Theo is available for hire
Hire TheoTheo Okafor
Verified Expert in Engineering
React Developer
Location
Lagos, Nigeria
Toptal Member Since
August 31, 2021
Grit, consistency, and solution orientation have been the hallmark of Theo's journey in software engineering for 4+ years now. Being a natural-born and a UX-centric creator, he started his career with the goal of solving real-life problems. Theo prefers taking a stack-agnostic approach, focusing on the problem, and recognizing that languages and frameworks are tools. He can quickly learn or adapt his skills to sort out problems and deliver world-class solutions.
Portfolio
Above Lending Inc
React, Node.js, JavaScript, TypeScript, Redux, Express.js, Webpack, Docker...
Neoteros Limited
JavaScript, React, Chrome Extensions, OpenID, REST APIs, REST...
BBC
JavaScript, HTML, HTML5, CSS, CSS3, Sass, Webpack, Handlebars, React...
Experience
Availability
Part-time
Preferred Environment
Unix, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Ubuntu, MacOS
The most amazing...
...moment of my career is transitioning from associate software engineer to lead software engineer in under 10 months.
Work Experience
Senior React Engineer
2022 - PRESENT
Above Lending Inc
- Developed the newest version of the front-end application, which merged the loan servicing dashboard and the loan application web app into a single, easy-to-use, and maintainable application.
- Developed the servicing dashboard payment schedule functionality that enables the users to schedule loan repayments as they wish.
- Oversaw the deployment of a multi-variant test on the offer page using launch darkly.
Technologies: React, Node.js, JavaScript, TypeScript, Redux, Express.js, Webpack, Docker, Cypress, React Query, Context API, Formik, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Test-driven Development (TDD), Google Chrome
Senior Full-stack Developer
2021 - 2022
Neoteros Limited
- Collaborated with back-end developer to design the architecture of the Exhibitrust Chrome extension, web application, and the back-end.
- Designed and developed the Exhibitrust Chrome extension software for secure full webpage captures in PNG and MHTML formats.
- Integrated custom-made OpenID and OAuth2 authentication mechanism to the Exhibitrust Chrome extension, enabling secure client-side authentication on the Chrome extension.
- Collaborated with the back-end engineer to integrate fit-for-purpose RESTful APIs to securely transmit data generated from the Chrome extension to the archive.
Technologies: JavaScript, React, Chrome Extensions, OpenID, REST APIs, REST, RESTful Web Services, HTML, CSS, OAuth 2, Git, Azure, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Google Chrome
Software Engineer | Web Developer
2021 - 2022
BBC
- Contributed to the development of interactive visual web content covering the African water security problems using HTML, Sass, Handlebars, and Webpack.
- Developed the 2021 Africa Nations Cup results and fixtures for 12 African languages.
- Aggregated and documented the team's libraries using Dropbox Paper.
- Contributed to the documentation of the team's tools and best practices that enhanced the onboarding experience of new joiners.
Technologies: JavaScript, HTML, HTML5, CSS, CSS3, Sass, Webpack, Handlebars, React, Serverless, AWS Lambda, Cosmos, Jenkins, Web Security, Serverless Architecture, Continuous Delivery (CD), Continuous Integration (CI), Google Chrome
Front-end Engineer
2021 - 2022
E-Settlement Limited
- Implemented complex features such as secure client authentication, merchant onboarding, and merchant settings for the company's next-generation fintech application.
- Developed Yep!'s secure payment widget enabling merchants to integrate it into their platforms and receive payments from their customers.
- Interfaced with back-end engineers to build fit-for-purpose RESTful API services.
- Collaborated with the product designer to develop parts of the application designs.
Technologies: JavaScript, React, HTML5, CSS3, Tailwind CSS, Bitbucket, Jest, REST APIs, RESTful Web Services, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), React Query, Test-driven Development (TDD), Git, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Context API, Formik, Webpack, CSS, HTML, Functional Programming, Architecture, Axios, Integration Testing, OWASP, REST, AWS Amplify, Google Chrome
Lead Software Developer
2020 - 2021
eSoft Response
- Developed the processes for the software development operations involving every stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). This enabled the company to secure first paying clients and subsequent clients.
- Recruited and managed mid-level and junior software developers for the company. Successfully grew the team from three to 10 software developers within 10 months.
- Designed, developed, deployed, and maintained complex software solutions for clients. Made solution and software architecture decisions that effectively led to quicker turnaround times and better client satisfaction.
- Migrated existing legacy applications to modern CI/CD pipelines on AWS leading to more frequent feature releases (one release per week to 4-5 releases per week) and over 50% cost-saving in AWS charges.
- Implemented complex new features and fixed bugs in the existing application using React on the client-side with Redux, Context API, or hooks.
- Designed, implemented, and maintained complex RESTful API services.
Technologies: JavaScript, Node.js, React, Redux, PostgreSQL, Django REST Framework, Celery, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Software Architecture, Agile Project Management, Express.js, CI/CD Pipelines, DevOps, Asana, Docker, Solution Architecture, REST APIs, Figma, Django, CSS3, HTML5, Full-stack, RESTful Web Services, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Firebase, Jest, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), Ant Design, Bootstrap, Material Design, Prisma, React Redux, Formik, Payment APIs, Access Control, Webpack, CSS, HTML, XML, Functional Programming, WebSockets, Architecture, Axios, Integration Testing, OWASP, Databases, REST, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), AWS Amplify, Test-driven Development (TDD), Google Chrome
Full-stack Software Engineer
2020 - 2020
Freelance
- Designed and built a complex custom in-app messaging system to enable asynchronous communications between admins, support team, and users.
- Interfaced with the product lead to establish the best product ideas.
- Detected and closed potential security vulnerabilities in the existing software system.
- Redesigned and rebuilt parts of the client application to meet market demands and standards.
Technologies: JavaScript, React, Node.js, HTML5, CSS3, Heroku, CI/CD Pipelines, Git, MongoDB, Mongoose, Bootstrap, REST APIs, RESTful Web Services, Full-stack, Figma, Product Design, React Redux, Redux, Webpack, CSS, HTML, Functional Programming, Architecture, Axios, OWASP, Databases, REST, Google Chrome
Associate Software Engineer
2018 - 2020
Talent Accelerator Company
- Developed new features using React of the client and Node.js and Express.js for the server applications while adhering to team standards and conventions. Worked on the Steps bot application owned by IDEO.org.
- Built the feature on the Steps application that contributes to about 40% cost saving in the cost of operating the entire software application.
- Handled product demos to the product owner and client and participated in peer review and peer programming sessions with teammates.
- Mentored trainee software engineers, facilitated coding bootcamps, and participated in tech outreaches.
- Interviewed candidates and made hiring decisions for the junior technical positions in the company.
Technologies: React, JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, Heroku, CI/CD Pipelines, Git, Auth0, Cypress, Express.js, REST APIs, RESTful Web Services, Full-stack, Test-driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Jest, Sequelize, Firebase, React Native, Figma, Product Design, React Redux, React Final Form, SCSS, Webpack, CSS, HTML, Serverless Architecture, Functional Programming, Axios, Integration Testing, OWASP, Databases, REST, OAuth 2, Twilio, Google Chrome
Lead Software Engineer and Founder
2017 - 2020
Ideosynergy (Self-employed)
- Designed, developed, and deployed software and solution architecture for worksfair.com, a listing platform for service-oriented businesses in Nigeria. Used Django REST framework to build RESTful APIs and React and Redux for the client application.
- Designed, developed, and deployed a fully-featured website builder within worksfair.com and enabled users to publish websites to the worksfair.co subdomain.
- Researched emerging trends within the industry and capitalized on finds to develop new strategies.
- Conducted pilot launch for the worksfair.com project and successfully listed about 100 works and services within one month.
Technologies: Django REST Framework, React, Python, JavaScript, Node.js, Next.js, Express.js, Celery, Redis, PostgreSQL, Django, Heroku, Agile Project Management, Pivotal Tracker, Git, GitHub, Travis CI, Code Climate, REST APIs, Figma, Jest, CSS3, HTML5, Test-driven Development (TDD), Product Design, Netlify, Material Design, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), SCSS, Sass, Bulma, Redux, React Redux, React Final Form, Webpack, CSS, HTML, Functional Programming, Architecture, Axios, Integration Testing, OWASP, Databases, REST, OAuth 2, Context API, Google Chrome
Experience
SpecNota Application
A collaborative SaaS application for product teams. SpecNota enables the users to quickly generate and manage functional specification documents (FSD), rich text documents, and diagrams such as ERDs and flowcharts. SpecNota also has a rich project management feature similar to Asana, providing a similar depth of features and functionalities.
I acted as the technical team lead for the product. I also served as a full-stack software engineer contributing to the application's back end and front end.
MY ROLE
• Designing and developing complex new features, as well as maintaining the existing features.
• Interfacing with the developers and product designers to ensure that excellent design and engineering standards are implemented in the product.
• Managing the legacy deployment pipelines for the project, including the development of strategies for migrating to modern CI/CD setup.
• Implemented complex new features and fixed bugs in the existing application.
• Redesigning parts of the system architecture to support new business needs.
• Designing, implementation, and maintenance of RESTful API services.
I acted as the technical team lead for the product. I also served as a full-stack software engineer contributing to the application's back end and front end.
MY ROLE
• Designing and developing complex new features, as well as maintaining the existing features.
• Interfacing with the developers and product designers to ensure that excellent design and engineering standards are implemented in the product.
• Managing the legacy deployment pipelines for the project, including the development of strategies for migrating to modern CI/CD setup.
• Implemented complex new features and fixed bugs in the existing application.
• Redesigning parts of the system architecture to support new business needs.
• Designing, implementation, and maintenance of RESTful API services.
Yep!
https://www.getyep.coYep! is a fintech application for a Nigeria-based financial technology company, eSettlement group. I was the front-end engineer for the next-generation version. I covered the client-side business logic and architecture, including but not limited to secure client authentication, merchant onboarding, merchant settings, roles, and permissions for the company's next-generation fintech application. I liaised with back-end engineers to build fit-for-purpose RESTful API micro-services. I also collaborated with the product designer to develop parts of the application designs.
LSE Generate — Genpool
A UK-based web application for the London School of Economics (LSE) Generate Accelerator Programme. Genpool is a PaaS that helps selected entrepreneurs connect with students and staff of LSE and offer various services. The application was built with Node.js, Express.js, and React for the client side.
I acted as the technical team lead for the project, setting up the application, especially the front-end architecture. I also led the deployment of the application. The front-end and back-end applications were deployed to AWS, AWS Amplify and AWS Elastic Beanstalk, respectively.
I acted as the technical team lead for the project, setting up the application, especially the front-end architecture. I also led the deployment of the application. The front-end and back-end applications were deployed to AWS, AWS Amplify and AWS Elastic Beanstalk, respectively.
Plotpeer — The Project Investment App
Plotpeer was a project investment application. I served as the full-stack software engineer responsible for bug fixes and implementing important new features for the MVP. I worked on both the front-end and the back-end of the application. I designed and built a complex custom in-app messaging system to enable asynchronous communication between admins, support team, and users via RESTful APIs. I interfaced with the product lead to redesign and rebuild parts of the application user interface and experience to match acceptable market standards. I detected and closed potential security vulnerabilities in the front-end and the back-end applications.
Worksfair.com
https://www.worksfair.comA Nigeria-based PaaS marketplace and website builder for services-oriented business. I acted as a full-stack software engineer, designing and developing software. I built everything from scratch, from the RESTful APIs services to the client-side application. I built the fully featured website builder on the platform, capable of supporting 100+ website templates.
Skills
Languages
JavaScript, Python, HTML5, CSS3, SCSS, SQL, HTML, CSS, TypeScript, Sass, XML, C++
Frameworks
Express.js, Jest, Redux, Django, Bootstrap, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), Bulma, MUI (Material UI), Django REST Framework, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, Ant Design, OAuth 2, Cypress, React Native
Libraries/APIs
React, Node.js, REST APIs, Context API, AWS Amplify, React Redux, React Final Form, Formik, Handlebars, OpenID
Tools
Celery, Git, Trello, GitHub, Webpack, Pivotal Tracker, Asana, Travis CI, Code Climate, Figma, Mongoose, Bitbucket, Sequelize, Prisma, Confluence, Jira, Auth0, Jenkins, AWS SDK, AWS CloudFormation, AWS Simple Notification Service (SNS), Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS)
Paradigms
Test-driven Development (TDD), Functional Programming, Agile Project Management, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), REST, DevOps, Serverless Architecture
Platforms
Unix, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Ubuntu, MacOS, Heroku, Google Chrome, Docker, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Firebase, Netlify, Amazon EC2, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), AWS Lambda, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Azure, AWS ALB, AWS STS, Twilio
Storage
PostgreSQL, JSON, Redis, MongoDB, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Databases
Other
RESTful Web Services, Full-stack, SpecNota, Engineering, Design, Critical Thinking, Research, Programming, Axios, Integration Testing, CI/CD Pipelines, Software Architecture, Solution Architecture, Product Design, React Query, Material Design, Payment APIs, Access Control, Web Security, Amazon RDS, Software System Architecture Development, Architecture, Amazon API Gateway, WebSockets, OWASP, Chrome Extensions, Serverless, Cosmos, AWS Cloud Architecture
Education
2011 - 2016
Bachelor's Degree in Automotive Engineering
Federal University of Technology, Owerri - Owerri, Nigeria
Certifications
FEBRUARY 2022 - PRESENT
Architecting with AWS
QA Ltd
AUGUST 2021 - PRESENT
Software Architecture Foundations
AUGUST 2021 - PRESENT