Paul Castle
Senior Frontend Software Developer with extensive experience in software development, spanning nearly two decades. Skilled in developing a wide range of projects from single-page web apps to enterprise-level applications.
Highly proficient in various front-end development disciplines and software, with a solid understanding of back-end development and maintenance. As a technical lead on multiple projects, I collaborate with my agile team to produce and maintain high-quality software. Passionate about continuous learning and growth, I actively mentor team members and strive to enhance my skillset daily.
Skills
- Strong communication and problem solving skills, with the ability to clearly convey concepts, interpret requirements and address complex issues effectively.
- Highly proficient in Javascript and Typescript development.
- Committed to writing and maintaining code that is performant, scalable, modular, and to a high standard of quality. Utilises linters, formatters and quality gate tools to ensure consistency across codebases.
- Experienced with version control tools, primarily Git, for collaborating on projects with teams of various sizes.
- Experienced in working in agile environments with a number of teams of varying sizes, both in one-off projects and CI/CD products.
- Extensive experience in developing and maintaining unit tests using Karma, Jasmine, and Jest.
- Proficient in web application and component frameworks, including Angular, React, and LitJS, and skilled in related build tools such as Webpack, Rollup, and Babel.
- Highly experienced in developing frontend web applications focused on API interaction, as well as creating headless microservices like webhooks.
- A solid knowledge of Docker, having developed projects that are specifically built for containerized deployment.
- Skilled in the development of custom web-components.
- Strong user interface design and prototyping skills, with proficiency in Adobe, Affinty and Figma tools, aimed at optimizing user experience.
- Experienced in developing cross-browser and cross-device compatible applications, with a deep understanding of browser feature support and debugging tools.
- Highly experienced in state management tools (notably NgRx), as well as utilizing asynchronous stream development with RxJS.
Experience
Arria NLG
Senior Frontend & UI/UX Engineer (2018 - present)
Currently working with the technology team to develop software that leverages cutting-edge technology to complement the companies core NLG data-to-text capabilities.
- Work primarily with the integrations team to develop and support the deployment of Arria language services into custom host environments.
- Serve as the tech lead for the frontend suite of components in a development SDK library, intended for use by internal teams and third-party developers.
- Assist product owners in translating business requirements into technical solutions and support other developers in software architecture design.
- Engage in peer reviews and rigorous unit testing to ensure high code quality, and collaborate with the DevOps team to establish and enforce code repository contribution policies.
- Provide technical and aftercare support to third-party developers, and assist support teams with troubleshooting, debugging and feature demonstrations.
- Collaborate with local and global colleagues on designing, prototyping, workload planning, and implementing software solutions.
- Mentors fellow developers as a point of contact, providing guidance and support.
- Create design mockups, wireframe flows, and functional prototypes for both new software and feature enhancements, and strive to improve software usability through thoughtful design and user experience considerations.
Internet Strategies UK Ltd
Web developer (2014 - 2018)
Served as a key member of the development team, liaised with clients to interpret their requirements and participated in the full life cycle of new projects in addition to the maintenance and tuning of existing projects.
- Hands on development of all web projects from genesis to delivery for clients within a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, charities, hospitality, sports and commerce.
- Developed projects based around a variety of CMS systems, including the construction of API software, plugins and templates.
- Developed a custom PHP/SASS/JS boilerplate framework for internal use. This framework provides a quick and efficient starting point for new projects as well as a set of lightweight and common tools.
- Implemented a preprocessing build system for SASS and JS, and mentored the team in its utilisation.
- Provided technical & aftercare support to clients and end users in person, over the phone and via remote desktop.
- Implemented an internal wiki documentation system that allows the team to track projects and document project-specific procedures.
- Self directed research and experimentation of emerging web development technologies, and initiating team discussion resulting in the adoption of software and practices beneficial to the company.
mindResin
Freelance web design & development (2005 – 2014)
Self-founded venture that provided web design and development services to individuals and SME as an independent contractor.
- Provided designs and illustrations for print and web, including logo development.
- Designed and developed over 25 Norwegian municipal websites for a recurring client. Three of these sites (Ringsaker, Askim and Marker kommune) were awarded the highest possible rating of 6 stars by DIFI (The agency for public management and eGovernment) for quality in its official 2013 review. Only 33 out of 658 total municipal sites achieved a perfect 6 score. (Link)
- My portfolio of work was featured in the design magazine ‘Zillion Designs’, as one of the top 25 portfolios to follow in 2014. (Link)
Education
University College of Creative Arts, Maidstone
BA (Hons) Illustration
Uxbridge College, Middlesex
BTEC National Diploma in Art Foundation, BTEC National Diploma in I.T. Applications
Uxbridge High School, Middlesex
7 A-C GCSE’s
Interests & Hobbies
I am passionate about 3D printing technology and have developed skills in 3D modelling, including parametric design and digital sculpting. I enjoy creating both decorative and functional prints, and I actively share my projects with the 3D printing community.
In my free time, I work on my homelab setup, engaging in hobby coding projects and deploying self-hosted services. You can find examples of these projects on my GitHub profile.
Additionally, I have a background in illustration and art, and I regularly participate in painting, printmaking, and illustration workshops. My creative pursuits often influence and enrich my work.