Derrick Orare

Senior Software Engineer

I design, build, and scale mission-critical backend systems for fintech and enterprise SaaS. With expertise in Ruby on Rails, distributed architectures, API design, and cloud infrastructure, I deliver robust solutions that drive business growth.

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 |

NdovuCloud Technologies, Nairobi, Kenya

Aug 2018 — Present

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

Engie Energy Access, Kampala Uganda

Nov 2022 — Jul 2023

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

Kwara, Nairobi, Kenya

Oct 2021 — Aug 2022

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

Lipalater Limited, Nairobi, Kenya

Nov 2019 — Oct 2021

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 |

Duara Systems - An Africa's Talking Laboratory, Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 2018 — Jul 2018

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 |

C Central Logic, Remote

Nov 2016 — Jul 2018

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 |

C Central Logic, South Jordan UT USA

Jun 2016 — Nov 2016

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