Rob McBroom

employment@skurfer.com • GitHub • LinkedIn

Introduction

Senior Python Backend Engineer (Django/DRF)

Senior backend engineer with 10+ years of experience with a number of Python web frameworks, specializing in Django and Django REST Framework. Experienced in designing scalable APIs, data models, and backend architectures for high-traffic production systems. Proven track record improving system performance, mentoring engineers, and delivering reliable software at scale. Deep experience with Python, PostgreSQL, Celery-based distributed task systems, and developer experience.

Core Technologies

Backend

  • Python (10+ years)
  • Django (9+ years)
  • Django REST Framework (6+ years)
  • Celery (10+ years)
  • FastAPI
  • Flask
  • Apache
  • Nginx

Data & Infrastructure

  • PostgreSQL (10+ years)
  • Redis
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
  • Linux/Unix systems

Frontend

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Django Templates
  • Jinja Templates
  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • React

Developer Tools

  • Git/GitHub
  • Shell Scripting
  • macOS/Linux Development Environments
  • SSH
  • Zed
  • Visual Studio Code
  • TextMate

Professional Experience

LeafLink

Senior Backend Engineer — 3+ years

Worked on the backend systems powering a large B2B cannabis marketplace serving ~74,000 users and processing ~120,000 orders per month. Designed APIs supporting marketplace workflows between buyers, sellers, and third-party integrations.

Key contributions:

  • Built a new workflow that reduced order creation time by ~8×, dramatically improving buyer efficiency.
  • Optimized high-traffic Django endpoints and PostgreSQL queries, improving brand catalog performance by ~4×.
  • Designed and implemented a future-proof product recommendation system.
  • Designed a flexible advertising integration platform enabling support for multiple external ad providers.
  • Designed, implemented, and improved REST APIs using Django REST Framework supporting critical marketplace workflows.
  • Architected backend systems and database schemas for high-volume transactional workflows.
  • Led backend engineering best practices including code review standards and consistent development patterns.
  • Mentored engineers across teams on Django architecture, performance tuning, and debugging complex production issues.

Six Feet Up

Developer → Senior Developer — 8 years

Consulted on dozens of systems for institutional and enterprise clients. Designed and built backend applications and services using Python and a number of web frameworks.

Key contributions:

  • Designed and implemented custom Django and Flask applications for large institutional clients.
  • Built backend services using Python, PostgreSQL, Redis, and Celery.
  • Designed data models and APIs for complex content and application platforms.
  • Created data export and migration pipelines from legacy systems (Zope/Plone) into modern platforms such as WordPress.
  • Automated system configuration and deployment using SaltStack.
  • Managed Linux infrastructure including FreeBSD and Ubuntu servers.
  • Served as the team’s internal expert on Git workflows, macOS development environments, and Homebrew tooling.

Education

Indiana University, Bloomington

BS Information Systems, Kelley School of Business

Coursework included significant work in mathematics and science alongside business and information systems studies.

Technical Training