Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

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
Aidan Thomson