A backend developer with deep roots in quality engineering. I build services, data infrastructure, and automation. I bring a rare perspective: everything I build is designed to be testable, observable, and reliable under load. I thrive in environments that value autonomy, craftsmanship, and trust.
Technical Profile
Languages: TypeScript, JavaScript, Node.js, Ruby, Scala, Bash
Backend & Architecture: Microservices, REST APIs, worker/queue patterns, event-driven systems, reverse proxies
Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
Performance & Testing: Gatling (load/stress testing), Playwright, Detox, Cucumber (BDD, defining system behavior in domain language)
DevOps & Infrastructure: Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, CI/CD pipelines, Scalingo, AWS, Azure
Core Competencies
- System design: Architecting scalable backend services: queue-based processing, horizontal scaling, data pipelines
- Database engineering: Schema design, indexing strategy, materialized views for analytics at scale
- Performance engineering: Load testing, benchmarking, capacity planning for production systems
- Quality by design: Building testability and observability into systems from the start
- Autonomy: Self-directing; I identify problems, propose solutions, and ship them
- Fast learner: Comfortable switching technology stacks; proven track record across Ruby, Node.js, Scala, Python
Work History
November 2023 – Present: Backend Developer & Test Specialist at Hedia, Copenhagen, Denmark
Backend development & architecture:
- Designed and implemented a Redis-backed queue architecture (web+worker pattern) to handle traffic spikes. Reduced API response times from seconds to sub-millisecond, eliminated error spikes, and enabled horizontal scaling.
- Built an analytics service from scratch: PostgreSQL materialized views over 34M events, REST API, SSO authentication, deployed as independent microservice.
- Optimized PostgreSQL queries on large datasets. Composite indexing improved aggregation performance.
- Developed and published a shared charting library (NPM package) with full test coverage and documentation.
- Implemented microservice routing via reverse proxy configuration, managing CSP and content policies.
- Built automated data pipelines with nightly refresh via GitHub Actions.
Testing & quality engineering:
- Designed and maintained end-to-end test suites across backend services (Playwright) and mobile apps (Detox, iOS + Android).
- Performance/stress testing with Gatling, identifying capacity limits.
- Built CI/CD pipelines in GitHub Actions for testing, release, and deployment automation.
- Created shared testing frameworks and published reusable NPM packages.
February 2023 – October 2023: Senior QA Engineer at Planday, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Developed a shared testing framework using Playwright and Axios, published as NPM packages for cross-team use.
- Set up automated testing on review environments via CI/CD workflows.
- Advocated for and implemented conventional commits, standard release processes, and code quality tooling.
- Collaborated across teams to establish TypeScript best practices and testing standards.
August 2018 – February 2023: QA Coordinator at Danmarks Radio, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Introduced automated testing across functional, performance, load, security, and accessibility domains.
- Built tooling that made it easy for developers to write and run their own tests.
- Used Gatling for performance and load testing of DR’s digital platforms.
April 2013 – August 2018: Senior Tester at BBC, London, UK
- Built high-throughput, high-availability backend infrastructure for video/audio transcoding and playback.
- Line managed a team of 8, providing technical leadership and mentoring.
- Pioneered automated testing for media technologies previously considered untestable.
- Ensured reliability during high-profile live events (Olympics, national elections).
March 2011 – April 2013: Software Developer at Aimee Rivers Ltd, UK
- Built Ruby on Rails applications and mobile solutions for diverse clients.
- Developed the first Android version of BufferApp.
- Delivered projects across varying scales, adapting quickly to new technologies and domains.
June 2008 – March 2011: Software Developer at Eden Development, Winchester, UK
- Ruby on Rails application development in a consultancy environment.
- Foundational training in TDD, BDD, and clean code principles.
- Agile development practices in a collaborative startup team.
Education
1999 – 2002: BSc (Hons) Computer Science, University of Portsmouth, UK
Languages
English: Native speaker; Danish: Proficient (C2)