Wesley Classen

Senior software professional with 25+ years in IT across software engineering, technical business analysis, systems integration, DevOps, and data-driven platform delivery. Strong fit for AI Systems Architect roles through deep experience in solution design, API-first integration, workflow automation, legacy modernization, database architecture, testing strategy, and cross-functional stakeholder leadership. Built and modernized platforms in education, transportation, finance, energy, and digital products using PHP, Laravel, WordPress, Python, JavaScript, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and Linux-based infrastructure.

Now intentionally pivoting toward AI-focused architecture work where business process knowledge, software architecture, data pipelines, and secure platform engineering can be combined to design intelligent systems that are practical, scalable, and measurable.

PHP & Rust Software Developer at Rocketseed Pty Ltd (2025-09 – 2025-12)

Led modernization work across customer-facing systems and platform architecture, with a focus on maintainability, deployment quality, and service separation.

• Re-engineered an in-house customer management platform from Drupal to Laravel 12, improving extensibility and long-term supportability.
• Architected a transition path from monolithic application patterns toward a service-oriented architecture.
• Implemented CI/CD pipelines for branch-based quality control and automated code validation.
• Supported PostgreSQL platform upgrades from version 14 to 17 and aligned application compatibility accordingly.
• Contributed Rust-based branding system components within a broader modernization initiative.

Software Developer (WordPress Developer) at IQ Business, outsourced to IMD Business School, Switzerland (2025-01 – 2025-08)

Delivered enterprise WordPress development and platform enhancement work for an international education institution.

• Built and maintained custom WordPress solutions for a large-scale educational web platform.
• Integrated REST APIs to support content, enrollment, and course-management related workflows.
• Improved platform performance, security posture, and maintainability across the web estate.
• Applied Azure DevOps and Git-based delivery practices within a distributed delivery model.
• Implemented unit, integration, and acceptance testing to strengthen release quality.
• Collaborated effectively with Swiss-based stakeholders and cross-cultural delivery teams.

Technical Business Analyst at Intercape Mainliner (2023-06 – 2024-03)

Bridged business operations and software delivery for one of South Africa's major intercity transport operators.

• Directed requirements analysis and technical planning for modernization and migration initiatives.
• Supported migration of a legacy PHP system to the CodeIgniter framework to improve structure and performance.
• Designed REST APIs and workflow improvements for booking, passenger, and operational management processes.
• Produced technical documentation, delivery artifacts, and test approaches covering unit and integration scenarios.
• Worked across PHP, MySQL, and Oracle-backed systems while aligning stakeholders around delivery priorities.

Web Developer at Netto Invest Pty Ltd (2023-01 – 2023-05)

Modernized financial applications and data flows in support of web-based investment and reporting capabilities.

• Redesigned and migrated legacy C# applications into Laravel- and Vue.js-based web platforms.
• Developed REST APIs and WebSocket-based integrations for real-time financial data handling.
• Created Python import tooling for market value ingestion from multiple financial providers.
• Built workflow automation for financial reporting and operational processes.
• Contributed to suspicious transaction analysis capabilities using AI-assisted pattern review concepts.
• Worked across Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, PHP, Laravel, Vue.js, Python, and C#.

Software Engineer at Prescient Financial Services (2020-03 – 2021-02)

Maintained internal financial reporting systems and engineered robust data movement processes for reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.

• Supported an internal reporting platform using PHP, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.
• Designed ETL and ELT processes for financial data preparation, transformation, and distribution.
• Automated extraction and report-generation workflows to reduce manual handling.
• Implemented REST-based integrations and data validation controls.
• Applied unit testing and data integrity practices within a regulated financial environment.

Software Engineer at Dealers Online (2018-05 – 2019-12)

Combined software engineering, DevOps, and business analysis responsibilities across dealer management platforms.

• Introduced DevOps practices and automated deployment workflows to improve release consistency.
• Designed REST APIs and WebSocket-enabled functionality for automotive inventory and dealer operations.
• Facilitated stakeholder engagement, planning sessions, and delivery coordination with external partners.
• Improved database performance and caching strategies across MySQL and PostgreSQL workloads.
• Delivered solutions using Yii, Vue.js, Node.js, and supporting infrastructure tooling.

Software Engineer & Team Leader at BaseBone PLC (2016-09 – 2018-04)

Led development planning and technical delivery while remaining hands-on in engineering and database design.

• Led sprint planning, grooming, release preparation, and end-of-sprint delivery management.
• Produced technical documentation, testing approaches, and delivery coordination artifacts.
• Helped architect database and application solutions using PHP, MySQL, Angular, and Java EE.
• Supported internal e-commerce and Node.js-driven application initiatives.
• Strengthened engineering discipline through structured unit, integration, and acceptance testing practices.

Software Engineer at Discover Africa Group (2015-11 – 2016-08)

Supported web platform continuity and engineering team effectiveness for a travel-focused digital business.

• Maintained a corporate website and resolved application issues using PHP and MySQL.
• Contributed code support, review assistance, and problem-solving for peer developers.
• Established a broader testing approach spanning unit, integration, and acceptance testing.
• Worked with ExpressionEngine CMS and Git-based version control.

Business Analyst & IT Support Consultant at Kairos Computer Risk Management (2013-01 – 2015-08)

Delivered a blend of business analysis, software support, infrastructure administration, and solution design assistance.

• Performed Linux system administration across RedHat, CentOS, Ubuntu, and Debian environments.
• Administered Apache and NGINX web infrastructure and supported application delivery needs.
• Contributed Java development work and agile project coordination using Asana.
• Supported UI/UX and wireframing activities using Adobe and prototyping tools.
• Improved team practices around Git version control and developer workflow adoption.

IT Support Specialist at Energy Africa Pty Ltd (acquired by Tullow Oil PLC) (1997-01 – 2009-03)

Built a strong technical foundation through enterprise infrastructure support, data handling, and operational continuity work.

• Supported Windows workstation environments, Microsoft Exchange, and enterprise productivity tooling.
• Provided specialist support for Schlumberger Petrel and ESRI GIS software used in the energy sector.
• Managed backup, disaster recovery, and data protection procedures for critical business information.
• Administered core network services including TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP.
• Handled asset lifecycle tracking, user enablement, and technical documentation.

Business Analyst