Alena Miller

Senior Python developer (Microservices, Django + DRF)

Riga, Latvia

Summary

Experienced Python developer with over 10 years in various sectors. I love working in small teams and, of course, remotely—who doesn't dream of a pajama dress code? My favorite areas are HRTech, EdTech, and DevOps. If you need someone to set up your REST API or CRM, I'm your person.
I have extensive experience in developing REST APIs, backend systems, CRM, and data aggregators. I confidently work with Django, Flask, PostgreSQL, Redis, Git, and AWS. I'm also proficient with DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes. I adhere to SOLID principles and strive to write code that not only works but also looks good.
I possess excellent communication skills, am a team player, and excel at problem-solving. The most important thing for me when choosing a job is the personality of my direct supervisor and direct access to the coffee machine.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring new technologies and playing board games. Always happy to face new challenges and work with a team of like-minded individuals.

Languages:

English, Latvian, Russian

Favorite Python Packages:

Django, Django REST Framework (DRF), Flask, FastAPI, Requests, Celery, Redis-py, psycopg2, SQLAlchemy, Docker SDK for Python, Boto3, GitPython, Jinja2, Pytest, RabbitMQ (Pika), Asyncio, Pandas

Experience

Fullstack Django Developer

July 2023 - Present

Standart AG, Riga

  • Classified Ads Service: Developing a web service that allows users to post ads for free. The project includes features for creating, editing, searching, and filtering ads. The user interface is built using jinja templates and Bootstrap, ensuring a responsive design across various devices.
    • The project focuses on stability, scalability, and fast user request processing.
    • Technology stack:Python, Django, jinja, Bootstrap, PostgreSQL, AWS S3, Celery, Redis, Docker Compose
  • "Kubernetes by Button" System: An automated platform for building Kubernetes as a service dashboard for customers.
  • Billing System: Provides flexible payment interval settings, automatic invoice generation, and client notifications via messengers.
  • Onboarding System Backend: Optimizing SQL query speeds for the analytics department, daily delivery of fresh analytical data to specialists in Slack.
  • Telegram Bot with Personal Account, Custom Survey System, and Anonymous Chatbot:
    • Developed a Telegram bot and anonymous chatbot for fast and efficient customer service.
    • The Python bot using the Django framework processes requests, provides information about products and services, and resolves common user issues.

Result: 2x reduction in technical support workload due to automation of simple request processing. Increased customer satisfaction through quick access to information from their personal account.

Senior Python Developer

October 2019 - July 2023

NTI University, Skolkovo

  • Developed an authentication service based on Django, APIs for processing data from Kafka and user-uploaded tabular files.
  • Created a data aggregator for machine learning purposes.
  • Migrated the backend from Node.js to FastAPI for the educational course management service, increasing performance by 20%.

Tools used: Python3, Django, DRF, FastAPI, Docker, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL

Senior Python Developer

November 2018 - June 2019 (contract)

Skillfolio, Moscow

  • Enhanced and integrated an existing online education system (Django) with a Vue.js frontend.
  • Integrated with other microservice systems within the company, including a student testing module written in Flask and Eve.

Senior Python Developer

September 2018 - November 2018

MTS IT, Moscow

  • Developed a microservice wrapper for working with documents, parsing and analyzing their recognition level for an AI team specializing in legal document processing.

Tools used: Python3, Flask, Docker, PostgreSQL.

Python Developer

May 2017 - August 2018

Picasel Agency, Moscow

Developed the backend for a group of websites aimed at pet owners:

  • A website offering training resources for new kitten and puppy owners.
  • A pet survey service.
  • A cashback service for purchasing advertised pet food.
  • A photo and story posting service allowing users to share their pets' content on social media in a branded style.

Responsibilities:

  • Development of an admin panel and APIs using Django REST Framework.
  • Implementation of SMS and email notification services.
  • Generation of files and images.
  • Integration with external websites and cashback services.

Tools used: Python / Django REST Framework, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Git

Django Developer

2016 - 2017

Web service, Yaroslavl

  • Developed and maintained a data aggregator for an online pharmacy client, using Python/Django for content parsing, integrating with 1C and several websites.

Tools used: Python, Django, PostgreSQL, Git.

 

Python Developer

2014 - 2016

Tensor, Yaroslavl

  • Designed and maintained access control systems and employee management functionalities, including authentication, authorization, and role-based access control.
  • Developed a time tracking system tailored for non-standard work hours and variable working conditions, integrating with various sensors and data sources for accurate employee activity and work time monitoring.
  • Collected and analyzed data from all building entrances (including within buildings), tracked user location via IP address and geolocation. This information was used for security control, analyzing employee movement, and optimizing building operations.
  • Integrated the system with websites and mobile applications, allowing employees to access schedules, submit requests, and view their activity history.
  • Developed UI/UX solutions for displaying work week calendars and calculations, considering schedule changes (days off, adjustments, overtime). This ensured a clear and user-friendly interface for managing employee schedules and tracking work time.

Tools used: Python 3.3, PostgreSQL 9.4, Redis (NoSQL), SVN, Git, web-genie/jinnee

Fullstack Developer

2014

Individ, Yaroslavl

  • Specialization: Client-side programming (JavaScript development) and client optimization (website performance enhancement).

Tools used: PHP, JavaScript (+jQuery), HTML, CSS, SQL. CMS: 1C-Bitrix.

Project Examples:

Junior Fullstack Developer

2013 - 2014

Areal, Yaroslavl

  • Supported websites on 1C-Bitrix and Joomla platforms.
  • Modified websites for SEO specialists.

Tools used: PHP, JavaScript (+jQuery), HTML, CSS, SQL.

Automated Testing Specialist

2012 - 2013

Diasoft, Yaroslavl

  • Wrote automated tests and maintained testing environments (Veksel, Depository).
  • Performed functional testing of bug fixes.
  • Reproduced and documented client-reported errors.

System Administrator

2010

Hospital №1, Yaroslavl

  • Maintained network functionality.
  • Generated reports.
  • Repaired computer equipment.

Skills

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Backend Development, Big Data, Celery, Data Science, Django, Django Channels, Django REST Framework, Docker, FastAPI, Fullstack Development, Git, Kafka, Linux, Matplotlib, MongoDB, MySQL, Pandas, PostgreSQL, RabbitMQ, Redis, SQL, SQLAlchemy, Web Development

Joined: October 2024