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Rhisiart ap Gwilym

Rhisiart ap Gwilym

Software Engineer

Llanrug, Gwynedd, GB
+44 7981 756 521
English, Welsh, German

Background


About

About

I'm an experienced software engineer who designs/develops solutions using technologies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Java, Android and now Google Flutter. Clients include the BBC, DVLA, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, The AA, The Wildlife Trusts, Intel and Rolls-Royce in countries such as the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Belgium and Italy.

Work Experience

Work Experience

  • Cloud Consultant

    Dec, 2018 - Present

    As a Cloud Consultant, I help clients, such as the DVLA, to transform legacy applications and services by adopting Hyperscale Public Cloud platforms, including serverless and voice-based computing. This results in lower costs, more agile software deployments and increased security.

  • Google Flutter Developer

    Jan, 2019 - Present

    With the Trust facing the prospect of updating both their iOS and Android apps, they were looking at ways to reduce costs and improve codebase quality. Selected to design/develop a brand new app using a single codebase that would replace both existing apps. Implemented a new app using Google Flutter/Dart that mimicked the existing Android app both functionally and visually. Updates were seamlessly delivered to existing users and, with only a single codebase to maintain, costs were reduced.

  • AWS Consultant

    Nov, 2018 - Present

    As the requirements placed upon the Trust's API server increased, it became evident that it could no longer meet the demands of its consumers. Selected to design/develop a Cloud solution that would meet the new demands while reducing costs/maintenance. Implemented a serverless solution using Amazon Web Services (AWS) to replicate and serve data. Consumer request/response times were drastically reduced while running costs/maintenance were also decreased.

  • Android Developer

    Aug, 2018 - Nov, 20183 months

    With a first release date fast approaching for their revolutionary new app to detect skin cancer, several key user stories had yet still to be implemented. Selected to design/develop new features in the remaining sprints. Helped towards delivering their solution to help save lives by detecting the early stages of skin cancer.

  • Android Developer

    Nov, 2016 - Mar, 20181 year 4 months

    With a ground-breaking international medical system being developed, Sonova required assistance to develop their new Android Bluetooth app. Selected to oversee the design/development of the app to ensure that it met the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accreditation standards for medical devices. Introduced the disciplines, techniques, tools, and practices of software craftsmanship; led by example from estimating and coding to refactoring and testing; enforced code reviews using Git Pull Requests; introduced software to capture metrics such as code coverage, code smells, etc.; championed Test Driven Development (TDD) and Clean Code techniques. Empowered the development team to write clean code leading to a system that is easier to maintain and extend, while helping to meet FDA accreditation.

  • Android Developer

    May, 2016 - Oct, 20165 months

    Having already launched a Windows CE app to administer insulin for diabetics via Bluetooth, Cellnovo were in the process of developing an Android app but required assistance. Selected to add value to the project by offering guidance based on recent experience. Introduced Agile techniques such as Kanban/Scrum board using Trello; enforced code reviews using Git Pull Requests; Crashlytics crash reporting; investigated and installed software to capture metrics such as code coverage, code smells, etc.; championed TDD and Clean Code techniques. Put in place several mechanisms and processes to help improve the quality of the software and team working.

  • Android Developer

    Nov, 2016 - Mar, 20181 year 4 months

    To maintain and add value to their existing Android iPlayer app, additional features were needed. Selected to design/develop new features using a TDD approach. Implemented new features using Clean Code techniques; dependency injection; tested using Mockito and Robolectric; built using Jenkins; incorporated crash reporting (Hockey), Volley, Picasso, Gson, JSON, Retrofit (REST API), Realm; Pair Programmed to apply changes to iOS app. Delivered an Android 6.0 (API 23) app that enhanced the user experience (50 million installations).

  • Android Developer

    Jun, 2015 - Oct, 20154 months

    Following the phenomenal international success of their remote video monitoring app, they needed an Android version to capitalise on their leading market share. Whilst the majority of the app had already been written, its key feature, motion detection, had yet to be implemented. Reverse engineered requirements from the existing iOS code; designed/developed Java library to detect video motion; incorporated crash reporting (Hockey); offered advice over existing design and UI; retrospectively mentored and reviewed code of junior developer. Delivered a fully tested Java library, which performed identically to that of their iOS version.

  • Android Developer

    Nov, 2014 - Jan, 20161 year 2 months

    Having already launched a successful iPhone app, the Trust was keen to exploit the Android market. Selected to design/develop Android app that mimicked and improved on the original. Established requirements; created wireframe screen designs and storyboards; optimised for tablets; incorporated crash reporting (Crashlytics), Google Maps, Android Annotations, Gson; JSON, Google Analytics, RSS feed; published to Google Play. Delivered an Android 5.1 (API 22) app that helps promote the Trust and engage the public with nature (5000 installations).

  • Scala Developer

    May, 2014 - Oct, 20145 months

    As part of the Government's transformation to digital services, an exemplar service allowing fleet operators to view their vehicle records online was required. Selected to design & develop a digital service with data hosted within Skyscape (Cloud) using Scala. Assessed complex operational rules; engaged with Business Analysts; reviewed code; and mentored junior staff. Delivered Scala/Play/AKKA solution to time and budget, thus eliminating the need to store paper documents.

  • Android Developer

    Feb, 2014 - Apr, 20142 months

  • Android Developer

    Nov, 2013 - Apr, 20145 months

    With the Recovery Breakdown market becoming more competitive, their existing app was to be updated to encourage future membership. Selected to add functionality and to provide fresh ideas. Incorporated Google Maps; interfaced with .NET web APIs and Parkopedia using JSON. Delivered an Android 4.4 (API 19) app that would benefit the business and improve the user experience (1 million installations).

  • Android Java Developer

    Jun, 2013 - Dec, 20136 months

    The process to analyse data from research into roadkill was proving time-consuming. Selected by Cardiff University to design a bilingual Android app to improve analysis of social media data. Designed Android 4.3 (API 18) app, backwardly compatible with 2.2; incorporated crash reporting, Google Mapping, push notifications & Twitter/Facebook login & sharing; persisted data locally using SQLite database; and published on Google Play. App reduced project administration to a minimal level with data submitted to cloud-based storage.

  • Android Java Developer

    Dec, 2012 - Nov, 201311 months

    Online submissions of citizen science data were overwhelming the project's inbox, requiring a more efficient solution to collate observations of feral pigeon plumage (as featured on BBC Winter Watch). Selected to design Android app. Established requirements; designed Android 4.3 (API 18) app, backwardly compatible with 2.2; incorporated crash reporting, Google Mapping, push notifications & Twitter/Facebook sharing; and published on Google Play. Delivered bilingual app, increasing public participation and reducing administrative burden.

  • Java Developer

    Jul, 2003 - Nov, 20129 years 4 months

  • Java Developer

    Nov, 2002 - May, 20036 months

    HP was to support, maintain & further develop components of a CRM system for New Zealand's Department of Work & Income (WINZ). Selected to design, develop & enhance components. Adhered to strict SCM practices; assessed complex operational rules; produced design documentation; reviewed code & documentation; travelled overseas to engage with client; and mentored junior staff. Delivered J2EE solution running on a WebLogic to time & budget, which allowed WINZ to better maintain customer records.

  • Java Developer

    Aug, 2002 - Nov, 20023 months

  • Java Developer

    Jan, 2002 - Jun, 20025 months

    Halifax Bank of Scotland Card Services wanted to improve customer satisfaction. Selected to design, develop & enhance components of a CRM system to better maintain customer records. Adhered to strict Software Configuration Management (SCM) practices; assessed complex operational rules; worked with Business Analysts; engaged with client staff; produced design documentation; reviewed code; and operated within challenging time constraints. Successfully designed, developed & delivered Java solution to time & budget.

  • Java Developer

    Apr, 2001 - Jan, 20029 months

  • Java Developer

    Mar, 2001 - Apr, 20011 month

  • Java Developer

    Apr, 2000 - Nov, 20007 months

  • Java Developer

    Jul, 1999 - Apr, 20009 months

  • Java Developer

    Mar, 1999 - Jul, 19994 months

  • Java Developer

    Aug, 1998 - Mar, 19997 months

  • Java Developer

    Apr, 1998 - Jul, 19983 months

  • Java Developer

    Jan, 1998 - Apr, 19983 months

  • Ada Software & Systems Engineer

    May, 1997 - Jan, 19988 months

    To increase the serviceable lifetime of the new Eurofighter engines, an engine monitoring unit was required. Selected to provide software & systems support throughout the project lifecycle. Adhered to strict SCM practices; developed Ada code; produced design/test documentation; reviewed code; worked within DOD-2167A standards; and seconded by Rolls-Royce to FiatAvio to modify design documentation to meet DOD-2167A standards. Serviceable lifetime of the engine was increased having contributed towards several critical areas of its development.

  • Ada Software & Systems Engineer

    Jan, 1995 - Oct, 19961 year 9 months

  • Ada Software & Systems Engineer

    Dec, 1994 - Dec, 19941 month

  • Ada Software & Systems Engineer

    Aug, 1994 - Nov, 19943 months

Skills

Skills

  • Languages

    Dart

    Kotlin

    Java

    Python

    SQL

  • Mobile

    Android

    iOS

    Fastlane

    Firebase

    Flutter

  • Cloud

    Amazon Web Services (AWS)

    Drone

    Serverless framework

    Terraform

  • Testing

    Clean Code

    Mockito

    Test Driven Development (TDD)

Education

Education

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, , Amazon Web Services

    Jul, 2018 - Jul, 2021

  • AWS Certified Developer - Associate, , Amazon Web Services

    Aug, 2018 - Aug, 2021

  • Software Engineering, M.Eng, The University of Wales, Aberystwyth

    Sep, 1992 - Jun, 1997

  • Mechanical & Production Engineering, HNC, Kelserton Technical College, Wales

    Sep, 1990 - Jul, 1992

  • Mechanical & Production Engineering, ONC, Llandrillo College, Wales

    Sep, 1988 - Jul, 1990

References

References

  • Melissa Lawrence, Project Manager, Sonova (Switzerland)

    Rhisiart has excellent experience in writing android apps to a very high quality. He is a dedicated professional developer and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend Rhisiart to any team wishing to develop Android apps to a high standard.

  • Adam Cormack, Project Manager, The Wildlife Trusts

    Rhisiart built an Android app for The Wildlife Trusts. This was a major software project which included thousands of records of nature reserves and integration with data feeds to display events. We are pleased with the result and it has received some excellent early feedback from users. Throughout the development Rhisiart demonstrated initiative, creativity and perseverance. Recommended!

  • Chris Solley, Enterprise Strategist and Architect, IBM/DVLA

    I've worked with Rhisiart in his capacity as a Java Developer on some very high-profile projects at IBM/DVLA. I found him to be exceedingly capable and adept in multiple disciplines. He exhibits great communication skills when dealing with people and teams be they internal, outsourced or supplier and is excellent at motivating others. Rhisiart demonstrates a great depth of understanding technically, spending the time to understand the full scope of his solutions and finds achievable, quality, and efficient routes to delivery. He is as skilful as he is personable and always gets the job done. I would be more than happy to work with Rhisiart in the future.

  • David Charles, Executive Project Manager, IBM United Kingdom

    I have known Rhisiart for approx 10 years wherein the main he has been a lead Java developer working on complex business systems. His work has been without equal and I could always depend on him to meet challenging deadlines without compromising quality.

  • Matthew Pockson, Managing Consultant, IBM United Kingdom

    I worked with Rhisiart for several years whilst I managed an applications development programme of work and Rhisiart was a J2EE applications developer. He performed a several key J2EE applications development roles, most notably on a mission-critical high transaction web application, bringing both java experience and business knowledge to bear in developing and refreshing an extremely valuable (revenue-generating) website. In this role I found Rhisiart dependable and committed and a key member of the team in bringing continuity across numerous releases. It was a pleasure working with Rhisiart.

  • Jason Broad, Test Manager, IBM/DVLA

    Rhisiart is one of the most knowledgeable and competent developers I have worked with as a Tester and Test Manager. He is extremely conscientious and always takes the time to fully understand the requirements of the product on which he was working. As a result, the code he delivers can always be relied upon to be of high quality with extremely low defect rates. He is approachable, helpful and always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others. It has been a pleasure working with Rhisiart and I would highly recommend him.

  • Neil Clegg, Performance Test Consultant, IBM/DVLA

    Rhisiart is a very capable and conscientious developer who can work unassisted or as part of a team on challenging projects. He was central to the development of some key applications on the DVLA projects I was involved in. I found his approach very professional with a keen eye for detail and is calm when faced with difficult or frustrating circumstances. I would recommend Rhisiart to any company without hesitation.

  • Danny Regis, Solutions Architect, IBM/DVLA

    Rhisiart worked for me on several occasions during complex JEE Integration projects. He is an outstanding developer who thrives on producing elegant efficient solutions. He quickly became the backbone on the team. In additional to his immediate responsibilities, Rhisiart would coach the less experienced team members and assure their work. His meticulous attention to detail speaks for itself in the exemplary quality of his deliverables. If you seek a highly capable senior JEE developer/designer you need look no further. Highly recommended and a pleasure to work with!