test Driven Development
CI/CD
DevOps
Test Automation
Scrum
Payment
Mpesa
Visa