Keith is available for hire
Hire KeithKeith Zimmerman
Verified Expert in Engineering
Databases Developer
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Toptal member since November 30, 2014
Bio
Keith is an experienced architect, developer, and modeler with superb communication skills and the ability to see a project through from beginning to end. He is equally comfortable with the rapid prototyping needs of startup companies and the Agile development workflow in larger teams.
Portfolio
NextEra Analytics (via Super Go Faster)
Java, Kotlin, Vue 2, Vue 3, Python, Python 3, Vue, Vite, TypeScript, PostgreSQL...
Yukon Solutions
Streaming, HTTP, React, Angular, Node.js, TypeScript, JSON, Ajax, REST...
Fortune 50 Heavy Equipment Manufacturer
Oracle, Java, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Jira, Scrum...
Experience
- Databases - 20 years
- SQL - 18 years
- Java - 16 years
- Oracle - 16 years
- JavaScript - 13 years
- Agile Software Development - 10 years
- REST - 10 years
- TypeScript - 8 years
Preferred Environment
Atlassian, Jenkins, OS X, IntelliJ IDEA, Git
The most amazing...
...learning experience I had early in my career was in a performance benchmark project for a large retailer.
Work Experience
Principal Software Developer
2020 - PRESENT
NextEra Analytics (via Super Go Faster)
- Built a new Vue application from scratch with one other team member, despite having no prior Vue experience. Chose Vue 2 with the Composition API, which was new at the time and enabled full TypeScript compatibility.
- Added new functionality to an Angular mobile web app used by technicians in the field. The web app had to work well for extended periods without an internet connection during remote fieldwork.
- Adapted to quarterly team changes quickly, which would often leave me as the sole senior developer remaining. I worked diligently to onboard new team members while continuing to complete the same development tasks.
- Supported numerous heavy analytics applications written in Python and Julia. Learned how to work with combinations efficiently.
- Worked with a PostgreSQL database with PostGIS to query for land clusters on a US map, using functions like ST_Intersect. Created geometry indexes for lightning-fast responses.
- Created brand new map visualizations for energy prospects. Used Mapbox and Leaflet to add both raster data and GeoJSON data to the map, with interactive markers and tooltips.
- Integrated AI agents into an existing application, with the purpose of determining community sentiment for prospecting.
- Converted a Python API from Chalice to FastAPI, including scheduled Lambdas, step functions, and SQS handlers.
- Became the technical lead of a team of senior full-stack software engineers.
Technologies: Java, Kotlin, Vue 2, Vue 3, Python, Python 3, Vue, Vite, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, JSON, Ajax, REST, REST APIs, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Jira, Scrum, Agile Software Development, HTML5, Front-end, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux, Security, CSS, Test-driven Development (TDD), Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Node.js, Angular, Confluence, Data Modeling, Single-page Applications (SPAs), HTML, Continuous Integration (CI), MacOS, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Kanban, Prototyping, Front-end Development, APIs, GraphQL, Microservices, Mobile Web, Docker, Amazon DynamoDB, Full-stack, Mobile, Web Development, IntelliJ IDEA, Full-stack Development, AWS Lambda, React Query, Algorithms, NumPy, Pytest, Machine Learning, SciPy, OS X, Atlassian, Git, Tailwind CSS, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Docker Compose, Next.js, API Gateways, Serverless, Microservices Architecture, AWS Step Functions, Frameworks, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Kubernetes, Grafana, TimescaleDB, API Integration, CI/CD Pipelines, WebSockets, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Vibe Coding, Parallel Computing, AI Agents, Authentication, Large Language Models (LLMs), Code Review, Data Analytics, Software Architecture, Solution Architecture, GIS, Integration, Application Configuration, Claude Code, Cursor AI, FastAPI, MVP Design, IT Audits, Software Development, Technical Leadership, Cloud Infrastructure, DevOps, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Delivery Management, Google Tag Manager, Amazon EC2, MySQL, UI Development, SaaS, Agentic AI, Cloud, Dashboards, AI-assisted Development, Back-end, Cross-functional Communication, Terraform, Automation, Hands-on Implementation, High Code Quality, Infrastructure, Leadership, Scaling, Claude, LLM Integration, Django, System Architecture, Anthropic, Agentic Frameworks, Agentic Workflow Design, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Middleware
Freelance Developer
2017 - PRESENT
Yukon Solutions
- Prototyped web applications using Node.js with Angular 2+ or React.
- Taught junior developers the concepts behind front-end and back-end development, including work in Node.js, React, Angular, Jest, and Ant Design.
- Handled administration for a WordPress site that brought students and colleges together.
Technologies: Streaming, HTTP, React, Angular, Node.js, TypeScript, JSON, Ajax, REST, REST APIs, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, MongoDB, HTML5, CSS, GitHub, NoSQL, Bootstrap, Jest, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), MySQL, Bitbucket, Data Modeling, Single-page Applications (SPAs), HTML, Continuous Integration (CI), MacOS, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Trello, Prototyping, Front-end Development, Antd, MEAN Stack, GraphQL, Mobile Web, PHP, Docker, Amazon DynamoDB, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, Full-stack, Mobile, Web Development, DigitalOcean, WordPress, Next.js, Full-stack Development, AWS Lambda, Ant Design, React Query, TanStack Router, Vue, Python, Test-driven Development (TDD), Algorithms, NumPy, Pytest, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), OS X, Atlassian, Git, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Analytics 4 (GA4), eCommerce, API Gateways, Serverless, Microservices Architecture, Odoo, Data Security, Compliance, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Privacy, Frameworks, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), CTO, React Redux, API Integration, Webhooks, Airtable, n8n, CI/CD Pipelines, WebSockets, Vibe Coding, React Native, Authentication, Code Review, QuickBooks Online, Software Architecture, Solution Architecture, Integration, Application Configuration, Claude Code, Cursor AI, CRM, Emailers, MVP Design, Software Development, Cloud Infrastructure, DevOps, Resource Management, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Delivery Management, Redis, Google Tag Manager, Marketing, Zapier, UI Development, AI Agents, SaaS, Agentic AI, Cloud, Dashboards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), AI-assisted Development, Back-end, Hands-on Implementation, High Code Quality, Infrastructure, Scaling, Fractional CTO, Claude, LLM Integration, System Architecture, Anthropic, Express.js, Agentic Frameworks, Agentic Workflow Design, Microsoft Entra ID, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Windows PowerShell, Middleware
Senior DAM Support Specialist
2018 - 2020
Fortune 50 Heavy Equipment Manufacturer
- Built and supported the entire software architecture of OpenText Media Manager, the digital asset manager used by the company to store all marketing images and 3D models.
- Developed scripts in Python and PowerShell to provide maintenance reports, such as a daily report to show any files that failed to make it through every step of an automated data flow.
- Led all development meetings as the team's scrum master and Agile expert.
- Leveraged 3rd-party Computer Vision tools (Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services) for recognizing faces and other objects in image assets.
Technologies: Oracle, Java, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Jira, Scrum, Agile Software Development, HTML5, Linux, Security, Data Modeling, HTML, Continuous Integration (CI), Front-end Development, Mobile Web, Docker, Architecture, Web Development, Test-driven Development (TDD), Algorithms, NumPy, Atlassian, Windows, Git, Serverless, Frameworks, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), API Integration, IT Audits, Engineering Management, Software Development, Technical Leadership, DevOps, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Delivery Management, Automation, Hands-on Implementation, Infrastructure, Leadership, System Architecture
Lead Web Developer
2015 - 2017
ShopperTrak
- Led a small team of API developers remotely based in Chicago. Promoted Agile patterns, including team-driven processes.
- Used Node.js to communicate with existing web services and Amazon Redshift data warehouse.
- Documented all systems and processes in the company's Confluence-based wiki.
- Started and maintained the company initiative of using TeamCity CI for CI and CD.
- Trained and mentored junior developers in all aspects of full-stack development, including unit testing, end-to-end testing using Protractor, automation, coding conventions, design patterns, fundamental theory, and performance load testing.
- Maintained a Docker image for automated end-to-end testing in a browser.
- Developed queries in MongoDB for user data and geographical data. Used 2dsphere indexes for geographical data. Leveraged aggregation operations for complex data problems.
Technologies: MongoDB, Node.js, TypeScript, JSON, Ajax, REST, REST APIs, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Jira, Scrum, Agile Software Development, HTML5, Front-end, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux, Security, CSS, Test-driven Development (TDD), NoSQL, Bootstrap, Jest, Protractor, Confluence, Single-page Applications (SPAs), HTML, Continuous Integration (CI), MacOS, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Front-end Development, APIs, MEAN Stack, Mobile Web, Docker, Jasmine, Architecture, Full-stack, Mobile, Web Development, IntelliJ IDEA, Full-stack Development, AWS Lambda, Microservices, Algorithms, OS X, Atlassian, Git, React, API Gateways, Serverless, Microservices Architecture, Frameworks, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), API Integration, CI/CD Pipelines, Startups, Data Visualization, Parallel Computing, Authentication, Code Review, Data Analytics, Software Architecture, Solution Architecture, Integration, Application Configuration, Engineering Management, Software Development, Technical Leadership, Cloud Infrastructure, DevOps, IT Project Management, Resource Management, Cybersecurity, Delivery Management, UI Development, SaaS, Cloud, Dashboards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Back-end, Cross-functional Communication, Automation, Hands-on Implementation, High Code Quality, Infrastructure, Leadership, Scaling, System Architecture, Express.js, Middleware
Web Development Contractor
2012 - 2014
Lifetouch
- Built a new visual graphics editor using AngularJS and Grails.
- Reverse-engineered an account management system into a new Grails web app with an Ext JS front end.
- Independently created a new CMS web application in Grails and refactored an existing JSF web application to use the CMS.
- Worked in rapid development cycles with a cross-location team.
- Converted a desktop-only website to a mobile single-page application using AngularJS.
Technologies: Oracle, jQuery, Ext JS, AngularJS, Grails, Groovy, REST APIs, REST, Ajax, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Jira, Scrum, Agile Software Development, HTML5, Front-end, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Linux, Security, CSS, Behavior-driven Development (BDD), Node.js, Angular, Confluence, Spock, Data Modeling, Single-page Applications (SPAs), HTML, Continuous Integration (CI), MacOS, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Front-end Development, APIs, Mobile Web, JUnit, Jasmine, Full-stack, Mobile, Web Development, IntelliJ IDEA, Apache Ant, Full-stack Development, Atlassian, Git, Frameworks, Apache, Authentication, Data Analytics, Solution Architecture, Integration, Application Configuration, Software Development, Cloud Infrastructure, DevOps, Project Management, UI Development, SaaS, Cloud, Back-end, Hands-on Implementation, High Code Quality, Infrastructure, Scaling, System Architecture
Manager, Web Development
2008 - 2011
Merrill Communications, LLC
- Managed a large (30+) development group for the DataSite web application, a leading virtual deal room provider.
- Maintained and supported DataSite 6 while keeping as many developers focused on DataSite 7 as possible.
- Enabled the team to lead themselves by employing managerial techniques influenced by Scrum and Kanban.
- Led data clean-up and migration efforts for all data in the Oracle RDBMS.
- Reviewed and created technical designs in Confluence and Gliffy.
- Administered the Jira project, including custom workflows and fields.
- Created and managed all ISO 27001 controls for development.
- Provided development direction with a focus on security and performance.
Technologies: REST, Oracle, Apache Tomcat, Spring, Apache Struts, Java, REST APIs, Ajax, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Jira, Scrum, Agile Software Development, HTML5, Linux, Security, Behavior-driven Development (BDD), Confluence, Single-page Applications (SPAs), HTML, Continuous Integration (CI), Responsive Web Design (RWD), Kanban, Front-end Development, APIs, Mobile Web, JUnit, Architecture, Full-stack, Mobile, Web Development, IntelliJ IDEA, Apache Ant, Apache Struts 2, Full-stack Development, Atlassian, Jenkins, Frameworks, Apache, CI/CD Pipelines, Authentication, Data Analytics, Financials, Software Architecture, Integration, Application Configuration, IT Audits, Engineering Management, IT Project Management, Resource Management, Data Governance, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Delivery Management, Fintech, UI Development, SaaS, Cloud, Dashboards, Back-end, Cross-functional Communication, Leadership, System Architecture
Technical Lead, Web Development
2007 - 2008
Merrill Communications, LLC
- Designed and architected all development projects.
- Led the project to internationalize a large web application, leveraging Struts and Ext JS.
- Designed a data model, data migration plan, and login experience for single sign-on.
- Facilitated project management with a remote UK translation team and prioritized development tasks.
- Created development processes and documentation for IT general controls: SOX compliance and ISO 27001 compliance.
- Administered all document sharing, collaboration, and bug tracking within Microsoft SharePoint.
Technologies: HTML, Apache Struts, Java, JavaScript, Ext JS, XML, SQL, Databases, Front-end, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Linux, Security, CSS, Confluence, Data Modeling, Single-page Applications (SPAs), Continuous Integration (CI), Responsive Web Design (RWD), Front-end Development, APIs, JUnit, Jasmine, Architecture, Full-stack, Mobile, Web Development, Apache Tomcat, IntelliJ IDEA, Apache Ant, Apache Struts 2, Full-stack Development, Atlassian, Jenkins, Windows, Frameworks, Apache, FileZilla FTP Server, Parallel Computing, Authentication, Code Review, Data Analytics, Financials, Software Architecture, Integration, Application Configuration, IT Audits, Software Development, Technical Leadership, DevOps, IT Project Management, Data Governance, Cybersecurity, Delivery Management, Fintech, Redis, UI Development, SaaS, Cloud, Dashboards, Back-end, Cross-functional Communication, Hands-on Implementation, High Code Quality, Infrastructure, Leadership, Scaling, System Architecture, Middleware
Web Development Consultant
2005 - 2007
Talent Software Services
- Developed JavaScript UI controls before standard widget libraries were prevalent.
- Made web services and service calls using SOAP and Apache Axis.
- Designed a process for migrating all Oracle data to Unicode UTF-8.
- Worked within a support rotation shift, where each developer would spend one week as the primary contact for production issues raised by customer support.
- Rapidly implemented J2EE solutions within short development cycles.
Technologies: JavaScript, Apache Struts, Jakarta Server Pages (JSP), Java, Servlet, HTML, SQL, Databases, Linux, CSS, Front-end Development, Full-stack, Web Development, Apache Tomcat, IntelliJ IDEA, Apache Ant, Apache Struts 2, Full-stack Development, Apache, FileZilla FTP Server, Software Development, Fintech, Financials, Hands-on Implementation, High Code Quality, Infrastructure, Scaling
Web Development Consultant
2004 - 2005
Northrop Grumman
- Maintained and enhanced an integrated USPS HR software system using Oracle and J2EE technology.
- Became the team expert in J2EE, web services, MQ messaging, and Java Struts in a very short time while having little to no previous experience in each technology.
- Augmented a J2EE web application that used Struts MVC and SOAP web services.
- Repaired and modified a messaging system that used MQ Series and XML messages.
- Fielded direct calls from clients during critical usage periods.
Technologies: SOAP, Apache Struts, Jakarta EE (Java EE or J2EE), Oracle PL/SQL, Oracle Forms, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Linux, CSS, HTML, Front-end Development, Web Development, NetBeans, Software Development, High Code Quality, Scaling
Web Developer
2000 - 2004
Retek
- Worked up from entry-level developing to leading a small sized (2-3 person) development group.
- Built an integrated retail software system, RIB, using Oracle and J2EE technology.
- Created user interfaces in RMS using Oracle Forms Developer 6i.
- Integrated large retail applications using services and XML messaging.
- Performance tuned code for high-volume databases using analysis tools such as tkprof and statspack.
- Wrote helper scripts and file generators using Korn shell and Perl scripting.
- Provided support and documentation to clients.
Technologies: Oracle PL/SQL, Oracle Forms, Oracle, SQL, JavaScript, Databases, Linux, Front-end Development, Perl, Web Development, Parallel Computing, Code Review, Point of Sale, Software Development, High Code Quality, Scaling
Experience
Prestige Portraits
https://shop.prestigeportraits.com/shop/login.htmlAn eCommerce website designed for high school seniors to purchase their senior portraits. I had sole responsibility for the creation of a new in-house content management system, leveraging product data from in-house merchandising system.
Services provided: programming in Grails, J2EE and JQuery, performance monitoring, on-call support, and Oracle database analysis & scripting.
Services provided: programming in Grails, J2EE and JQuery, performance monitoring, on-call support, and Oracle database analysis & scripting.
DataSite
http://www.datasite.comDataSite is the world's leading virtual deal room provider. DataSite provides a global, secure solution for hosting all kinds of content for deals and contracts.
I managed and worked with the development team for DataSite, which required an intense focus on security and performance.
I managed and worked with the development team for DataSite, which required an intense focus on security and performance.
Education
1996 - 2000
Bachelor's (with Honors) Degree in Computer Science (minor: Speech/Communications)
University of Minnesota Institute of Technology - Minneapolis, MN
Skills
Libraries/APIs
React, Node.js, Vue, REST APIs, jQuery, React Query, NumPy, SciPy, React Redux, ArcGIS, Leaflet, Antd, Vue 2, Vue 3, Google Maps, OpenLayers
Tools
IntelliJ IDEA, Bitbucket, Confluence, Jira, Apache Tomcat, Atlassian, GitHub, Trello, Git, Apache Ant, Pytest, AWS Step Functions, Apache, GIS, Claude Code, Terraform, Claude, Servlet, Oracle Forms, Jenkins, TanStack Router, Docker Compose, Odoo, Grafana, n8n, Esri, Zapier
Languages
Python, TypeScript, SQL, JavaScript, HTML5, Java, HTML, CSS, PHP, Groovy, XML, GraphQL, Perl, Ruby, Kotlin, Python 3, C, C++, Scheme
Frameworks
Grails, Spock, Next.js, Jest, Protractor, Bootstrap, Angular, AngularJS, Apache Struts, Ext JS, Spring, Apache Struts 2, Ant Design, Tailwind CSS, Express.js, Agentic Frameworks, Jakarta Server Pages (JSP), Ruby on Rails (RoR), JUnit, Jasmine, React Native, Django, Windows PowerShell
Paradigms
Test-driven Development (TDD), MEAN Stack, Scrum, REST, Agile Software Development, Microservices, Behavior-driven Development (BDD), Continuous Integration (CI), Responsive Web Design (RWD), Kanban, DevOps, Automation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Microservices Architecture, Parallel Computing
Platforms
Oracle, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux, MacOS, Windows, Mobile, DigitalOcean, WordPress, AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Mapbox, Amazon EC2, Docker, Jakarta EE (Java EE or J2EE), OS X, NetBeans, Kubernetes
Storage
Databases, MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle PL/SQL, NoSQL, JSON, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Amazon DynamoDB, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, FileZilla FTP Server, Redis, Microsoft Entra ID
Industry Expertise
Cybersecurity, Project Management, Marketing
Other
APIs, Front-end, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Prototyping, Front-end Development, Full-stack, Web Development, Full-stack Development, Algorithms, Startups, FastAPI, Software Development, Technical Leadership, Back-end, Hands-on Implementation, High Code Quality, Infrastructure, Leadership, System Architecture, Data Modeling, Security, Ajax, Single-page Applications (SPAs), Architecture, Machine Learning, API Gateways, Serverless, Data Privacy, Frameworks, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), CTO, Compliance, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Security, API Integration, CI/CD Pipelines, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Visualization, AI Agents, Authentication, Code Review, Data Analytics, Financials, Software Architecture, Solution Architecture, Integration, Application Configuration, Cursor AI, MVP Design, IT Audits, Engineering Management, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Project Management, Delivery Management, Fintech, Google Tag Manager, UI Development, SaaS, Agentic AI, Cloud, Dashboards, AI-assisted Development, Cross-functional Communication, Scaling, LLM Integration, Anthropic, Agentic Workflow Design, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Middleware, SOAP, HTTP, Streaming, Mobile Web, Vite, Networks, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), eCommerce, TimescaleDB, Webhooks, Airtable, WebSockets, Vibe Coding, OpenStreetMap, Physics, Large Language Models (LLMs), Point of Sale, QuickBooks Online, CRM, Emailers, Resource Management, Data Governance, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Fractional CTO
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