Rodrigo is available for hire
Hire RodrigoRodrigo Varela
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Developer
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Toptal Member Since
December 7, 2020
Rodrigo is a software engineer with over a decade of experience developing applications for various industries and working with teams around the globe. He has a computer science degree from Buenos Aires University and specializes in Android, Kotlin, Java, PHP, APIs, Bash, and databases. Rodrigo is a focused, organized, and productive developer who has led many teams, managed entire full-stack development projects, and excelled as a collaborative individual contributor.
Portfolio
Polybit Studio
Node.js, JavaScript, Redis, PostgreSQL, Prisma, Game Development
NSExtensions (via Toptal)
Firebase, JSON, Firebase Cloud Functions, TypeScript, Salesforce, NetSuite...
NSExtensions (via Toptal)
React, Node.js, Progressive Web Applications (PWA), PWA, Firebase...
Experience
Availability
Part-time
Preferred Environment
Trello, Slack, GitHub, MacOS, Blockchain, Crypto
The most amazing...
...app I developed is the official companion Android app for Moment mobile lenses. It ranked top-five in the camera app category on Google Play for three years.
Work Experience
Back-end Engineer
2023 - PRESENT
Polybit Studio
- Took over an unfinished refactor to improve scalability and successfully finished Redis Cache integration and API redesign.
- Identified, tracked, and fixed bugs to prepare for production release.
- Helped build a plan for after-release development and features.
Technologies: Node.js, JavaScript, Redis, PostgreSQL, Prisma, Game Development
Firebase Developer
2022 - PRESENT
NSExtensions (via Toptal)
- Created a Node.js system using Firebase functions to provide endpoints facilitating information synchronization between NetSuite and Salesforce.
- Implemented scheduled jobs within the system to query the Salesforce API, ensuring the queried data is available to NetSuite-specific endpoints.
- Provided an endpoint that simplifies updating mappings used for business logic, preparing Salesforce data for easy consumption by NetSuite.
Technologies: Firebase, JSON, Firebase Cloud Functions, TypeScript, Salesforce, NetSuite, Software Release Management, QA Testing, Data Architecture, Requirements, Story Mapping, Unit Testing, Testing, Node.js, Asynchronous Programming, Front-end Development, Jest, Redux, Firebase Hosting, Firebase Instance ID, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), Service Workers, Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), Tailwind CSS
Firebase Engineer
2021 - PRESENT
NSExtensions (via Toptal)
- Developed a cloud-based, serverless solution from scratch for the company's shipping solution. Its architecture is primarily based on Google Cloud Run and Firebase functions.
- Built a React PWA app that utilized the services offered by the abovementioned architecture and deployed it into production for the company's main corporate client.
- Set up environments to handle corporate clients and a mass consumption app.
- Developed a simple back office for data analysis based on React-admin.
Technologies: React, Node.js, PWA, Progressive Web Applications (PWA), Firebase, Firebase Hosting, Bash, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Serverless, CI/CD Pipelines, Linux, Docker, JSON, Firebase Cloud Functions, Full-stack, CircleCI, Stripe, QA Automation, Continuous Integration (CI), Release Management, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microservices, Distributed Systems, Back-end, Task Analysis, APIs, Visual Studio, Twilio, Debugging, Architecture, Flutter, Next.js, REST APIs, Web Design, OAuth 2, Authentication, GIS, Interactive UI, API Integration, Web Development, Accounts, Sanity CMS, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Software Design, Leadership, Reporting, CRM APIs, JavaScript Libraries, Web Architecture, Mobile Architecture, ACH, Stripe API, Stripe Payments, Payment APIs, Technical Leadership, Startups, Scalability, Planning, Finance, Requirements Analysis, Cloud Infrastructure, UI Design, Front-end, UX Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Material UI, Git, Responsive Design, Data Analysis, Logistics, Databases, Back-end Architecture, Software Release Management, QA Testing, Data Architecture, Requirements, Story Mapping, Square API, Square Payment Gateway, Unit Testing, Testing, Asynchronous Programming, Front-end Development, JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
Firebase Expert
2023 - 2024
Converso
- Acted as a Firebase expert to help with chat messaging features. Quickly identified customer blocking points on a discovery call and set up a working plan.
- Researched the topic with conclusions on how to move forward.
- Detailed solutions in a PDF document to unblock customers, with supporting links to everything mentioned.
Technologies: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), Firebase, Firebase Hosting, Firebase Instance ID, Service Workers, WebSockets, JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
Senior Java Software Engineer
2023 - 2023
FUJIFILM
- Consulted with the company for six months on implementing a new document warehouse workflow visualization system meant to be built on top of their legacy platform.
- Designed a comprehensive solution, including the necessary data model, and implemented the foundational components and functionalities to provide a solid starting point for the team to continue the development process.
- Contributed to a rebranding project for an existing Angular front end application used by multiple clients, enabling multi-OAuth2 sign-on.
Technologies: Java, AngularJS, Oracle, Spring, Spring Boot, Back-end Architecture, Data Architecture, Requirements, Story Mapping, Unit Testing, Testing, Node.js, Asynchronous Programming, Front-end Development, JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
Firebase Developer
2021 - 2023
NS Extensions LLC (via Toptal)
- Developed a cloud-based serverless solution in Firebase to add specific functionality to a Netsuite setup used for shipping products on behalf of an important provider for a well-known fast food company.
- Initiated the development of QuickShipToday by creating a React application that would also use the same back-end infrastructure.
- Adapted the features to meet the evolving demands, incorporating necessary redesigns and adding support applications like a back-office and an integrated blog using Sanity.io.
Technologies: Firebase, JSON, Firebase Cloud Functions, Flutter, TypeScript, Back-end Architecture, Software Release Management, QA Testing, Data Architecture, Requirements, Story Mapping, Square API, Square Payment Gateway, Unit Testing, Testing, Node.js, Asynchronous Programming, Front-end Development, JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
Senior Full-stack Engineer Consultant
2022 - 2022
Digital Creators Pty Ltd
- Developed an app for a fitness startup focused on people with disabilities using Django, PostgreSQL, and React.
- Built a Node.js and Web3 React app for a fintech startup promoting sponsorship of low-income countries' sportsmen through NFTs.
- Created a health-related app via Firebase, Node.js, and React Native.
Technologies: JavaScript, Node.js, Python, Django, PostgreSQL, React, Web Architecture, Payment APIs, Technical Leadership, Startups, Planning, Finance, Requirements Analysis, UI Design, Front-end, UX Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Git, Responsive Design, Data Analysis, Databases, QA Testing, Requirements, Story Mapping, Google Play Store, Unit Testing, Testing, Asynchronous Programming, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), App Development
Senior Full-stack Engineer Consultant
2021 - 2022
Life Skills Group
- Performed code audit to create an improvement plan focused on reusability.
- Set up an npm repository linked to the company's Git codebase, enabling internal sharing of libraries. Used npm scripts to make the library-sharing process easier for developers.
- Conducted a complete redesign of the company's main database to support its growth trajectory. It involved performing functional analysis, designing database schemas, and providing tips for implementation.
- Applied general Git.js and software engineering best practices, providing consultancy when requested.
Technologies: JavaScript, GitLab, GitLab CI/CD, Python, REST, Mobile Architecture, Payment APIs, Technical Leadership, Startups, Planning, Requirements Analysis, Front-end, UX Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Git, Responsive Design, Data Analysis, Databases, Requirements, Story Mapping, Unit Testing, Testing, Node.js, Asynchronous Programming
Principal Software Engineer
2020 - 2020
Bilue
- Contributed to several Android projects for one of Australia's leading health insurance providers.
- Integrated with a company team to help the leading developer transition to another project and helped build a new team.
- Tackled main screen tech-debt refactoring with app stabilization from an approximate 94% crash-free session rate to over 99.6%, biometrics login, PDF claiming, and digital payments using Braintree integration and NFC EFTPOS device communications.
Technologies: Java, Kotlin, Android, CI/CD Pipelines, Linux, JSON, Firebase Cloud Functions, Android Studio, Android SDK, Buildkite, BrainTree, QA Automation, Continuous Integration (CI), Release Management, Software Architecture, RxJava, Retrofit, Amazon Web Services (AWS), PostgreSQL, Back-end, Technical Hiring, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, Interviewing, Swift, iOS, APIs, C#, Team Management, Debugging, Architecture, Mobile App Development, WebSockets, REST APIs, Authentication, Interactive UI, API Integration, Web Development, Accounts, Software Design, Leadership, Okta, REST, Mobile Development, Mobile, Technical Leadership, Startups, Scalability, Planning, Requirements Analysis, Front-end, UX Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Git, Responsive Design, Bluetooth, Data Analysis, Databases, Requirements, Unit Testing, Testing, Mobile Apps
Android Lead Engineer
2018 - 2020
Moment
- Built the Moment Android photography app to maximize the potential of Moment's adaptable lenses. Worked as a sole developer, developing the app from scratch.
- Forged a team of developers across the globe, collaborating remotely on the product features. At the peak time, we were four developers across three time zones.
- Developed live image processing features, such as histogram, waveform, video bitrate setup, anamorphic de-squeezing, focus peaking, highlight clipping, shadow clipping, FPS, bitrate, and resolution configs based on device capabilities.
Technologies: OpenGL, RenderScript, Java, Android, Kotlin, CI/CD Pipelines, Linux, JSON, Android Studio, Android SDK, QA Automation, Continuous Integration (CI), Release Management, Software Architecture, Retrofit, Technical Hiring, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, Interviewing, Swift, iOS, APIs, C#, Team Management, Debugging, Architecture, Mobile App Development, Interactive UI, API Integration, Software Design, Leadership, Reporting, Mobile Development, Mobile, Startups, UI Design, Front-end, UX Design, User Experience (UX), Git, User Interface (UI), Responsive Design, Bluetooth, Data Analysis, Requirements, Unit Testing, Testing
Senior Android Developer
2017 - 2018
UBank
- Implemented Firebase as the primary tracking tool for crashes, enabling the team to gather production information to fix complex, device-specific bugs.
- Maintained the application while developing the architecture for the app redesign and helped the company set up a team.
- Managed and implemented a security code compliance project on the underlying technology for VISA mobile payments.
Technologies: Android, Java, Kotlin, Firebase, CI/CD Pipelines, JSON, Android Studio, Android SDK, BrainTree, Continuous Integration (CI), Release Management, Software Architecture, RxJava, Microservices, Distributed Systems, Technical Hiring, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, Interviewing, Swift, iOS, APIs, C#, Team Management, Debugging, Architecture, Microservices Architecture, Mobile App Development, REST APIs, Authentication, Interactive UI, API Integration, Accounts, Software Design, Leadership, Okta, Mobile Development, Mobile, Front-end, UX Design, User Experience (UX), Git, Responsive Design, Databases, Requirements, Unit Testing, Testing
Android Developer
2015 - 2016
Love Agency
- Contributed to the development, codebase maintenance, and improvements for Australia's number one Android betting app—the agency's most important client.
- Developed an Android smartwatch and companion app from scratch targeting fall and seizure detection.
- Oversaw a quality assurance process, increasing code coverage from 0% to 50%.
Technologies: Android Wear, API Design, Android, Java, JSON, Android Studio, Android SDK, Continuous Integration (CI), Software Architecture, Laravel, Retrofit, PostgreSQL, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, APIs, Debugging, Architecture, Mobile App Development, Interactive UI, API Integration, Software Design, Mobile Development, Mobile, Front-end, User Experience (UX), Git, Databases, Requirements
Android Head Developer
2014 - 2015
Tachanfil
- Extracted newspaper information from the app and moved it into a back-end API service.
- Converted the app layout function from a static to a dynamic approach, enabling the automatic resizing of layouts when adding, removing, and updating newspaper content.
- Developed features like content sharing, newspaper sortings per user-based category, and back-end selections.
- Set up and configured GitHub as the code management platform for the project and designed policies for new developers joining the team.
Technologies: JavaScript, Android, PHP, Java, JSON, Full-stack, Android Studio, Android SDK, Continuous Integration (CI), Release Management, Software Architecture, Retrofit, PostgreSQL, Back-end, Task Analysis, APIs, Team Management, Debugging, Mobile App Development, REST APIs, Interactive UI, API Integration, Software Design, Leadership, Front-end, Databases, Requirements, CTO
Senior Software Engineer
2013 - 2015
Freelance
- Connected SIGRES, a ship residual and waste management system, to an Oracle database using Hibernate before going live on Argentina's national maritime ports.
- Configured dependency injection with Spring and introduced the first tests to the project. Established a TDD process, enabling developers to continue improving it.
- Implemented an AFIP system integration for the Argentine Taxation Office, enabling login with special privileges.
Technologies: Apache Struts, Oracle, Hibernate, Spring, Apache Struts 2, Java, XML, JSON, Full-stack, Android SDK, MySQL, CircleCI, Release Management, Software Architecture, Laravel, Microservices, PostgreSQL, Back-end, Technical Hiring, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, APIs, Team Management, Debugging, Mobile App Development, REST APIs, Web Design, Interactive UI, API Integration, Web Development, Software Design, Leadership, Reporting, Drupal, Databases, Requirements, CTO
Support Manager
2013 - 2014
FDV Solutions
- Assisted with building a support area to handle all the projects related to legacy support and establish best practices to tackle them.
- Built an internal team of developers willing to tackle this.
- Documented processes for onboarding, conflict resolution, project documentation, and Agile project tracking.
Technologies: Agile, Gantt Chart, Project Management, CI/CD Pipelines, JSON, Jenkins, Release Management, Technical Hiring, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, Interviewing, APIs, Team Management, Software Design, Leadership, Reporting, Databases, Apache
Project Lead
2012 - 2013
FDV Solutions
- Implemented Scrum processes, incorporating the client into team meetings and discussions, resulting in a successful engagement.
- Incorporated showcases for clients as a way to demonstrate completed work before conducting retrospectives.
- Unified the project information in Jira as a single point of failure (SPOF).
Technologies: Jira, Project Management, Scrum, JSON, Jenkins, PostgreSQL, Task Analysis, APIs, Team Management, Leadership, Reporting
Senior Java Developer
2011 - 2012
FDV Solutions
- Created a graph to visualize the time of day and drink inputs for ENDWI, an alcohol consumption tracking app endorsed by the Texas government in the United States.
- Developed a Play Framework web back-end application for GSM geolocation used by Colombian post nets.
- Tracked and fixed bugs using Jira as a reporting tool.
Technologies: Web, Oracle, Hibernate, Play, Java, XML, JSON, Jenkins, Software Architecture, PostgreSQL, Back-end, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, APIs, Workflow, Microservices Architecture, Mobile App Development, Web Design, Web Development, Software Design, Leadership, Scalability, Apache
Technical Lead
2010 - 2011
Odea srl.
- Helped organize a remote team for YPF, a petrol company and Odea's main client. The team was in charge of the main product for gas and petrol delivery tracking.
- Played a crucial role in analyzing, designing, and developing the GasTracker system to identify the origins of gas for sale. Provided infrastructure consulting and configuration management.
- Conducted pulse meetings to manage maintenance, upgrades, and architectural improvement projects.
Technologies: JSF, Oracle, Java, XML, Linux, Full-stack, Jenkins, Software Architecture, PostgreSQL, Distributed Systems, Technical Hiring, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, Interviewing, APIs, Team Management, Oracle Cloud, DevOps, Workflow, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Web Development, Leadership, Scalability, Apache
Developer Analyst
2009 - 2010
MercadoLibre
- Accomplished a long-overdue points migration from v2 to v3 over the MercadoPago, a LATAM payments solution. Used PL/SQL scripts for overnight execution, monitored results daily, and tweaked the process as needed.
- Implemented a search algorithm based on query matches against a category tree, using a weight algorithm solution, for the MercadoClics platform.
- Assisted with the company's transition from Waterfall to Agile project management methodologies.
Technologies: SQL, Oracle, Oracle PL/SQL, Java, XML, Linux, Full-stack, MySQL, Software Architecture, Microservices, PostgreSQL, Distributed Systems, Back-end, Task Analysis, APIs, Stress Testing, DevOps, Workflow, Mobile App Development, Web Development, Software Design, eCommerce, Scalability
Developer Analyst
2008 - 2009
Syscope
- Managed web-based projects from end to end, ensuring direct communication with clients.
- Developed an open-source PHP component for a CakePHP framework to easily add language translations to websites, managed from the back end.
- Advanced rapidly to working on PHP production projects for clients after starting with zero PHP experience.
Technologies: CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Java, CakePHP, PHP, XML, MySQL, Amazon Web Services (AWS), PostgreSQL, Back-end, Task Analysis, APIs, DevOps, Software Design, JavaScript Libraries, eCommerce, CakePHP 2, Subversion (SVN), Microsoft SQL Server
Java Developer
2007 - 2008
Modhelus
- Conducted unit tests to improve the front-end web system coverage while working as a trainee through my university internship program.
- Joined the back-end team and developed tree structure-based solutions for complex performance problems.
- Used the same tree-based solution for generating reports in CSV format.
Technologies: Java, Back-end, Task Analysis, Software Design, eCommerce, Subversion (SVN), Microsoft SQL Server
Experience
DSLR Professional Camera App for Android
https://www.shopmoment.com/I joined Moment to create the Android version of the existing iOS app from scratch. Later, I helped them build a team of remote developers to implement an exciting and complex roadmap of top-tech image processing features to take the app to the top of the charts.
Main achievements:
• Designed and built a fully Android native Camera2 API Kotlin app from scratch. It included core camera and video functionalities, such as flash modes, timers, ISO and shutter speed, white balance, and focus.
• Built a team of remote developers across the globe to tackle real-time image processing.
• Incorporated complex features like histograms, photographer analytics, and focus peaking using low-level RenderScript and OpenGL code embedded in the app.
Main achievements:
• Designed and built a fully Android native Camera2 API Kotlin app from scratch. It included core camera and video functionalities, such as flash modes, timers, ISO and shutter speed, white balance, and focus.
• Built a team of remote developers across the globe to tackle real-time image processing.
• Incorporated complex features like histograms, photographer analytics, and focus peaking using low-level RenderScript and OpenGL code embedded in the app.
Android Apps for On-demand Valet Parking Service
https://drop.car/I led a team of three developers to design the architecture and implement two applications for an Uber-like valet parking on-demand service: one app for the valet parkers (workers) and another for the consumers (users).
We built a Java app using a shared Gradle module with all the core functionality to maximize code sharing, building both apps in the same project.
The application was a success for these reasons:
1. We successfully built an MVP showing the location tracking for both apps and the core valet request functionality.
2. From there, based on the proposed architecture, we could quickly grow by adding more functionalities and sharing as much code as possible.
3. All the core functionalities were thoroughly tested only once, guaranteeing the quality of the trunk of the app.
4. We left the main architecture clearly documented for future tech leads to improve it.
We built a Java app using a shared Gradle module with all the core functionality to maximize code sharing, building both apps in the same project.
The application was a success for these reasons:
1. We successfully built an MVP showing the location tracking for both apps and the core valet request functionality.
2. From there, based on the proposed architecture, we could quickly grow by adding more functionalities and sharing as much code as possible.
3. All the core functionalities were thoroughly tested only once, guaranteeing the quality of the trunk of the app.
4. We left the main architecture clearly documented for future tech leads to improve it.
Web App MVP to Reverse Engineer
I was approached by an architect in Sydney who needed a way to automate real estate property investments based on government information that seemed inaccessible.
I reverse-engineered the state government site to extract the information the architect needed and developed a small Django Python web app to automate the reports as an MVP. This short freelance engagement gave her what she needed for her business.
I reverse-engineered the state government site to extract the information the architect needed and developed a small Django Python web app to automate the reports as an MVP. This short freelance engagement gave her what she needed for her business.
Skills
Languages
Java, Kotlin, PHP, JavaScript, TypeScript, XML, Bash, Python, HTML, CSS, C, SQL, C++, Swift, Python 3, C#
Frameworks
Spring, Hibernate, CakePHP 2, OAuth 2, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), Spring Boot, Android SDK, Flask, Laravel, Next.js, Material UI, Jest, Core Bluetooth, RenderScript, Apache Struts 2, Play, JSF, Django, CakePHP, Apache Struts, Django REST Framework, Flutter, AngularJS, Redux, Tailwind CSS
Libraries/APIs
React, Node.js, Retrofit, REST APIs, Stripe, Square API, Stripe API, OpenGL, Camera2 API, Django ORM, RxJava
Tools
Git, Android Studio, Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), Subversion (SVN), Jenkins, CircleCI, Apache, Visual Studio, GitHub, Slack, Trello, Jira, GIS, GitLab, GitLab CI/CD, Figma, Prisma
Paradigms
Agile, Microservices, REST, Web Architecture, Back-end Architecture, Continuous Integration (CI), Mobile Development, Testing, Unit Testing, Requirements Analysis, UX Design, Asynchronous Programming, App Development, Database Design, Stress Testing, Microservices Architecture, UI Design, Scrum, DevOps
Platforms
Android, Firebase, Linux, Mobile, Buildkite, Twilio, MacOS, Drupal, Oracle, Web, iOS, Django CMS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Docker, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Blockchain, Salesforce
Storage
MySQL, JSON, Databases, PostgreSQL, Oracle PL/SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Cloud, Redis, MongoDB
Other
Software, Project Analysis, Project Tracking, Languages & Storage, Code Architecture, Architecture, Mobile Architecture, APIs, Software Release Management, Release Management, Data Architecture, Requirements, Story Mapping, Google Play Store, Mobile App Development, Firebase Hosting, CI/CD Pipelines, Software Architecture, Back-end, Technical Hiring, Source Code Review, Code Review, Task Analysis, Team Management, Debugging, Authentication, Interactive UI, API Integration, Web Development, Accounts, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Software Design, Leadership, Payment APIs, Software Engineering, Technical Leadership, Planning, Front-end, User Experience (UX), Data Analysis, Front-end Development, Scripting Languages, Security, Scaling, Mobile Apps, HTTP, TCP/IP, UDP, QA Testing, QA Automation, Full-stack, Firebase Cloud Functions, Progressive Web Applications (PWA), PWA, Serverless, Square Payment Gateway, Bluetooth, Wearables, CTO, Startups, Interviewing, Workflow, Real-time Data, Sanity CMS, Reporting, CRM APIs, JavaScript Libraries, ACH, Stripe Payments, eCommerce, Scalability, Finance, Cloud Infrastructure, Video Streaming, User Interface (UI), Responsive Design, Logistics, Firebase Instance ID, Service Workers, Game Development, API Design, Android Wear, Gantt Chart, Reverse Engineering, BrainTree, Internet of Things (IoT), Distributed Systems, WebSockets, Crypto, Okta, NetSuite
Industry Expertise
Project Management, Web Design
Education
2003 - 2012
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
University of Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Certifications
MARCH 2021 - PRESENT
Blockchain A-Z: Learn How to Build Your First Blockchain
Udemy
Collaboration That Works
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