Shaun Richards

Hands-on senior engineer specialising in Java and Spring Boot backend systems, with a track record of replacing ageing platforms with maintainable, cloud-hosted services that businesses run on. Most recently rebuilt a legacy PHP/Laravel backup-management product on Java 21. Equally comfortable owning a system end to end — domain design, delivery, production support — or embedding in an existing team and shipping from week one.

Also experienced in Python, Scala, PHP, JavaScript and front-end development. Experienced in collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to drive digital transformation and deliver applications. Now seeking a permanent senior engineering role where I can apply broad technical experience and contribute long term to one organisation.

Based in Sevenoaks (UK); open to remote roles with occasional on-site visits.

Senior Software Engineer at Safe Data Storage Ltd (2025-12 – 2026-06)

Cloud backup services for UK businesses

• Engaged on a fixed-fee basis to architect the modernization of a legacy PHP cloud backup management application into a Java 21 and Spring Boot ecosystem.
• Worked hands-on across application development, database integration and web technologies.

Senior Software Engineer at SquareFace (2023-09 – 2025-03)

Sports-tech R&D: golf skill acquisition using robotics and sensor technology

• Provided strategic technology, software and cloud architecture guidance directly to company executives.
• Architected and developed software supporting data collection, infrastructure and product prototyping.
• Developed solutions using Python, Java and Spring Boot within a GCP cloud environment.
• Led product management initiatives, connecting technical development with wider product objectives.
• Provided hands-on technical leadership across architecture, software development and technology strategy.

Senior Software Engineer at Independent Consultant (Sole Trader) (2023-09 – 2026-06)

Senior Software Engineer at Axon (2022-11 – 2023-07)

Digital evidence management for public safety

• Developed and deployed production features within a microservice architecture.
• Built backend services and APIs using Scala, Play and gRPC – plus React frontend components.
• Worked with containerised services using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Worked within an established engineering organisation and production development environment.

Senior Software Engineer at Motorcycle Storehouse (2019-10 – 2022-04)

B2B aftermarket motorcycle parts distributor

• Led IT strategy, software architecture and digital transformation across the business.
• Designed and developed internal applications, integrations and tools to improve business operations.
• Developed backend services using Java and Spring Boot, alongside Python-based solutions.
• Worked across AWS and Azure technologies, including AWS EC2 and Azure API Management.
• Conducted technical and IT due diligence as part of M&A activity.
• Mentored the IT team and provided technical direction across development and infrastructure.

Senior Developer at Safe Data Storage Ltd (2017-10 – 2019-09)

Cloud backup services for UK businesses

• Developed cloud-based management services and reseller management systems.
• Designed and implemented backend functionality using Java and Spring Boot.
• Developed internal tools and integrations supporting business operations.
• Contributed to the evolution of the company's software platform and cloud services.

Senior Developer at My Practice Cloud (MPC) (2014-09 – 2017-09)

Business intelligence SaaS for dental practice owners

• Designed and implemented a Business Intelligence SaaS platform for dental practice owners.
• Led the technical development and transition from a legacy PHP system to a modern Java, Spring Boot and cloud-based solution.
• Provided technical leadership across software design, architecture and implementation.
• Managed the transition from legacy to modern technologies while maintaining product development and delivery.

Freelance Developer at NeoCentra Ltd (2004-10 – 2014-09)

Independent software consultancy

• Provided software development and technical consultancy to SMB clients across multiple industries.
• Designed and developed white-labelled SaaS products, CRM systems and financial services applications.
• Delivered full-stack solutions covering application architecture, backend development, databases & web interfaces.
• Worked directly with clients to understand requirements, design solutions and deliver complete software systems.

Software Engineer and Technical Lead at Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) (1995-01 – 2004-12)

Working on intelligent agent infrastructure and expert systems. Also held Senior Java and J2EE engineering roles at Corizon, Viewgate Networks and Valtech (where also wrote and delivered commercial training in Java, EJB and WebLogic); founder of Smart-IP, an ISP application-level billing start-up.

MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence – University of Aberdeen & University of Amsterdam

BSc (Hons) in Information Technology – Staffordshire University