Jason James

Senior Full Stack Software Engineer with 18 years of commercial experience delivering web applications, APIs and cloud-based platforms across enterprise, startup and consultancy environments. Strong backend expertise in Node, C#, .NET and ASP.NET Core, combined with modern frontend development using React, TypeScript and Next.Js. Experienced in designing and delivering scalable APIs, cloud solutions and integrations across Azure and AWS, with a strong focus on clean architecture, automated testing and maintainable software.

Comfortable working across the full development lifecycle, from technical architecture and system design through to implementation, deployment and production support. Experienced contractor with a proven ability to quickly understand existing systems, integrate into new teams and deliver value with minimal onboarding. Also experienced in mentoring developers and making architectural decisions.

Excelling with AI Agent Coding best practices and expanding into AI engineering and Generative AI, including LLM application development, OpenAI APIs, prompt engineering, structured outputs, RAG and AI-powered applications.

Career break (2026-01 – Present)

Travel, freelancing commercially viable apps and creating AI dev workflows. Latest app is an AI-powered language learning app:

Senior Software Engineer at Waracle (2025-04 – 2025-12)

Contract position

• Designed and implemented backend architecture for a new customer-facing insurance platform for SunLife.
• Developed REST APIs and backend services using C# /.NET 8, with a Remix / React frontend hosted in Azure.
• Made architectural and technical decisions across the application stack, balancing maintainability, scalability and delivery requirements.
• Worked closely with the development team to establish development patterns and maintain code quality.
• Mentored a mid-level engineer, providing technical guidance, code reviews and support with architectural decisions.
• Contributed across the full software development lifecycle from architecture and development through to production launch.

Career break (2024-06 – 2025-03)

Freelancing and travel

Senior Software Engineer at Awen Communications (2022-08 – 2024-05)

Contract position

• Developed web and mobile applications for managing and tracking customer support cases.
• Built full-stack solutions using Node.js, React, Vue.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS and AWS.
• Integrated applications with Microsoft Dynamics 365 / Dataverse, including custom CRM functionality and plugins.
• Developed solutions for enterprise customers including Ford Motor Company, contributing across architecture, APIs, frontend development and third-party integrations.

Senior Full Stack Node Developer at Waracle (2022-03 – 2022-06)

Contract position

• Contributed to the successful launch of the Sainsbury's Argos Monthly Payment Plan as part of a cross-functional development team.
• Developed customer-facing features using React and Node.js APIs.
• Built and maintained unit and integration tests to ensure application quality.
• Worked with AWS serverless architecture and cloud-native deployments in an agile environment.

Senior Full Stack Developer at Carestream Dental (2021-01 – 2021-11)

Permanent position

• Developed and maintained cloud-based dental management software using C#,.NET Core, Entity Framework, SQL, OData, Azure and React.
• Designed and delivered new functionality and integrations across frontend and backend systems.
• Led technical upgrades and improvements to codebase maintainability and reliability.
• Contributed to enterprise projects supporting a major Saudi government contract.

Contract Market Slowdown (2020-02 – 2020-12)

Huge Contract Market Slowdown (during Covid)

Senior Full Stack Engineer at Blackhawk Network (2019-03 – 2020-01)

Contract position

• Developed enterprise web applications for a global provider of gift cards, payments and employee benefit solutions.
• Delivered full-stack functionality using C#,.NET Core, React, Angular, JavaScript and Node.js.
• Developed and integrated APIs and backend services using.NET Core, SQL and NHibernate.
• Built automated tests with NUnit and contributed to code reviews, technical decisions and agile delivery.
• Worked across a diverse technology stack including PHP, DotNetNuke, Swagger, NPM and SCSS.

Full Stack Web Developer at Lumesse (2010-05 – 2018-10)

Permanent position

• Developed enterprise recruitment software and integration services used by major organisations and recruitment teams.
• Designed and built APIs and integrations connecting the platform with 100+ external recruitment and assessment platforms.
• Delivered career-site solutions for organisations including Santander, the BBC and the Ministry of Justice.
• Developed scalable frontend and backend solutions, integrating platforms including Monster, Reed, SHL and TalentQ.
• Collaborated with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver new functionality and technical improvements.
• Received multiple company innovation awards for contributions to new products and technical solutions.

BSc in Computer Graphics – University of Bedfordshire (2007)

BTEC National Diploma in Computer Studies – Barnfield Tech (2003)