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Software engineering

Keith Hards — Senior Backend Developer

Location: West Huntspill, Somerset

👋 Personal Profile

I’m Keith — a full-stack developer with over a decade of experience building enterprise-grade PHP applications. I specialize in Laravel (currently 11) and React, with a strong focus on backend architecture, event-driven systems, and legacy modernization. I thrive in fast-moving environments, love mentoring, and bring a dry wit to every stand-up.

🧠 Technical Skills

  • Languages: PHP 8.3, Java (Spring Boot), JavaScript, SQL, Bash
  • Frameworks: Laravel 11, Livewire, Vue.js 2, React, Symfony
  • Testing: PHPUnit, Selenium, TDD
  • DevOps: Docker, AWS, Bitbucket Pipelines, Apache, Linux
  • Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redshift, SQLite, NoSQL
  • Tools: Jira, Confluence, Git, Composer, Redis, Kinesis
  • CMS: WordPress (plugin dev), custom PHP CMS
  • Soft Skills: Mentoring, Scrum Mastering, Code Reviews, Documentation

💼 Work Experience

Loqbox — Senior Backend Developer (2022–Present)
Leading backend development in a remote-first team. Architected Laravel 11 services using events to stream financial data to CRMs via AWS Kinesis. Built scalable APIs and React-based admin tools. Acted as Scrum Master for a 10-person cross-functional team.

Cardstream — Senior Software Engineer
Modernized a legacy PHP 5.3 payment gateway to PHP 8.1 with Docker. Built merchant onboarding systems, integrated Apple Pay, and ensured PCI compliance. Led certification efforts with external processors.

Toolstation — Senior Software Integration Engineer
Saved £500k in shipping costs by enhancing warehouse systems. Built Laravel/Vue.js parcel apps, integrated with DPD/Parcelforce, and developed Android-based picking tools. Migrated legacy systems to Docker and PHP 7.

Kwikevent.com — Founder & Full Stack Developer
Rebuilt a DJ booking platform using Laravel 8, Vue.js, and Livewire. Designed complex scheduling, pricing, and multi-user logic. Personal project for skill development and experimentation.

☕ Java Training & Backend Architecture

To deepen my backend architecture skills, I’ve recently completed Java training focused on Spring Boot, concurrency, and JVM internals. I’ve explored:

  • Thread-based concurrency vs PHP’s process model
  • JVM memory management and garbage collection tuning
  • Spring Boot microservices with REST APIs and scheduled jobs
  • Batch processing with Spring Batch for credit scoring and reporting

This complements my PHP expertise and positions me to lead hybrid stacks or migrate performance-critical components to the JVM where appropriate.

🎓 Education

BSc (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering — University of Plymouth
Graduated with First Class Honours. Focused on embedded systems, software engineering, and electronics.

🎯 Personal Projects & Interests

I build tools for fun — from DJ booking platforms to custom inventory systems for my partner’s business. I’m passionate about clean code, developer experience, and making legacy systems lovable again. I also enjoy reading software engineering books and experimenting with new frameworks.

Let’s build something elegant, scalable, and slightly cheeky.