Aidan Thomson
Poole,United Kingdom
Summary
Software engineer with expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. Proficient in frontend and backend development, backend infrastructure, DevOps, and cloud computing services, including servers, Google Cloud and Google Firebase. Experienced in agile methodologies, IT project management, and cybersecurity protocols. Skilled in designing RESTful web services, API integration, server management and SQL database management. Also experienced in network, software and hardware support with a knack for bug fixing and problem solving.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work history
Web Technician
Freelancer
Poole, Dorset, UK, Dorset
07.2024 - Current
- Resolved software bugs promptly, minimising downtime and customer inconvenience.
- Authored support documentation to assist future developers.
- Enhanced system performance with regular maintenance activities.
- Monitored system health regularly, preventing potential issues from escalating further.
- Helped upgrade and support web sites built on WordPress and hosting on cloud servers.
- Managed, Improved, updated and optimised performance of web server.
- Liaised closely with other IT professionals, fostering a productive work environment.
- Identified and fixed bugs in the system, improving overall performance.
Lead Developer
Electropages Media Ltd (was Zeta Commerce Ltd)
Poole, Dorset
06.2000 - 05.2024
- Optimised applications for maximum speed and scalability, improving website performance.
- Developed detailed technical specifications from client requirements leading to precise software solutions.
- Ensured smooth deployment of updates and patches, reducing downtime significantly.
- Developed and implemented complex database structures to optimise data retrieval processes.
- Collaborated closely with product managers and clients to align application features with business objectives.
- Collaborated effectively with UX and UI designers translating visual designs into functional web components.
- Managed source control repositories minimising conflicts and ensuring clean version management.
- Provided mentorship to junior developers, enhancing their coding skills and knowledge base.
- Developed functional web and mobile applications.
- Identified technical issues according to design requirements and tested solutions.
- Managed development lifecycles, from conceptualisation through design, testing and deployment.
- Managed and help support various developers and contractors over on numerous projects.
- Responded to system faults quickly to minimise disruption to customer experiences.
- Reacted to technical support requests quickly, resolving issues within target timeframes.
- Observed industry best practices to promote efficient, compliant software development.
- Engaged clients to understand software design requirements and advise on best-fit options.
- Liaised with key stakeholders to translate technical needs into product development strategies.
- Established and managed server environments, including database administration and application scaling.
- Utilised PHP to develop server-side applications, achieving faster load times.
- Resolved cross-browser compatibility issues to improve user experience.
- Developed responsive websites & mobile apps.
- Implemented security measures to safeguard sensitive data against threats.
- Various overseas trips worldwide to help oversee junior developers, give technical support and develop solutions for clients from major electronics companies, to shops and other companies.
- Fostered productive relationships with stakeholders through clear communication of technical concepts.
- Developed functional web and mobile applications through clean, robust code.
Education
BSc - Information Systems
Thames Valley University
Slough 04.2001 -
Higher National Diploma - Computing
Woolwich University
London 04.2001 -
Skills
DevOps
- DNS, SSL
- Migration, Updating and Deployment Strategies
- Managing server platforms
- Hosting - Digital Ocean, Rackspace, AWS, Google Cloud
Databases
- Relational and NoSQL databases - MySQL, MariaDB, Firebase, PostgreSQL
- Database Design, management, security, etc
Tech Support
- Networks (Firewalls, Wireshark etc)
- Software (OS's, Virtualisation, Firewalls, etc)
- Hardware (PC's, Laptops, etc) - replacing components
- Diagnosing issues, Bug Fixing
Development
- Connecting disparate systems using API Gateways
- Backend - PHP, JavaScript, API's, Headless CMS's, Nodejs
- Frontend - JavaScript, CSS, HTML (HTML5, etc), JS & CSS frameworks, responsive web design, build tools, workflows, Pre-processors
- APIs - design, creation and usage in both front end and back end
- Object Oriented & Functional
- Restful development
- Bug Fixing
Development Environments
- Linux (Ubuntu), WSL, WSL2, Docker
- Versioning Systems - Git (Github,, Bitbucket), Subversion
- Apache, Nginx, other web servers
Platforms
- WordPress, Laravel, WooCommerce, Strapi, Magento (knowledge), Firebase, Eleventy (Static Site Generator)
- Servers - Apache, Nginx, Google Cloud, AWS, Google Firebase, Serverless, Cloud, Cloudflare
Project Management
- Full Project Lifecycle - Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitor and Control, and closure
- Agile, Scrums using tools such as Jira
SEO
- Google Analytics, GA4, GTM, SEO design principles, Core Web Vitals, etc
Other
- Cyber Security
- GDPR Compliance
- Using AI, AI APIs
- VOIP (Asterix, Gradwell)
- Raspberry PI
Affiliations
- Reading, Walking, Squash, Tennis, AI, Cyber Security, Concerts, Raspberry PI, Web, Computing
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Web Technician
Freelancer
07.2024 - Current
BSc - Information Systems
Thames Valley University
04.2001 -
Higher National Diploma - Computing
Woolwich University
04.2001 -
Lead Developer
Electropages Media Ltd (was Zeta Commerce Ltd)
06.2000 - 05.2024