Data Engineer Solutions Architect

Thomas Lafferty

*******@*****.*** • 814-***-**** • Phoenixville, PA linkedin.com/in/tomlaff/

github.com/TomLafferty/

SUMMARY

Dynamic Software/Data Engineer with strong business acumen and creative problem-solving skills who is eager to design and execute solutions for today’s complex business problems by developing or testing strategic and modern methods, including AI/ML focus, for deploying and testing modern technologies and applications. Outstanding communicator dedicated to lifelong learning and maintaining up-to-date technical skills and industry knowledge. Bringing a strong work ethic and unique experiences, including Army background, in a team or individual setting while maintaining focus on process improvement to your company.

CERTIFICATIONS / SKILLS

CERTIFICATIONS:

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, May 2023

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, March 2024

Building a Highly Resilient Multi-region Database using CockroachDB, Oct 2023

SKILLS:

Python • SQL • Bash • Terraform • Amazon Web Services (AWS) • Performance Testing • Data Engineering • Pandas (Software) • Vector Databases • PostgreSQL • Databases • ETL • General AI/ML Applications • Cloud Computing • IaC • Git • Exploratory Testing • Cassandra • NoSQL • Kafka • Performance Monitoring • Written Communication • Microsoft Office • Lifelong Learning

EXPERIENCE

JP Morgan Chase & Co, Data Engineer II / Cloud DBA Apr 2023 - Present

•Developed automation solutions and updated DataDog alerting efficiency with Python in AWS, enhancing reporting and monitoring.

•Coordinated data migrations and ETL transformations between private and public clouds, improving data processing efficiency.

•Updated entire utility catalogue from Python 2 to Python 3 utilizing AI/ML engineering, ensuring compatibility and performance.

•Worked horizontally across all Card application teams to guide data modeling, ETL design, data analytics, and database monitoring activities.

•Supported 24/7 database administration activities and built smart on-call rotation.

•Tested vector databases as firmwide implementation in Cassandra databases post version 5.0.0 was approved and capable.

•Worked within a dynamic team focused on rapidly learning new technologies to analyze issues in real-time and innovate solutions for application teams as the firm pushed forward with modernization journey.

•Continuously utilizing available learning resources to keep up with industry standards and trends including AI/ML.

SEI, Data Migration Developer / Technical Project Coordinator Feb 2022 - Apr 2023

•Developed PL/SQL code using Oracle SQL Developer, BitBucket, SourceTree, ServiceNow, and BMC Helix Control-M, improving data processing efficiency by 20%.

•Coordinated implementation development resources across multiple projects, ensuring timely and successful data migrations and new implementations.

•Accepted into the future leaders Associate Program, building relationships and exposure to every level of the organization.

o Strategic Project: Developing a Warranty Predictor Tool using AI/ML with team of 5 other Associates.

ZIP CODE WILMINGTON, Data Engineer Oct 2021 - Jan 2022

•Completed over 1000 hours of training on data engineering projects, focusing on Python/SQL development and collaborative work using GitHub, enhancing technical proficiency.

•Ranked in the top 12% of applicants for admission into the highly selective program’s cohort, demonstrating exceptional aptitude and dedication.

•Ranked in the top 12% of applicants for admission into the highly selective program’s cohort.

Technical Projects:

oBook Recommendation App: Developed web-based app for recommending books with team of 3 using machine learning and user input as exercise to familiarize with AI/ML. Personally initialized Django front end, PostgreSQL database, and AWS S3 connections for storing in the cloud, and scikit-learn/Tensorflow for prediction engine. Deployed with Heroku, used Git/GitHub for version control. [https://bit.ly/bookrecommender22] [https://bit.ly/22finalproject]

oFlask Forum App: Worked in a team of 6 to build an online forum app. Was personally responsible for building the like and dislike features as well as implementing emoji functionality for posts. Assisted with other portions of the project during collaboration as well; built with Visual Studio Code, Flask, SQLalchemy, and DB Browser for SQLite, leveraging GitHub and Git for collaboration. [https://bit.ly/CHYRP] [https://bit.ly/chyrpcode]

Pando Mortgage LLC / Home Front Mortgage, Mortgage Loan Originator Jan 2017 - Oct 2021

• Spearheaded the launch of a new mortgage company, personally originating over $7 million in mortgage loans within the first year, demonstrating strong business acumen and strategic planning.

•Achieved 100% 5-star ratings from first-time home buyers and seasoned investors by expertly guiding them through the preapproval process to mortgage settlement, resolving unique underwriting challenges.

•Developed and implemented efficient data processing solutions, improving overall customer satisfaction and operational efficiency by 30%.

U.S. Army Active-Duty Deployment, SGT E5 - Automated Logistical Specialist Jun 2020 - Jun 2021

•Consolidated a tracking database containing over 70% obsolete data, reducing items from over 2000 to under 200, significantly increasing operational efficiency.

•Successfully relocated and tracked over 6500 pieces of cargo worth approximately $148 million for the Combat Aviation Brigade, ensuring precise logistics management.

•Promoted to Sergeant while overseas, receiving the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal for exceptional service and leadership.

FinPay, LLC, Certified Payment Specialist Feb 2017 - Oct 2017

•Launched a financial technology start-up for major medical providers with a team of 8, improving training procedures and program functionality.

•Enhanced overall program efficiency by 50% by developing and implementing improved training procedures.

•Increased user satisfaction by 50% by contributing to the functionality of the program.

Torchmark Life Insurance Company, Individual Producer/Sales Manager Jan 2014 - Jun 2016

• Awarded Top Producer in the region in September 2015, ranked 21st internationally out of 7500 producers, demonstrating exceptional sales performance and client management.

•Achieved and maintained an exemplary retention rate of 90%, compared to the company average of 70%, showcasing strong customer satisfaction and loyalty.

•Consistently exceeded sales targets through strategic planning and effective client management, contributing significantly to the company's success.

EDUCATION

ZIP CODE WILMINGTON, Wilmington, DE, Technical Boot Camp Oct 2021 - Jan 2022

Focus • Data Engineering

•Completed over 1000 hours of training on data engineering projects in an immersive Data Engineering training program with a focus on Python / SQL development and working collaboratively on projects with Github, with exposure to Java and Javascript.

•Developed a web-based Book Recommendation App using Django, PostgreSQL, AWS S3, and AI machine learning using Scikitlearn and TensorFlow, deployed with Heroku, and managed version control with Git/GitHub, showcasing full-stack development skills.

Pennsylvania State University Jun 2008 - May 2013

Bachelor’s • Telecommunications

Minor • Sociology

•Notable coursework including Emerging Technologies and well-known Race and Ethnic Relations courses, which I elevated to a Teacher’s Assistant and further learned to facilitate difficult conversations and train future facilitators.

•NPR Radio featured my essay for their “I believe…” series, top 2 essays in News Media Ethics course were given extra credit if chosen to be featured. Recorded my paper titled I believe in hard work paying off.

•Participated in work-study program performing data entry and assisting in professor’s research for Hershey Medical staff. Interned/produced for B94.5 Morning Zoo and Eagle 98.7 local radio programs as technical producer and on-air talent.

MILITARY

Pennsylvania Army National Guard, SGT E5 - Automated Logistical Specialist 92A Jan 2017 - Jan 2025

•Served as platoon sergeant above rank for final contract year.

•Recognition and awards for readiness and pre-deployment missions in Ft. Irwin, CA and Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA.

•Active Duty Deployment to Kuwait / Iraq.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Level: Secret 2018-2028

Issuing Agency: Department of Defense

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