A picture of Stefan Nowak

work

A picture of my CV view my CV here

tl;dr

I enjoy learning, building cool things and working together with kind, good people.

about me

I'm Stefan, a developer/software engineer in London, England 🇬🇧

Like many in tech, I've been tinkering with computers since I was a child 1, and I enjoy building things that make people's lives easier, more fun, or just more interesting.

I've worked a lot in backend web development, but I also do some frontend from time to time. I have also occasionally managed small teams, worked directly with external clients, mentored junior colleagues and have helped to grow teams, too.

While the web is where I work most, I'm also interested in DevOps, security, systems programming, SRE and infrastructure. I also find retro computing and the history of computing and computers/science/CS very cool.

1 Windows 95 had the best Brian Eno sounds. ^

timeline

2024 - today

Backend Software Engineer

Kraken Technologies

  • Python
  • Django
  • htmx
  • Postgres
  • The advanced operating system for utilities.

    2019 - 2024

    Backend / Full-stack Software Engineer

    tails.com

  • Python
  • Flask
  • VueJS
  • Go
  • Individually-bespoke, tailored nutrition for dogs.

    I helped build a new frontend app in Vue, created the BfF backend for it, and worked on the backend generally, as well as updating the internal CRM/ERP platform, integrating new APIs and microservices, adding new features and AB tests to their Vue apps and the monolithic Flask app. I made some lifelong friends (human and canine) and learned a lot about dogs. I also discovered a pub in Richmond that floods when the river Thames gets too high, which is often.

    2017 - 2018

    Freelance Contractor

    Enki Labs. Inc.

  • React
  • Node
  • MongoDB
  • Python
  • The AI-powered 1:1 skills coach for top performers.

    I worked with Enki to contribute to their Advanced Python course content, QA their TestFlight builds, troubleshoot the app, MongoDB instance and billing jobs as well as helping to improve their CX and UX. Additionally, I discovered the best fish and chips in Goodge Street, and that Țuică is dangerous.

    2015 - 2019

    MSc.(i) (Hons.) Computer Science

    King's College London

  • Java
  • Python
  • Haskell
  • C++
  • TensorFlow
  • RabbitMQ
  • Scala
  • Ruby
  • A four-year integrated master's degree in the heart of London.

    I learned a dizzying amount about computing, logic and mathematics, how to complete an entire term's worth of work in a single night, and how many energy drinks it takes to stay awake for 48 hours. I also learned to hate Java.

    skills

    I'm a big believer that it doesn't really matter what specific technologies you "know" – what's more important is an enthusiasm for learning new things, a good understanding of CS fundamentals, and the ability to keep trying until you get it. Being kind and empathetic, and not being afraid to ask for help, are also key.

    That said, here are some of the technologies I've worked with over the years, in no particular order.

    Programming languages

    Web Technologies

    DevOps and Infrastructure

    Databases

    Testing and QA

    Other stuff

    side projects

    milkfeed

    A minimalistic baby feed-tracking app.

    perspective

    A simple timeline for putting historical events in perspective.

    genetictactoe

    Naughts and Crosses, using genetic algorithms.

    other skills

    Fluent conversational Japanese

    I am, as they say, nihongo jõzu.

    lifting heavy objects, repetitively

    Moving bits and bytes? Easy.

    Moving atoms? Now we're talking.