Hi, I'm Dean Blackwood
Software Engineer specializing in full-stack development with TypeScript, Node.js, and cloud platforms.
About Me
I'm a versatile software engineer who has worn multiple hats working for various startups from the ground up. Throughout my career, I've adapted quickly to emerging technologies and changing business needs, helping companies scale their technical infrastructure efficiently.
My experience spans from optimizing cloud architectures (reducing costs by 70% in one case) to integrating cutting-edge technologies like LLMs and blockchain. I've worked extensively with blockchain technologies including Solidity, Flow, and Cardano, building decentralized applications that enhance user engagement and platform utility.
With a passion for innovation and problem-solving, I thrive in dynamic environments where I can leverage my full-stack expertise to create scalable, efficient solutions that drive business growth and deliver exceptional user experiences.
Professional Experience
My journey in software development across various companies.
Full Stack Developer
Bamg Sports
Skills used: Typescript, Node.js, Nest.js, Graphql, TypeORM, Vue, React, PostgresSQL
- Designed and maintained back-end APIs and front-end systems using Node.js, Vue, and PHP, with a focus on GCP services like Cloud Storage, App Engine, and Cloud Run.
- Migrated the entire architecture from App Engine to Cloud Run, optimising scalability and performance and reducing company costs by 70%.
- Developed and managed cron jobs automating daily operations for 10,000+ users.
- Integrated blockchain & AI models, enabling new features in cloud-based solutions.
- Collaborated within a Scrum framework to deliver projects efficiently, ensuring seamless deployments and robust system performance.
- Worked with JWT and OAuth for secure authentication and authorisation.
- Used WebSockets to provide real-time updates to the frontend when a user wins a bid or successfully buys item.
Full Stack Developer
Fantastec
Skills used: Typescript, Node.js, Nest.js, Prisma, React, PostgresSQL, GraphQL
- Developed backend APIs using NestJS, TypeScript, and GraphQL, optimising query performance by 30%.
- Conducted unit and end-to-end testing using Jest and TypeScript.
- Implemented CRUD operations for various endpoints, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
- Collaborated in deploying projects on Vercel and AWS (using Lambda), ensuring seamless delivery and operations.
- Interacted with the blockchain, created a smart contract along with it transactions and scripts to make a twitter clone using the cadence programming language on which has been deployed on the Flow Blockchain.
Platform Engineer
Flickto
Skills used: Python, React, Typescript, Shell, PHP, MongoDB
- Developed a fully functional decentralised application, employing JavaScript, NodeJS, and ReactJS, bolstering user engagement and platform utility.
- Managed data storage solutions using SQL, MongoDB, and Python, ensuring data accuracy and availability.
- Integrated APIs to link front and back end securely, enhancing system coherence and security.
Tech Sales
Westcon
Projects
Showcasing my work and side projects.
Cardano Racers
cardanoracers.com | Tech Project Lead
- Led end-to-end development of a blockchain-based gaming platform, mentoring 2 junior developers through code reviews, sprint planning, and Agile best practices.
- Architected and deployed a scalable full-stack system using React (Frontend), Express.JS (Backend), and Cardano blockchain integration, with Linux-based CLI tools for node interactions.
- Deployed app using Vercel (frontend) and Render (backend), while implementing CI/CD pipelines for seamless testing and production environments.
- Automated NFT metadata synchronisation via cron jobs & Linux shell scripting.
- Used smart contract development for in-game assets, leveraging Cardano's Plutus platform, and conducted rigorous testing to ensure security and functionality.
Skills & Technologies
My technical expertise and tools I work with.
Languages
Frameworks
Cloud & DevOps
Databases
Testing
Tools
Get in Touch
Feel free to reach out if you're looking for a developer, have a question, or just want to connect.