Derrick Orare

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
Derrick Orare

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 |

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

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

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

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 |

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 |

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 |

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

Software Quality Assurance Engineer |

Jun 2014 — May 2016
  • 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

Education

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering

Jan 2010 - Dec 2011

Bachelor's Degree - Computer Science and Afro-American Studies (double)

Jan 2011 - Dec 2014

Technical Skills

Core competencies & technologies I work with

Backend

Postgres
MySQL
M
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
D
DevOps
Test Automation
Scrum

Payment

Mpesa
Visa