Stefan Brands

Software Architect with over 25 years of experience in developing and designing high-performance enterprise frameworks and scalable ERP solutions. Experienced in bridging the gap between complex backend architectures (Java, .NET, Progress) and modern frontend ecosystems. Able to combine multiple technologies by bridging them with different and sometimes low level technologies.

Experienced with different operating systems and a big fan of Linux. Proven track record in technically leading international, cross-functional development teams across Europe, Asia, and the USA. Experienced in performance optimization and using modern scalable containerization technologies.

Proud that I'm still actively developing in combination with defining architectures.

Experience with AI tools for development. Technology is my passion.

Software Architect / Senior Software Engineer - QAD Europe NV

(2006-01)

From 2020 as employee, before that as independent contractor.

AI-Driven Development & Tooling - QAD Europe NV

(2024-01)

All projects below developed using AI-assisted coding tools (Kiro, Cursor, Claude) as a core part of the development workflow.

Code Conversion – Project Inspiration / O3 - QAD Europe NV

(2021-01 - 2024-12)

Software Architect for the code conversion stream, converting the entire QAD Adaptive ERP codebase from Progress/OpenEdge to Java using Golden Code FWD tools.

• Defined architecture and provided technical steering for distributed development teams across Europe, India, and the USA.
• Conversion of OpenEdge databases to MariaDB; designed stateless, horizontally scalable runtime architecture.
• Set up CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI) and container orchestration on AWS EKS (Kubernetes) for the converted platform.

Platform Architecture - QAD Europe NV

(2018-01 - 2021-12)

• Designed the initial architecture for the Java Extension Framework that later replaced the V8-based scripting layer.
• Architected the Server Scripting engine (V8/C++ integration with ZeroMQ IPC) and the PRS (Platform Runtime Service) for the QAD Adaptive ERP platform.

WebUI Development & TypeScript Transformation - QAD Europe NV

(2014-01 - 2018-12)

Transitioned to the WebUI team, building collaboration features (Activity Feed/Activity Tracking) and core platform UI using AngularJS, KendoUI, and JavaScript.

• Architected and led the JavaScript-to-TypeScript migration of the WebUI codebase (~2015–2016), improving performance, type safety, and developer experience.
• Conducted deep-level memory and performance analysis for the WebUI (AngularJS/JavaScript).
• Introduced TypeScript build tooling, minification pipelines, and developer workflow improvements (hotreload, source maps).
• Technically led distributed development teams in Spain and the USA.

.NET UI - QAD Europe NV

(2006-01 - 2014-12)

• Architected and developed a .NET WPF/XAML-based UI for the platform.
• Developed and architected the .NET UI components for the QAD Financials platform (Component Builder / CBF).

IT Architect / Analyst Programmer - Soft Cell NV

(1997-01 - 2006-12)

• Framework Development: Designed the .NET/C# component of "Component Builder," an internal ERP framework, supporting UI developers in complex application builds.
• Mobistar (Outsourced): Worked on a critical EAI integration project using webMethods, synchronizing four distinct HR systems (Payroll, Security, Asset, and Building Management). Led parts of the implementation.
• Project Leadership: Managed a team of 7 developers for "Nokeos," an incident guidance system; acted as lead architect and QA responsible.
• Technical Versatility: Developed Windows UI components (ActiveX/ATL), C++ database layers for SQL/Oracle, and COM wrappers for Filenet systems.

Field Engineer / Programmer - Schelfhout Computer Systemen

(1993-01 - 1997-12)

• Developed visualization software for measurement and control equipment using C (Unix) and Visual Basic.
• Managed technical projects for "ULO cooling" systems.

Owner - IT4Fusion BV

(2001-01)

A small company focused on helping local businesses with their IT infrastructure and software.

Technical Degree - A2 Electronics - G.T.I. Beveren (1991-01)