Lester Dela Vega

Professional Summary

Software Developer with over 9 years of experience in full-stack development, distributed systems, and cloud infrastructure. Proficient in Java and Python with extensive experience building and maintaining scalable APIs and services on AWS. A proven collaborator with a strong background in DevOps practices, infrastructure automation, and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) principles.

Technical Skills

Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript
Cloud & DevOps: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Terraform, Jenkins, CI/CD, SRE, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Docker
Frameworks & Technologies: AWS API Gateway, Lambda, ECS, SQS, SNS, S3, DynamoDB, REST APIs (JSON:API), Spring Boot, Vue.js, Nuxt.js
Developer Tools: Git, Jenkins, Docker, PagerDuty, JIRA, Confluence
AI Tooling: Cursor, ChatGPT, Gemini, Anthropic Claude, LangChain

Professional Experience

Software Developer (SD2-SD3) | Benevity | Calgary, AB | March 2021 - Present

API Product Team: Designed, developed, and maintained externally-facing RESTful APIs in Java and Python, enabling seamless partner integrations with Benevity's core donation and cause-searching platform.
Disbursements Team: Engineered a high-volume, automated disbursement service responsible for transferring funds to global charities, working with Benevity's banking partner to send ACH/Wires/SEPA XML instructions to non-profits.
Payments Team: Maintained Java Spring Boot microservice handling one-time credit card donations and subscriptions using payment providers, and supported a re-usable payment form written in Vue/Nuxt.js.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Drove multiple initiatives for API development, user identity and access management, and funds transfer, ensuring cohesive solutions across the Benevity ecosystem.
DevOps/SRE Integration: Acted as an embedded SRE, managing and scaling cloud infrastructure using AWS and Terraform (IaC), improving system reliability, and automating deployment pipelines with Jenkins CI/CD.
On-Call Support: Participated in regular on-call rotations, rapidly troubleshooting and resolving production issues to maintain high service availability and system uptime.
Technology Stack: Primarily used Java and Python, with Ruby for IAC tests and TypeScript for Lambdas. Worked extensively with AWS infrastructure, Terraform IAC, Jenkins CI, Docker, and various other services.

Software Developer | Enrich Software Corp. (Richer Systems Group) | Calgary, AB | May 2016 - March 2021

Developed and supported full-stack workflow solutions for the fleet management industry through products Emconex and Enrich, directly collaborating with clients to gather requirements and deliver custom features.
Delivered features across multiple platforms, including a core Java backend, web front-ends using JavaScript, and native mobile applications for Android and iOS (Swift).
Gained unique experience maintaining and integrating with legacy systems using the IBM AS400 language Synon, demonstrating adaptability to diverse technological environments.
Worked in a smaller company environment, providing exposure to different roles and direct client interaction.

Software Development Intern | SeisWare International Inc. | Calgary, AB | Sept 2014 - Sept 2015

Contributed to SeisWare's flagship seismic interpretation software by developing new features and resolving bugs in a C# and Windows-based environment.
Authored Python scripts and Java programs to automate testing processes and create technical documentation, improving development team efficiency.

Education & Awards

University of Calgary | Calgary, AB | 2011 - 2016

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Concentration in Software Engineering
Completed 12-Month Internship Program
Honors: Faculty of Science Dean's List (2013-2014, 2015-2016)
Awards: Jason Lang Scholarship (2012-2015)

Academic Experience

Capstone Project in Software Engineering for FindItEZ Software Corp. | Sept 2015 - April 2016

Supervisor: Dr. Robert Walker
Collaborated with a team of 10 students to design and implement an add-on that connects to various version control systems for FindItEZ's product, DevSurge.
Learned how to communicate with clients and directly with the CEO of FindItEZ.
Gained experience in various aspects of software project management, working in a team, and implementing add-ons to software without access to the base source code.

Project in Interface Design and Human-Computer Interaction | Sept 2013 - Dec 2013

Designed and implemented a self-serve kiosk restaurant ordering system for Smashburger with a focus on usability for primary users
Gained experience in usability testing and using task-centered system design to ensure maximum usability (interviewing potential users, performing walkthroughs, etc.)

References available upon request.