Software Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
Tessa Smit
I am an avid reader with a voracious appetite for knowledge. I find solace in creative expression and indulge my passions for music and art, playing the violin and creating stunning charcoal sketches and oil paintings.
I also take pleasure in the meditative process of knitting and crochet, allowing me to unwind after a long day.
By embracing a diverse range of interests and hobbies, I am able to maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle that fuels my passion for creativity and learning.
About Me
Resume
9 Years of Experience
Experience
June 2023 - Current
KasteloSenior Full Stack Engineer
As full-stack engineer at Kastelo, I have the opportunity to work on both front-end and back-end development. On the front-end, I use Next.js with Vercel, and on the back-end, I work with Django. This role involves integrating third-party APIs into our projects, which adds a layer of complexity and functionality to our web solutions. It allows me to further develop my skills in a dynamic and collaborative environment while delivering effective solutions that improve user experiences.
July 2022 - May 2023
ScoutCloud AI (Alphawave)Technology Lead
Scout required a software engineer and I was thrilled to take on the role of Technology Lead. In this capacity I continued the development of the backend API, which was built in AWS Chalice and involved seamless integration with several other API. My management of the app developer team played a key role in fast-tracking the productionization of the app. Drawing on my machine learning knowledge, I also developed a predictive model for business process improvement and increased ROI. I spearheaded the usability testing of the app.
I took on the mantle of driving another product from ideation to execution, which involved meticulous planning, wireframing, collaboration with a graphic designer, and supervising the work of the front-end developer. I was responsible for the development of the backend API and integration with other APIs.
I created a user management console in order to learn Flutter and also contributed to building a meal management app in Flutter. All the projects I worked on were hosted in GitHub and utilized CI/CD. In addition, I had the opportunity to work with Google Analytics (GA4) and a CRM tool.
My versatility shone through when I assited with sales and represented the company at an organization-wide event. By combining my knowledge of machine learning with my software engineering expertise, I was able to make a significant contribution to the Scout team, playing a key role in the development of cutting-edge solutions that leverage the latest tools and technologies.
April 2021 - May 2023
ByteFuse (Alphawave)Machine Learning Engineer
Upon joining ByteFuse as Machine Learning Engineer, I quickly recognized the opportunity to bring my software engineering skills to the forefront. In this regard, I designed and developed a API using Flask, architected within AWS and utilizing Docker and Terraform to ensure a seamless deployment process.
Additionally, I utilized the latest tools, such as PyTorch and AWS Sagemaker to build machine learning models as part of the ongoing research at ByteFuse.
April 2018 - March 2021
SudonumSenior Software Engineer
I started at Sudonum building a keyword detection from transcribed phone calls using Google Speech-to-Text engine. I am responsible for data analytics using Google Data Studio, setting up and maintaining the BI data pipeline. I also created our Sudonum Connector built in Google Apps Script to link clients directly to their data in Google Big Query. I am currently responsible for the project of redesigning and rewriting of our frontend console for clients. Other responsibilities include work on the REST API as well as the voice boxes for bug fixing and product development.
February 2017 - March 2018
JourneyAppsSolutions Engineer
The responsibility of the Solutions Engineer is to develop business process solutions in the form of mobile applications using the JourneyApps platform. This requires an understanding of modeling processes and developing integration solutions using the REST API. Also gained business analytics experience with the creation of dashboards using PowerBI.
January 2015 - February 2017
Institute of Mine SeismologyScientific Software Engineer
Responsible for development of algorithms used in the classification of seismic data recorded in mines, maintaining of the signal processing software and refactoring, as well as implementation on new data.
February 2013 - November 2014
University of StellenboschTeaching Assistant
Applied Mathematics B154: Mechanics for Engineers, Dynamics; Applied Mathematics 214: Applied Linear Algebra
July 2010 - February 2013
VinlabAnalytical Chemist
Responsible for routine analysis in the laboratory as well as residue analysis using gas chromatography, design of a water bath for cooling and the design and implementation of a nitrogen degassing unit.
February 2010 - July 2010
Origin Wine / DistellLaboratory Technician and Analyst
December 2008 - November 2009
Private family, Mühlenbarbek (Germany)Au Pair
Education
2013 - 2016
University of StellenboschMaster of Science (MSc) in Applied Mathematics
Majors: Machine Learning, Image Processing
The serrated edge of the dorsal fin of a shark serves as the shark’s fingerprint, unique to every individual shark. Using path finding algorithms to extract this edge, a Hidden Markov model is used to match photographs belonging to the same shark, with the help of a cost matrix. This method of identifying sharks replaces the laborious method of manual photo identification which in turn serves to more accurately estimate shark populations for conservation purposes.
2021
ABRSMViolin Grade 6
2003 - 2008
University of StellenboschBachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical Engineering
2002
Worcester GymnasiumNational Senior Certificate
Passed with distinction: Afrikaans 1st, English 1st, Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, Design
Preferred Tech Stack
Python
Amazon Web Services
GitHub
Docker
JavaScript / Node.js
Flutter
Other Tech
HTML / CSS
Google Cloud Platform
Next.js (React.js)
Django
Terraform
WordPress