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Christian Robinson

Ruby on Rails Engineer

Profile

Pragmatic full-stack Software Engineer focused on solving business and technical problems in regulated healthtech and enterprise environments. Experienced in owning features end-to-end—from breaking down requirements, relational data modelling, and third-party API integrations through to UI delivery, automated test coverage, CI workflows, release support, and post-release monitoring. My primary commercial stack is Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, Hotwire, and JavaScript, alongside independent project work in React, TypeScript, and TanStack Start (Node.js). Experienced in using AI-assisted coding tools (Claude, Codex) alongside strict testing and architectural review to ship reliable, maintainable production code.

Relevant Skills

Ruby on Rails · PostgreSQL · JavaScript · Hotwire (Turbo & Stimulus) · REST APIs · External Integrations · Webhooks · React · TypeScript · TanStack Start · Node.js · Background Jobs · Redis · Sidekiq · RSpec · MVC Architecture · Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) · Regulated / HIPAA Data · AI-Assisted Development (Claude, Codex) · Vector Embeddings & Hybrid Search · GitHub Actions · Semaphore CI · Docker · Kamal · Azure & Heroku

Experience

Ruby on Rails Engineer

Amba · Senior care technology

Jan 2023 - Present

  • Build and maintain production Rails features across backend, frontend, and integration workflows in a HIPAA compliant, sensitive data healthtech environment.
  • Own end-to-end feature delivery from requirements and data modelling through service layer design, Rails UI delivery, RSpec coverage, release support, and post-release monitoring.
  • Rebuilt the iOS application using the latest Rails Hotwire Native stack, replacing an unmaintained legacy mobile app and bringing mobile delivery back into active development.
  • Designed and implemented a shared adapter based integration layer, standardising external provider integrations and replacing duplicated legacy code.
  • Build and operate clinical system and connected device integrations using REST APIs, webhooks, background jobs, queues, scheduled syncs, PostgreSQL, Redis, Sidekiq, and CI supported delivery workflows.
  • Improve reliability and performance by monitoring production behaviour, investigating bottlenecks, reviewing database indexes, and optimising Rails queries.
  • Work carefully with sensitive healthcare data, including Rails encrypted attributes, features with role-based access controls, and provider integration data.

Software Developer

Marshalls plc · Construction materials

Sep 2021 - Dec 2022

  • Built internal MVC web applications as part of the Digital Development team, replacing manual email and form workflows with structured web-based tools.
  • Worked directly with internal stakeholders to understand operational workflows, clarify requirements, and turn them into practical internal applications.
  • Contributed to internal systems around manufacturing and quality processes, helping move manual workflows into structured applications.
  • Wrote SQL Server scripts and reports to extract operational data for internal stakeholders, including senior managers and directors.
  • Contributed frontend changes to the public Marshalls plc website using C#, .NET, JavaScript, SQL Server, Microsoft tooling, and Azure-hosted applications.

Earlier Experience

Technical Advisor

Marshalls plc · Construction materials

Sep 2016 - Sep 2021

  • Provided technical product and installation advice for construction materials including paving, concrete, drainage, and related systems.
  • Interpreted installation requirements, British Standards, and project constraints to advise contractors, customers, and internal teams.
  • Investigated escalated customer and commercial complaints, assessing product defects, installation issues, and liability.
  • Negotiated resolutions on high-value complaints, including cases involving significant remedial works and compensation.
  • Built strong communication habits by explaining technical issues clearly to non-technical customers, contractors, and stakeholders.

Projects

Contract Pulse

contractpulse.co.uk · Search engine for UK government contract opportunities

  • Built and deployed a Rails application for searching UK government contract opportunities.
  • Implemented the frontend with React and Inertia.js, with Rails handling routing, persistence, background workflows, and application logic.
  • Implemented hybrid search combining lexical search with vector embeddings to improve discovery across procurement data.
  • Self-hosted the application on a single server using Kamal, Docker, PostgreSQL, and a local embedding service.

Education

BEng Civil Engineering, Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

Newcastle University

Sep 2012 - Sep 2015

Relevant study included mathematics, statistics, engineering analysis, and technical problem solving.

Completed The Odin Project Ruby track while working full-time before moving into software engineering.