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Brian Quinn
Verified Expert in Engineering
Full-stack Developer
London, United Kingdom
Toptal member since September 28, 2020
Bio
Quinn is a seasoned tech consultant for Fortune 500 companies and award-winning startups. Specializing in AI-driven enterprise solutions, he constructs machine learning models and builds scalable, future-ready web and mobile applications. As an expert coder and exceptional communicator, Quinn solves complex problems and bridges technical teams with stakeholders. He delivers innovative, strategic solutions that drive successful project outcomes.
Portfolio
Collective Memory
Multistage LLM Chains, Vectorization, Prompt Engineering, LangChain, Flutter...
Medtronic
iOS, Swift, React Native, Flutter, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Python...
University College London – Drink Less
iOS, Flutter, Node.js, Serverless, Swift, MongoDB, SQL, Full-stack Development...
Experience
- Full-stack Development - 20 years
- iOS - 18 years
- Python - 15 years
- Flutter - 7 years
- React - 7 years
- Machine Learning - 6 years
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) - 6 years
- Large Language Models (LLMs) - 3 years
Work Experience
AI Consultant & System Architect
2024 - 2025
Collective Memory
- Advised on and implemented technology stack for scaling to 100 million users.
- Implemented improvements to AI search stack, including vectorization, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), and prompt engineering.
- Used AI coding agents to assist rapid prototyping of mobile and web apps.
- Advised on top-level strategy for integration of complex interrelated systems (AI, blockchain, UX philosophy).
Technologies: Multistage LLM Chains, Vectorization, Prompt Engineering, LangChain, Flutter, JavaScript, Python, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), APIs, API Design, WebSockets, Android
Enterprise Mobile Developer | AI and AWS Infrastructure
2020 - 2024
Medtronic
- Designed an AI engine for providing natural language (NLP) health suggestions to improve sleep based on an introspective deep learning model.
- Modernized, modularized, and implemented CI/CD-based testability for a complex and multi-platform codebase (iOS, Android, Flutter, and React Native) at the root of an AI-driven biotech application.
- Ported a hybrid bespoke and AWS user authorization system to AWS Cognito and Lambda (Python).
- Resolved hard application and architecture bugs that had eluded the internal development teams. These included concurrency issues, build problems, AWS-specific challenges, and server and front-end bugs.
- Developed a Node.js-based CMS deployable via Kubernetes and Docker, designed to serve content and manage the UX of mobile applications. Developed a Flutter-based prototype to serve as a model for the future of the department's application development.
Technologies: iOS, Swift, React Native, Flutter, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Python, Serverless, Docker, Kubernetes, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Deep Learning, Redux, SQL, API Development, Full-stack Development, Git, Code Architecture, SDK Development, System Architecture Design, Concurrency, Machine Learning, Scalability, Sagas, TypeScript, WebSockets, Android, React
Consultant & Mobile Developer
2016 - 2024
University College London – Drink Less
- Developed an award-winning iOS app to help people drink less while also collecting data for science. Featured by Adrian Chiles on BBC TV5.
- Rescued the initial release from a failed development cycle and have delivered consistent, reliable code at scale for many years.
- Listed on the internal "Preferred Providers" database for the prestigious University College London.
- Provided AI/ML and big data consultancy, analyzing a database of over 5 million records.
Technologies: iOS, Flutter, Node.js, Serverless, Swift, MongoDB, SQL, Full-stack Development, JavaScript, Git, Code Architecture, System Architecture Design, Scalability, HTML, Native Mobile Apps
Senior Developer & Team Leader
2019 - 2020
Mega Events
- Delivered complex features with seamless deployment on eCommerce servers, handling over 100,000 daily visitors.
- Modernized infrastructure stack with a high-volume, event-driven architecture with sophisticated analytics and CRM features.
- Developed an MVP for a cross-platform mobile app using React Native.
Technologies: React Native, JavaScript, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CSS, Full-stack Development, SQL, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Web Scalability, Project Management, Git, Code Architecture, System Architecture Design, Scalability, HTML, WebRTC
Strategy Consultant & Technical Project Lead
2019 - 2019
Softchow by Sir Alan Yau
- Led planning and prototyping for a food-focused social network by Sir Alan Yau, founder of Wagamama and Hakkasan.
- Guided a team in strategic UX planning, viral business strategy, and systems architecture design.
- Developed an NLP chatbot, creating prototypes with a Python/Flask API and React Native app integration.
Technologies: Natural Language Processing (NLP), Python, React Native, Redux, JavaScript, SQL, API Development, Project Management, Full-stack Development, Git, Code Architecture, Cross-platform App Development, System Architecture Design, Serverless, Scalability, HTML, WebRTC
Lead AI & Mobile Developer
2017 - 2019
Pointr Labs | Indoor Location Data and Analytics Platform
- Developed patent-pending AI algorithms for precise indoor location tracking using sparse Bluetooth beacons.
- Designed and implemented a 3D augmented reality (AR) experience for indoor navigation.
- Managed a growing development team across three countries, introducing a custom Git-based workflow to streamline multi-team, version-connected projects.
- Optimized complex C++ concurrency code for improved performance.
- Reduced development costs and complexities across teams by designing and overseeing the development of a React Native-based cross-platform solution for shared code.
Technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Swift, iOS, Python, Node.js, C++, React Native, JavaScript, Augmented Reality (AR), API Development, Project Management, Git, Code Architecture, SDK Development, Cross-platform App Development, Internet of Things (IoT), Concurrency, Machine Learning, Native Mobile Apps, WebSockets, Android, WebRTC
Senior Developer & Consultant
2014 - 2017
Octer | AI-based High Street Retail
- Provided consultancy and development for Seedrs-funded award-winning startup.
- Designed and implemented a Python/scikit-learn model to facilitate targeted advertising.
- Increased user engagement and retention through advising on UX strategy and implementing custom GUI components.
Technologies: iOS, Swift, Python, Node.js, JavaScript, SQL, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Git, Code Architecture, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Native Mobile Apps, Android
iOS Team Lead & Lead Developer
2014 - 2014
MPC's VFX | X Factor
- Led a team to architect and build an iOS application promoted to millions of users on daily national television as part of a contest.
- Architected the flow of user-generated multimedia to server farms for processing for eventually realtime broadcasting on prime time television.
- Overcame numerous technical hurdles to deliver the project successfully to an non-negiotiable deadline.
Technologies: iOS, Swift, Concurrency, Augmented Reality (AR), Project Management, JavaScript, Git, Code Architecture, Native Mobile Apps
Senor Developer & Team Lead
2013 - 2014
Isobar (Aegis Media) / Scottish Power
- Resurrected a failing project and delivered it to its original deadline.
- Hired a development team and served as lead developer for creating a home automation iOS app.
- Managed a team of four using Agile and Scrum methodologies.
- Developed a novel, highly responsive OpenGL/GLSL interface.
Technologies: iOS, Swift, Objective-C, Node.js, JavaScript, OpenGL, Internet of Things (IoT), Project Management, Full-stack Development, Git, Code Architecture, Native Mobile Apps
Senior Developer
2013 - 2013
SapientNitro | NatWest
- Consulted on user experience development for a project that won a Cannes Gold award for Best Mobile Innovation.
- Facilitated rapid development of custom user interfaces and integration with back-end systems.
- Oversaw an outsourced developer team and ensured their alignment with project specifications and standards.
Technologies: iOS, Swift, Objective-C, Git, Code Architecture, SDK Development, Native Mobile Apps
Project History
Facilitai — AI-driven Natural Language Wiki
https://facilitai.onrender.comThis is a prototype of a natural language research tool for workshops and experience facilitators of all kinds, and it consists of a large language model (LLM) fine-tuned for responding to queries from a proprietary wiki database. The fine-tuning is API based and can be triggered to stay up-to-date with the latest wiki data.
Universal Pictures | GlassEye
GlassEye engaged me to architect and develop this visually rich and high-scale web technology for Universal's movie promotion for The World's End. I chose a React, Node.js, AND Redis-based stack on Heroku for its speed, scalability, and ease of deployment.
The system also comprised a web front end with multiple scenes, CSS-based animations, and a rich user interface. In addition, it had to work cross-browser and cross-platform mobile with uncompromising accuracy and user-friendliness.
The front-end application communicated with a 3rd-party image compositing API to generate social media banners and graphics for the user to download. The full-stack application utilized Redis to coordinate the complex communication across the APIs, back end, front end, and multiple web and worker nodes on Heroku.
The system also comprised a web front end with multiple scenes, CSS-based animations, and a rich user interface. In addition, it had to work cross-browser and cross-platform mobile with uncompromising accuracy and user-friendliness.
The front-end application communicated with a 3rd-party image compositing API to generate social media banners and graphics for the user to download. The full-stack application utilized Redis to coordinate the complex communication across the APIs, back end, front end, and multiple web and worker nodes on Heroku.
NatWest Future of Banking
SapientNitro is one of the largest global media organizations. They engaged me on behalf of the UK bank, NatWest, to co-develop prototypes for the "Future of Banking." This involved UX planning, rapid development of custom user interfaces, and integration with back-end systems. The work later received the Cannes Gold Award for Best Mobile Innovation.
AC Sabre App – Air Craft Media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6EkCxDoHQQ&pp=ygUMYWMgc2FicmUgYXBwAC Sabre is a gestural musical instrument with professional features for iOS devices. As an amalgamation of many technical and visual skills, the interface is a beautifully simple yet feature-laden UX work of art. It utilizes OpenGL and custom GLSL shaders for the real-time movement feedback and lighting effects.
Behind the scenes are real-time, high-accuracy data streaming over Bluetooth; event-driven architecture in Swift and Objective-C; and DSP audio processing in C++. The companion app, AC Central, allows auto-configured wireless connections to other iOS devices for networked play.
Behind the scenes are real-time, high-accuracy data streaming over Bluetooth; event-driven architecture in Swift and Objective-C; and DSP audio processing in C++. The companion app, AC Central, allows auto-configured wireless connections to other iOS devices for networked play.
Education
1998 - 2002
Bachelor's Degree in Physics
Princeton University - Princeton, NJ, USA
Certifications
OCTOBER 2024 - PRESENT
Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI
SuperDataScience
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Node.js, React, API Development, OpenGL, WebRTC
Tools
Git, Jupyter, Amazon SageMaker, Sublime Text, Terminal, Whisper
Languages
Swift, JavaScript, Objective-C, SQL, Python, CSS, HTML, TypeScript, C++
Frameworks
Ruby on Rails (RoR), React Native, Flutter, Redux
Platforms
iOS, MacOS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Firebase, Docker, Android, Kubernetes, Linux, Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
Industry Expertise
Project Management
Storage
MongoDB
Other
Scalability, SDK Development, Cross-platform App Development, Web App Development, Mobile App Development, Code Architecture, Concurrency, Full-stack Development, System Architecture Design, Native Mobile Apps, Sagas, Prompt Engineering, APIs, API Design, Full-stack, Augmented Reality (AR), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Serverless, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Web Scalability, Deep Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), Multistage LLM Chains, Vectorization, LangChain, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), WebSockets, JetBrains IDE, Google Colaboratory (Colab), OpenAI, Audio
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