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Jake Saunders

Technical Lead

Leeds, UK
jakelsaunders94@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-saunders-83617741
JakeWritesCode

Technical Leader with a passion for using software to solve real-world problems at scale. I specialize in designing and delivering robust, observable systems that enhance developer experience and improve user outcomes. Proven track record in leading high-impact teams, driving architectural decisions, and building scalable solutions from concept to production.

Core Skills

Go/Python
Django/Flask
FastAPI/Gin
Celery
SQL/Postgres/
NoSQL/MongoDB/Redis
Pytest / UnitTest
CI / CD
TDD
Git / GitHub
CircleCI / GH Actions
Jest
Linux / Ubuntu
System Design
REST API's
Docker / Kubernetes
Javascript / VueJS
GCP / AWS
Pair Programming
Mentoring
Requirements Gathering
Project Planning
Problem Solving
Communication

Experience

Prolific - Technical Lead

August 2024 - Present
  • Delivered an AI based audience discovery feature allowing researchers to find the right participants and set up a study based on natural language and OpenAI integrations.
  • Productionised and delivered a machine learning project using historical study data to accurately predict study fill times to within 7 minutes.
  • Designed, architected, and led the delivery of a major project, transforming a core system from a monolithic codebase into an event-driven microservice architecture.
  • Quickly ramped up on AWS Serverless to deliver a high-scale system processing hundreds of millions of decisions per day with sub-second latency.
  • Reduced Prolific's key 'magic moment' (study publish to first submission) from 8 minutes down to 2 seconds.
  • Designed a database schema and query patterns capable of executing arbitrary queries across 1.1 billion participant attributes in under a second, while maintaining millisecond write times.
  • Led and mentored the team, improving ways of working and increasing delivery velocity by 1.5x.
  • Key member of the Architecture Decision Board. Initiated and chaired weekly meetings to drive company-wide technical initiatives and provide guidance on best practices for implementation and scope.
  • Actively involved in technical hiring and interviewing across the organization, from junior developers to technical leads.

Prolific - Senior Software Engineer

Nov 2023 - August 2024
  • Led a stream-aligned team in the process of breaking up a large, tightly coupled Django monolith into a loosely coupled, serverless architecture using AWS Lambda, API Gateway, and DynamoDB.
  • Directly responsible individual for delivering several new features through the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment. Focussed on reducing scope and delivering value incrementally.

Prolific - Software Engineer

June 2022 - Nov 2023
  • Led the development of several new features through the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment.
  • Delivered high quality products as part of a cross-functional, stream-aligned team using Python, Django, Django Rest Framework and VueJS.
  • Reduced the detection and response time for critical errors by implementing new observability tools and processes, including domain specific dashboards and alerts.
  • Led the system design of a number of new features within the platform. This included designing the architecture, data models, and API endpoints; placing an emphasis on designing for scaleability and maintainability.
  • Fostered a continuous improvement culture through pair-programming and ego-less code reviews to improve code quality and developer experience.
Technologies Used

Python, Django, DRF, Linux, Ubuntu, Celery, GCP, AWS, VueJS, Terraform, Docker, DataDog, Rollbar, Bash, Git, Github, Pytest, CircleCI, Postgres, MongoDB, Kubernetes, Linux, Ubuntu

Equal Experts - Consultant

Dec 2021 - June 2022
  • Created a machine-learning algorithm using Python and Scikit-Learn to predict the likelihood of a large engine failure with an accuracy of 81%. This was used to inform the maintenance schedule for a large fleet of mining plant equipment.
  • Created a project management platform using Python and Flask for a large government organisation. This project was completed to tight timescales and was used by over 300 project managers across the organisation.
Technologies Used

Python, Pandas, Scikit-Learn, Keras, Numpy, Flask, GitLab, OracleDB, Postgres, SQLAlchemy, Git, Javascript, JQuery, Linux

PrimarySite - Backend Developer

Dec 2020 - Dec 2021
  • Developed numerous large backend features using Python, Django and Django Rest Framework working as part of a small, focussed development team in the education sector.
  • Extensive involvement in greenfield projects as well as legacy software development and maintenance.
  • Developed reusable, scalable software solutions using CI/CD methodologies with test driven development at the core of my workflow. All code delivered with a minimum of 100% code coverage and a focus on comprehensive, robust testing practices.
  • Management of the release process including stakeholder communications, git repository management and design of automated and manual testing plans.
Technologies Used

Python, Django, Jinja2, Sentry, React, Javascript, JQuery, Postgres, Redis, Git, Linux, Ubuntu

Jaguar Land Rover - Engineer

Sept 2017 - Dec 2020
  • Responsible for all major machine program development and testing improvements across 60 machines producing 500,000 parts per year.
  • Designed, created and commissioned a Django based web platform for tracking production components, managing inspection strategies and documentation and optimizing production.
  • Created, managed and improved numerous incoming data pipelines with hundreds of millions of discrete data points. Automated the cleanup and storage of all data and delivered unique insights using customizable live JavaScript dashboarding.
Technologies Used

Python, Django, Jinja2, Git, Javascript, JQuery, Postgres, Redis, Pandas

Zebra Technologies - Senior Product Manager

October 2016 - Sept 2017
  • Responsible for interacting with external clients to understand their needs and drafting technical specifications for the development team.

Jaguar Land Rover - Engineer

May 2015 - October 2016
  • Working as part of the team responsible for the design, development and commissioning of a new production line for JLR engines.

Rolls Royce - Process Owner

Sept 2010 - May 2015
  • Process owner for the EDM film cool drilling process. Responsible for improvements and new process development.

Qualifications

AWS

Cloud Practitioner, Developer
2023

Open University

Part Time Top-Up Bsc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
2017 - 2019

Sheffield Hallam University

Foundation Degree Integrated Engineering
2013 - 2016

Rolls-Royce PLC

Technical Engineering Apprenticeship
2010 - 2014

Interests

I am a keen sportsman and enjoy playing football, running and cycling. I also enjoy reading and trying out new technologies. Outside of my professional work, I am building a SaaS platform that enables teams to design interactive flowcharts and workflows. This has deepened my expertise in full-stack development, cloud architecture, and product strategy, and reflects my passion for solving complex problems end-to-end.