NICOLAI CZEMPIN

SUMMARY

Highly experienced and results-driven senior software engineer and consultant, with over 25 years of experience in Java Backend, DevOps, & Test Automation Engineering. Demonstrated success in developing, programming, and leading mission-critical engineering projects and optimizing performance. Have completed 20 contracts for world-leading corporations (2x Fortune 500, 10x Fortune Global 500) including Intel, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Adidas, HSBC, Thales, & Siemens.

EXPERIENCE

• 09/2020 — 05/2023

  Mercedes-Benz & Allianz — Munich, Germany

  DevOps Engineer

  • Quickly evolved into primary DevOps lead for 2 teams of 5-10 engineers and deputized Platform Engineering team lead, supporting 5+ other teams at Mercedes-Benz.
  • Acquired proficiency in Kubernetes and project-specific intricacies within 1 month, ensuring continuous project support.
  • Significantly enhanced build times, reducing them by 5x from 10 minutes to just 2 minutes, resulting in faster development cycles and increased team productivity.
  • Achieved 99.9% system reliability rate on a high-stakes, mission-critical project, ensuring uninterrupted operations even during critical periods and holidays.
  • Mentored 10+ team members in Kubernetes, Jenkins, and Git, enhancing their proficiency and team efficiency.

• 03/2001 — 09/2020

  Intel, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Adidas, HSBC, Thales, Siemens & Others — Munich, Germany

  Java Backend Engineer

  • Served as a key contractor in the successful delivery of over 40 cross-functional projects with esteemed multinational organizations such as Intel, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Adidas, HSBC, Thales, & Siemens.
  • Pioneered the implementation of DevOps functionalities such as Docker Compose, GitLab, Rundeck, in a Java backend centric environment.
  • Optimized a distributed system for the collection of IoT data; using ActiveMQ for data transport and PostgreSQL for data storage.
  • Introduced automated testing, CI/CD, resulting in significantly increased quality and productivity.
  • Successfully resolved critical production issues, leading to the recovery of significant orders and crucial IoT data.
  • Developed a multi-faceted interface for a system trace tool for mobile internet chips, including an Eclipse RCP-based GUI, a remote CLI, and an API.
  • Played a key role in the development of a critical Git aggregation tool, benefiting hundreds of engineers.

• 06/2000 — 02/2001

  Textmodule GmbH — Potsdam, Germany

  Head of IT & Development

  • Spearheaded the creation of a high-performing team, assembling and leading a cohesive unit comprising 3 skilled developers and 1 sysadmin.
  • Fostered a collaborative and results-driven environment, aligning the team's efforts with the start-up's vision.
  • Pioneered the design and architecture of a dynamic application for multi-language text modules.
  • Led the team through all phases of the project lifecycle, resulting in successful launch in less than 6 months.

• 05/1999 — 11/1999

  Ikarion GmbH — Aachen, Germany

  Game AI Developer, C++

  • Implemented manager, coach, and player AI functionalities in a football manager project.
  • Led the optimization of CPU performance using TrueTime and Intel VTune to fine-tune the game's AI components.
  • Trained, coached, and developed 3 junior developers, guiding them in software design, C++ development, debugging, and optimization.

• 02/1998 — 04/1999

  Sal. Oppenheim (Investment Bank) — Frankfurt, Germany

  Operations Technologist

  • Collaboratively supported the IT department during the pivotal transition to the Euro currency, a critical internal shift for the country. Worked with a team of 6+ IT professionals to ensure a seamless and successful currency transition.
  • Took the lead in client-side project management for the warrant trading, pricing and publishing system, overseeing its development and implementation to enhance performance, reliability, and accuracy.
  • Deployed the FAME time-series database for historical market data storage and analytics, improving data management and analysis capabilities to inform strategic decision-making and warrant pricing.
  • Developed scripts and C programs for stock market closing note (Schlussnote) systems, facilitating the transition from SNA to AIX technology.
  • Contributed to the integration of IBM Tivoli for systems management, enhancing overall operational efficiency by 10%.