Erik Westrup

About Erik

Experience

1. A

   Aryaloka Computer Education

   • Programming Teacher (Volunteer)

     Berlin, Germany·Current

     * Mentored students remotely via WhatsApp and Zoom, helping dozens successfully complete the CS50 Python course and earn certification. * Guided learners through advanced computer science topics, including Harvard’s CS50x, enhancing their technical skills and readiness for further studies. * Provided tailored IT career counseling, empowering students to define career paths and achieve professional milestones.

   • Programming Teacher (Volunteer)

     Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

     Aryaloka Computer Education is a right-livelihood school in Nagpur, India, providing IT training to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially from the Dalit community. * Volunteered full-time for six months, strengthening Aryaloka’s IT curriculum to better align with India’s job market. * Introduced and facilitated Harvard University’s CS50P: Introduction to Programming with Python, complementing existing C/C++ training and addressing high demand for Python skills. * Designed blended learning programs with workshops, whiteboard sessions, and mentoring, supporting two student batches, many of whom completed the course successfully. * Enhanced employability by equipping students with in-demand programming skills not widely available among their peers. * Built program sustainability by digitizing materials, fostering collaborative learning, and training graduates as teaching assistants and instructors. * Contributed to institutional development through co-creation of a 10-year strategic plan, including curriculum roadmap and resource/funding strategies. * Enriched student life beyond IT through motivational talks, English-language support, and meditation sessions. Impact: Empowered disadvantaged students—particularly from the Dalit community—to gain high-value IT skills, opening career paths and creating ripple effects for families and communities.

2. N

   Netlify · Full-time

   • Software Engineer

     Jul 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo·Remote·Current

     Software Engineer in Accounts & Billing at Netlify, a modern web developer platform that multiplies productivity. With over 2 million developers worldwide, Netlify is leading the transition to modern Jamstack-based web development. By uniting the ecosystem of developer tools and technologies, Netlify makes it easier than ever to build, deploy, and scale web applications. The company is a remote-first with a world-wide international work force. Backend developer for the Accounts & Billing team with responsibilities including development and ownership of team/org management, permissions, plans, security, billing, invoicing and payments, in the Developer Workflow team with responsibilities for Domains, DNS and Certificates. Technology stack: Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Jamstack, MongoDB, Sidekiq, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Redis, LaunchDarkly, Amplitude, Zuora billing platform, WorkOS, Datadog, Humio, Notion

3. C

   Career Break

   • Gap year

     Asia

     Undertook a one-year independent backpacking journey through most of Asia with a focus on cultural immersion, personal growth, and developing a broader global life perspective. Key focuses: * Cross-cultural experience – Engaged with diverse communities, deepening understanding of cultural dynamics and traditions. * Adaptability & problem-solving – Navigated complex environments with resilience and resourcefulness. Traveling on a low budget and with environmentally sustainable methods. * Well-being & mindfulness – Invested in practices supporting long-term focus, balance, and sustainable work habits.

4. N

   Netlify

   • Software Engineer, Backend

     US/EU

     Netlify is a modern web developer platform that multiplies productivity. With over 2 million developers worldwide, Netlify is leading the transition to modern Jamstack-based web development. By uniting the ecosystem of developer tools and technologies, Netlify makes it easier than ever to build, deploy, and scale web applications. The company is remote-first with a worldwide international workforce. Backend engineer on the Accounts & Billing and Developer Workflow teams, responsible for team/org management, permissions, plans, security, billing, invoicing, payments, domains, DNS, and certificates. # Key Achievements * Drove modernization of the Payment Methods system, revamping billing data models and removing redundant logic, improving code clarity, test coverage, and system resilience. * Built new account and security features, including IRB exemptions, private org deployment controls, and Continuous Deployment safeguards. * Co-led modernization of the internal certificate and DNS management system (Let’s Encrypt, SSL/TLS, HTTPS), performing architectural analysis, documentation, and implementation of critical updates. * Refactored legacy MongoDB invite logic using Rails lifecycle callbacks, increasing maintainability and reliability of invitation workflows. * Improved backend reliability by resolving GitHub webhook data integrity issues and coordinating cross-team bug fixes. Technology stack: Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Jamstack, MongoDB, Sidekiq, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Redis, LaunchDarkly, Amplitude, Zuora billing platform, Go, WorkOS, Datadog, Humio, Notion

5. Ö

   Örebro University · Full-time

   • Sabbatical: Studies & Open Source Projects

     Sep 2021 - Jun 2022 · 10 mos

     * Studies at Örebro University, see entry below under the Education section. * Own open source projects e.g. https://github.com/erikw/nestedtext-ruby GitHub - erikw/nestedtext-ruby GitHub - erikw/jekyll-glossary_tooltip GitHub - erikw/jekyll-google_search_console_verification_file

6. Ö

   Örebro University

   • Sabbatical: Studies & Open Source Projects

     * Studies at Örebro University, see entry below under the Education section. * Own open source projects e.g. https://github.com/erikw/nestedtext-ruby

7. R

   ResearchGate

   • Senior Engineering Manager I

     Jun 2021 - Sep 2021 · 4 mos

     Engineering Manager position for the world's largest professional online network for scientists and researchers called ResearchGate, based in Berlin. On this network, participants can share scientific and academic work and connect to other professionals for collaboration. Leading the team responsible for the company's Java backend system ranging from REST microservices to big data applications batch/streaming systems. The team drove the development of the core aspects of document storage, assets & derivatives, image processing, statistics counters, search, extraction, recommendations, shared libraries and infrastructure components.

   • Engineering Manager

     Apr 2018 - Sep 2021 · 3 yrs 6 mos·Berlin Metropolitan Area

     Engineering Manager position for the world's largest professional online network for scientists and researchers called ResearchGate, based in Berlin. On this network, participants can share scientific and academic work and connect to other professionals for collaboration. # Achievements * Enabled success for my teams, in big data / backend engineering & advertisement technology (size 2 - 8 Engineers), in - improvement on the product's core engagement driving features - complex multi-team projects including several major platform upgrades - development of industry-standard way for consumption counting in the publishing industry - collaborations with external parties (data exchange) * Ensured platform stability, maintainability, performance, cost-reduction and increase knowledge sharing * Enabled and coached personal development of team members for them to advance in their career * Improved company processes and collaborative tooling * Recruitment & on-boarding of new team members # Role Description * Management of a software engineering team that continually sets, communicates, and achieves new goals and contributes to the success of the department and the company as a whole * Identification & management of daily technical and operation problems that occur in the team's area of responsibility * Development of ideal strategies and processes to create a positive working atmosphere within the team to achieve goals effectively in order to create a strong engineering culture * Ensure rapid flexible, and successful software development and maintenance in accordance with quality standards by continuously improving internal and cross-team processes * Strategic recruitment & development of team members. Creating career and development opportunities through feedback, mentoring, knowledge transfer * Taking responsibility for the technical decisions made in the team, as well as the development of a suitable architecture to achieve and maintain high productivity

   • Senior Engineering Manager I

     Managed the Java backend team for the world’s largest professional network for scientists and researchers, overseeing systems ranging from REST microservices to big data batch and streaming applications. # Key Responsibilities & Achievements: * Led development of core backend services, ranging from REST microservices to big data applications, batch/streaming systems, including document storage, asset management, image processing, statistics counters, search, extraction, recommendations, shared libraries, and infrastructure components. * Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure reliability, scalability, and maintainability of critical backend systems supporting millions of users globally. * Drove multi-quarter technical strategy and implementation standards for backend architecture, improving system performance and developer productivity.

   • Engineering Manager

     Berlin, Germany

     Engineering Manager for backend, big data, and ad tech teams (2–8 engineers) at the world’s largest professional network for scientists and researchers. Led teams responsible for critical platform components used by millions of users worldwide. # Key Achievements * Led complex multi-team projects, including major platform upgrades, driving improvements in core engagement features and backend systems. * Spearheaded the development of industry-standard consumption counting for the publishing sector and facilitated external data collaborations. * Ensured platform stability, performance, and cost efficiency while fostering knowledge sharing and cross-team collaboration. * Coached and developed team members to advance in their careers, enabling personal growth and a strong engineering culture. * Improved company processes and collaborative tooling to streamline delivery and increase team effectiveness. * Recruited and onboarded new engineers to grow and strengthen the teams. # Role Description * Manage software engineering teams to set and achieve strategic goals aligned with company objectives. * Identify and resolve technical and operational challenges within team domains. * Develop strategies and processes to build a positive, productive team environment and strong engineering culture. * Ensure rapid, high-quality software development and maintenance through continuous process improvements. * Lead technical decision-making and architectural planning to maintain high productivity and quality standards.

   • Senior Software Engineer, Backend

     Sep 2017 - Apr 2018 · 8 mos·Berlin, Germany

     Software Engineering position for the world's largest professional online network for scientists and researchers called ResearchGate, based in Berlin. On this network, participants can share scientific and academic work (in-progress or published) and connect to other professionals for collaboration. Positively progressed company's monetization infrastructure by using big data processing and analysis. Engagement and coordination of cross-team initiatives on improving development process. Technology stack: Java, Dropwizard, Gradle, Apache Flink, Azkaban, Hadoop, Hive, Lucene, MongoDB, Jira (Administrator), Git, Intellij ResearchGate

   • Senior Software Engineer, Backend

     Berlin, Germany

     Software Engineer at the world’s largest professional network for scientists and researchers, working on scalable systems that support millions of users. * Advanced the company’s monetization infrastructure through big data processing and analysis, contributing to revenue growth and improved data-driven decision-making. * Led and coordinated cross-team initiatives to enhance development processes and engineering collaboration e.g. testing standards for Java projects. Technology stack: Java, Dropwizard, Gradle, Apache Flink, Azkaban, Hadoop, Hive, Lucene, MongoDB, ML/Wapiti, Jira (Administrator), Git, Intellij

8. D

   Dubsmash · Full-time

   • Software Engineer, Backend

     Jul 2016 - Mar 2017 · 9 mos·Berlin, Germany

     Developer forming and delivering the coolest features in the backend for for the video communication IT-startup Dubsmash. High scale problems solving by utilizing a micro architecture solution with modern technologies like Python Django REST Framework, Docker and AWS among many others. Active driver in processes (Scrum, Kanban) and team development questions in both discipline and feature team based structures. Contributed to the app with iOS development. Technology stack: Python, Django REST Framework, Docker, AWS, Heroku, Redis, RabbitMQ, ElasticSearch, PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, BigQuery, Travis, Buildkite, Git, Swift iOS, API Blueprint, Sentry & Virtualenv. Example of work: Expanded Dubsmash to the field of public consumption by developing the highly popular Community Moments feature, and expansion of the existing user base by integrating Facebook Login. Lip-syncing video giant Dubsmash rolls out Community Moments, nabs Warner as first channel sponsor

9. D

   Dubsmash

   • Software Engineer, Backend

     Berlin, Germany

     Backend engineer at a fast-scaling video communication startup, building features and infrastructure for millions of users worldwide. * Expanded Dubsmash into public content by developing the full backend for the highly popular Community Moments feature, driving user engagement, content sharing, and generating the company’s first real revenue and enabling partnerships with major brands. * Designed and delivered high-impact backend features using a microservice architecture with modern technologies such as Python, Django REST Framework, Docker, and AWS. * Solved large-scale performance and reliability challenges to support rapid user growth and new product initiatives. * Played an active role in improving engineering processes (Scrum, Kanban) and shaping team structures, contributing to both discipline- and feature-based teams. * Driving user growth through Facebook Login integration. * Contributed to iOS development to enable tighter collaboration between backend and mobile features. Technology stack: Python, Django REST Framework, Docker, AWS, Heroku, Redis, RabbitMQ, ElasticSearch, PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, BigQuery, Travis, Buildkite, Git, Swift iOS, API Blueprint, Sentry & Virtualenv

10. A

    Axis Communications

    • Experienced Software Engineer, Embedded

      Jun 2014 - Jun 2016 · 2 yrs 1 mo·Kalmar County, Sweden

      Firmware developer at the world's largest and leading video surveillance company manufacturing network camera, security management- and physical access control systems (3k+ employees). My work ranged from requirement analysis, research, architecture, design, implementation and QA testing, on an embedded Linux platform. Scrum/Kanban master for a team of 5--10 people including meeting facilitation, planning and improvements to teamwork and our process. Technology stack: Embedded C, Python, Shell scripting, GNU Linux, Gerrit, Jenkins, Glib, check test, GDB, libcurl, Taiga, GNU Make cross-compilation & LaTeX. Example of work: * Solved the problem of access control devices (without external time source) drifting from each other thus creating security problems by developing a solution for distributed isolated time synchronization. * Expanded the market for an access control system by integrating it with a networked IO module to control access to elevator floors. AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller Non-proprietary & open IP-based access control

    • Experienced Software Engineer, Embedded

      Lund, Sweden

      Firmware engineer at the world’s leading video surveillance company (3,000+ employees), developing embedded Linux software for security management and physical access control systems. Involved in the full development cycle — from requirements analysis, research, architecture, and implementation to QA and testing. Also served as Scrum/Kanban Master for a team of 5–10 engineers, facilitating planning, retrospectives, and continuous process improvements. Key Achievements: * Solved critical security issues caused by time drift between isolated access control devices by developing a distributed isolated time synchronization solution. * Expanded the access control system’s market reach by integrating it with a networked I/O module to enable elevator floor control. * Improved team efficiency and delivery cadence by introducing structured agile practices and facilitating cross-team collaboration. Technology stack: Embedded C, Python, Shell scripting, GNU Linux, Gerrit, Jenkins, Glib, check test, GDB, libcurl, Taiga, GNU Make cross-compilation & LaTeX.

    • Master's Thesis Project

      Jan 2014 - Jun 2014 · 6 mos·Kalmar County, Sweden

      In-depth study of Google's Go programming language in an embedded environment in collaboration with Axis, with the thesis title "Using the Go Programming Language in Practice". Research and implementation. Popular science article Presentation slides Thesis

    • Master's Thesis Project

      Lund, Sweden

      Conducted an in-depth technical study on Google’s Go programming language and its applicability for embedded systems development within Axis’ product environment. The project combined academic research with practical implementation and resulted in the thesis “Using the Go Programming Language in Practice.” Key aspects of the work included: * Evaluated Go’s language design and tooling (compilers, build system, standard library, cross-compilation support) from the perspective of embedded firmware development. * Implemented and cross-compiled Go code for Axis’ MIPS-based embedded platform, including integration with existing C code using cgo. * Developed a working cross-compilation toolchain and build wrapper, enabling Go applications to run on Axis devices. * Investigated developer productivity and software quality aspects of adopting Go compared to C/C++ for embedded use cases. * Contributed findings to the Go community (e.g., tutorials on cross-compilation and callback handling). * The work provided Axis with a strategic evaluation of Go’s maturity and potential for adoption in future product development. Some years later, Go was chosen as the new main language for embedded development!

    • Consultant as Software Developer

      Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 · 3 mos·Kalmar County, Sweden

      Development of a feature full product report generation tool and an accompanying web interface, using Python and JavaScript. Technology stack: Python, Pylons Pyramid, JavaScript, JQuery, Bootstrap & Git.

    • Consultant as Software Developer

      Lund, Sweden

      Development of a feature full product report generation tool and an accompanying web interface, using Python and JavaScript. Technology stack: Python, Pylons Pyramid, JavaScript, JQuery, Bootstrap & Git.

11. L

    Lunds nation

    • Foreman, Team Lead

      2013 - 2014 · 1 yr·Lund, Skåne County, Sweden

      Foreman for the student night club Hybris! taking 300-500 guests. Responsibilities including e.g. volunteer worker recruitment, education, security inspection, work shift management and economy. With another colleague, we were resonsible for the whole event with the goals of creating a fun and safe work environment, following all laws snd regulation and to create a great night for our guests. Also involved in all sorts of nation associated events. Took two courses in responsible alcohol serving. Awarded for being a driving force who can engage the community.

12. T

    The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, LTH · Part-time

    • Assisting Research Software Developer

      Dec 2011 - Sep 2012 · 10 mos·Lund, Sweden

      Active involvement in EU sponsored robot projects. Creating a service and subscriber for force and torque samples from a sensor with low level hard real time requirements using C, FreeRTOS, Linux and Xenomai. Design and implement a general system and API for connecting nodes speaking a sample language and let them communicate over logical channels with different transport methods e.g. (real time) Ethernet, UDP, TCP or sneakernet. Evaluating and adapting the use of ROS (Robot Operating System) for new robots. Technology stack: Embedded C, Shell scripting, C++, GNU Linux, Robot Operating System, lwIP, CUnit, GDB, GNU Make, Clang, LaTeX, Git, SVN & Doxygen. GitHub - erikw/firefly

13. T

    The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, LTH

    • Assisting Research Software Developer

      Lund, Sweden

      Contributed to EU-sponsored robotics research projects, focusing on real-time systems, robot communication, and infrastructure development. Key Contributions: * Developed a real-time service and subscriber for force and torque sensor data using C, FreeRTOS, Linux, and Xenomai. * Designed and implemented a general communication system and API (named FireFly) to connect distributed nodes via logical channels over various transport protocols (e.g., real-time Ethernet, UDP, TCP, “sneakernet”). * Evaluated and adapted the Robot Operating System (ROS) for integration with new robotic platforms. Technology stack: Embedded C, Shell scripting, C++, GNU Linux, Robot Operating System, lwIP, CUnit, GDB, GNU Make, Clang, LaTeX, Git, SVN & Doxygen.

14. T

    Tetra Pak, Global IM · Internship

    • IT-employee at Server & Mail

      Jun 2011 - Jul 2011 · 2 mos·Lund, Sweden

      Responsible for the operation of backups jobs for most of Tetra Pak's sites in Europe and Africa including job administration, error detection and correction and task delegation to people at the sites. Installation and configuration for new and old rack-servers also involving virtualization. Technology stack: Symantec Backup Exec & HP Integrated Lights-Out.

15. T

    Tetra Pak, Global IM

    • IT-employee at Server & Mail

      Lund, Sweden

      Supported IT operations for Tetra Pak’s European and African sites, focusing on backup administration, server maintenance, and virtualization. Key Contributions: * Monitored and managed large-scale backup jobs, including error detection, troubleshooting, and task coordination with on-site staff. * Installed and configured rack servers for both new and existing infrastructure, including virtualization setup. * Gained hands-on experience with enterprise-grade infrastructure in a global IT environment. Technology stack: Symantec Backup Exec & HP Integrated Lights-Out.

16. I

    IKEA Group

    • Trainee at computer department

      Jun 2008 - Jun 2008 · 1 mo·Älmhult, Sweden

      Administration, upgrading and testing of various computer services for most of the group operational systems, e.g. payments systems, internal web servers.

17. F

    Falsterbo Golf Course

    • Golf course worker

      Mar 2006 - Mar 2006 · 1 mo·Falsterbo, Sweden

      Gardening and maintenance work.

18. H

    Hamrelius and Lazer, Hansakompaniet

    • Trainee at a book and music store

      Feb 2006 - Feb 2006 · 1 mo·Malmo, Sweden

      Serving customers and administrative tasks e.g. updating product database.

19. F

    FrontWeb Sales AB

    • Trainee at a computer game store

      Sep 2005 - Sep 2005 · 1 mo·Vellinge, Sweden

      Updated the company's web page with new products, serving customers, advertising, marketing and administrative tasks.

20. S

    Svensk Direktreklam AB

    • Commercial advertisement distributor

      Jun 2003 - Jun 2003 · 1 mo·Ljungby, Kronoberg County, Sweden

      Distributing commercial advertisements.

Education

1. ?
   CEFR B1-B2, German Language Course, German Language Course

   Full time German language studies completed CEFR levels B1-B2.

2. 
   Örebro UniversitySound EngineeringSep 2021 - Jan 2022

   Theoretical and practical studies in sound engineering including studio acoustic design, digital tools, microphone recording techniques, signal processing and mixing at the School of Music, Theater and Art, Örebro University (remote). Grade: Pass with Distinction (VG, highest grade)

3. ?
   Sound Engineering, Sound Engineering

   Theoretical and practical studies in sound engineering including studio acoustic design, digital tools, microphone recording techniques, signal processing and mixing at the School of Music, Theater and Art, Örebro University (remote). Grade: Pass with Distinction (VG, highest grade)

4. ?
   CEFR B1, German Language Course, German Language Course

   Full time German language studies completed up to and including CEFR level B1.

5. D
   die deutSCHuleCEFR B1, German Language Course2017 - 2017

   Full time German language studies completed up to and including CEFR level B1.

6. 
   UC IrvineMaster of Science in Computer Science, Software Development2012 - 2013

   Grade: 3.775 Nominated for a year abroad at Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Science as a part of my program in Lund. Took advanced courses in Graph Algorithms, Machine learning, Data Structures, Compilers \& Interpreters, Software Testing, Software Architecture among others. Participated in research project for a professor about Firewire/PCI hacking and the re-design of a computer system for prevention of such attacks. GPA of 3.775 and in Dean's Honor List all 3 quarters. Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Science

7. ?
   Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Development, Software Development

   GPA: 3.775 | Dean’s Honor List (all 3 quarters) * Completed a year abroad at the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences as part of Lund University’s program. * Advanced coursework included Graph Algorithms, Machine Learning, Data Structures, Compilers & Interpreters, Software Testing, and Software Architecture. * Participated in research on FireWire/PCI security vulnerabilities and contributed to the redesign of a computer system to prevent such attacks. * Recognized for academic excellence and consistent high performance.

8. ?
   Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, Software Development, Software Development

   * Completed a comprehensive 5-year program covering Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Security, Physics, and Electronics, on time and with extra courses. * Achieved top grades in most courses, demonstrating strong academic excellence and mastery of core computer science and engineering subjects. * Gained solid foundational and applied knowledge, preparing for professional software development roles.

9. 
   The Faculty of Engineering at Lund UniversityMaster of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, Software Development2009 - 2014

   Activities and societies: Datatekniksektionen vid TLTH 5 year solid program in Computer Science and related subjects as Programming, Data structures, Algorithms, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Security, Physics, Electronics. Department of Computer Science - LTH

10. ?
    High School, Techincal Program, Techincal Program

    Technical education with focus on mathematics, computer and natural science. Examples of courses; Web design, Database management, Computer networking, Server management, Programming (C\#), Advance Physics and Mathematics, Religion, History, Project work and Business start up.

11. S
    SundsgymnasietHigh School, Techincal Program2006 - 2009

    Technical education with focus on mathematics, computer and natural science. Examples of courses; Web design, Database management, Computer networking, Server management, Programming (C\#), Advance Physics and Mathematics, Religion, History, Project work and Business start up.

12. L
    LjungenskolanElementary school1997 - 2006

    Primary school with early focus on own responsibility, planning, flexible working hours, critical thinking, teamwork and presentations.

Skills