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About me

Discover Hermann Kao, a Togolese Fullstack Developer and avid photographer based in Saint-Étienne, France. Explore his journey and work in web and mobile development.

Hello and welcome! I am Hermann Kao, a skilled Fullstack Web and Mobile Developer from Togo, now residing and working in Clermont-Ferrand, France. My career is a testament to my dedication to technology and innovation, crafted through a robust foundation in both web and mobile platforms. I am not only passionate about building intuitive digital solutions that enhance business processes and user engagement but also deeply committed to integrating creative design and functionality in every project.

🌐
With a solid background and diverse experience in DevOps, web, and mobile development, I am seeking my first full-time position starting February 2025. Proficient in Next.js, React Native, and deployment on Google Cloud Platform, I am eager to join a company that values continuous learning and innovation in France, Canada or the USA

💼 Professional Experience

Fullstack Web and Mobile Developer (Typescript) - Apprenticeship

Nobo (Palladium) - Paris, France
August 2021 - December 2024 (3+ years)

  • Migration to Monorepo: Participated in migrating multiple codebases to monorepos for mobile and web applications, improving code reuse and simplifying dependency management.
  • Back Office Manager Development: Developed and maintained the Back Office Manager application, implementing key features such as scheduling, customer churn management, provider termination workflows, and promotional code management.
  • Mobile App Improvements: Upgraded provider and customer mobile apps using React Native and Expo, transitioning from AsyncStorage to MMKV and from native-base to react-native reusable components for better performance and user experience.
  • Performance Optimization: Enhanced app performance by implementing infinite scrolling, optimizing calendar features, and removing unnecessary dependencies.
  • CI/CD Pipeline Improvement: Optimized CI/CD processes with GitLab CI, updated Docker configurations, and added Kubernetes pod health check endpoints to facilitate deployments.
  • Error Tracking Integration: Integrated Sentry for error monitoring and debugging, improving app stability.
  • Web App Modernization: Migrated web apps to a monorepo structure and updated UI libraries to Mantine 7.x, modernizing the tech stack and boosting developer productivity.
  • Security and Compliance: Implemented Turnstile for lead creation protection, added GDPR compliance features, and managed user authentication improvements.
  • Kubernetes Deployment Management: Managed Kubernetes deployments with Argo CD, updated Ingress configurations, unified domain names, and integrated services like PHPMyAdmin and GitLab Runner.
  • Collaboration and Leadership: Worked closely with cross-functional teams to resolve critical bugs, optimize performance, and deliver new features on time.

Technologies: React, React Native, Expo, TypeScript, Node.js, Express.js, GraphQL, Kubernetes, Argo CD, GitLab CI/CD, Docker, Sentry, MMKV, Mantine UI, NativeWind, Nest.js, PostgreSQL, Prisma

Frontend Developer - Freelance

KatGames - Paris, France
August 2024 - September 2024 (1 month)

  • Developed a multiplatform web gaming application with React Native, including Wordle and Riddle, available at https://todsgames.com.
  • Improved UI/UX with Lottie animations and NativeWind theming, ensuring an optimized user experience.
  • Integrated secure authentication via Google OAuth, adding social features like friend lists and invitations.
  • Used React Query for efficient data and state management.
  • Set up CI/CD pipelines with Docker and GitHub Actions, resolving build and deployment issues.
  • Generated API clients with OpenAPI for seamless frontend-backend communication.
  • Maintained code quality with unit tests and team code reviews in an agile environment.

Technologies: React Native, JavaScript, TypeScript, Docker, Git, GitHub Actions, Lottie, NativeWind, React Query, OpenAPI, OAuth, CI/CD, Unit Testing, Coolify

Frontend Developer - Freelance

Novéup - Paris, France
August 2023 - October 2023 (2 months)

  • Created a web application (API + frontend) to replace an existing mobile app for the Skipper* system.
  • Modified the Skipper* operating system and accessories to ensure compatibility with the new app.

*The Skipper is a domestic robot assistance station for elderly or vulnerable individuals, enabling them to stay in touch with family and doctors.

Technologies: SvelteKit, Nest.js, PostgreSQL, AWS, DDD, GraphQL, TurboRepo, React Query, IoT

Frontend Developer - Freelance

Clone (ex Not So Dark) - Paris, France
April 2023 - July 2023 (3 months)

  • Created a backoffice to manage recipes, ingredients, suppliers, and brands for the company.
  • Implemented real-time messaging.
  • Set up a hexagonal architecture in the backend.
  • Created a user guide and comprehensive developer documentation for the API and frontend.
  • Previously, the company relied on Excel files. The backoffice improved productivity and communication between teams.

Technologies: Next.js, Nest.js, PostgreSQL, GraphQL, Redux Toolkit

React Native Developer - Freelance

IPLAYAGAIN - Paris, France
February 2023 - April 2023 (2 months)

  • Updated the React Native version and related APIs for the You Doo Good mobile app.
  • Added IronSource SDK to display paywalls to users.

Technologies: React Native, Laravel, AWS

System Administrator - Freelance

Snowtrust - Limoges, France
April 2021 - October 2022 (1 year)

  • Set up OpenStack and a Kubernetes cluster.
  • Configured a VPN with OpenVPN.
  • Implemented CI for automated deployment of internal applications.
  • Created an architecture to outsource web hosting and VPS using Plesk and WHMCS (Lagon).

Technologies: Python, OpenStack, GitLab, Cloudflare, SonarQube, Frappe Framework

Fullstack JavaScript Developer and DevOps - Internship

Nobo (Palladium) - Boulogne-Billancourt, France
April 2020 - September 2020 (5 months)

  • Improved applications and microservices (Next.js, Node.js, React, React Native).
  • Conducted security audits (OpenVAS).
  • Set up the ELK stack for server and application monitoring.
  • Implemented continuous integration and deployment pipelines (SonarQube, GitLab CI, Jenkins, Jira, Unit Tests).
  • Refactored a mobile app for cleaning providers, built entirely with React Native.
  • Added offline action queue functionality for app users.
  • Dockerized an Express API.
  • Migrated from GitLab to BitBucket.
  • Migrated from GitLab CI to Jenkins.
  • Created annotated videos for the app's user guide.

Technologies: Next.js, Express, React Native, OVH, Docker, MySQL, GitLab CI, Jenkins

Mobile Developer - Internship

Midou - Rabat, Morocco
October 2018 - June 2019 (8 months)

  • Agile project management.
  • Developed the company's showcase website (React.js).
  • Designed the mobile app and website.
  • Collaborated closely with the company founders.
  • Brainstormed new design and feature ideas.
  • Implemented push notifications with Firebase and an in-app map with MapBox.

Technologies: React Native, MapBox, OpenLayers, Firebase

Education

Master of Science in Software Architecture and Application Development

ETNA - Paris, France
October 2023 - December 2024

Bachelor in Web and Mobile Project Management

ETNA - Paris, France
August 2021 - October 2023

Computer Engineering

3IL Engineers - Limoges, France
September 2019 - July 2021

Automated Systems Engineering

ESSTI - Rabat, Morocco
2018 - 2019

Preparatory Classes for Grandes Écoles

ESSTI - Rabat, Morocco
2016 - 2018

Projects

Ollama Commit Summarizer - IDE Plugin

June 2024 - GitHub
Developed a plugin for IDEs that generates commit messages based on file changes using a specific prompt.
Technologies: Kotlin, IntelliJ Plugin SDK

PictlOnis - Multiplatform Mobile App (Pictionary-like)

January 2024 - GitLab
Created a multiplatform mobile app allowing users to draw and guess words in real-time.
Technologies: React Native, Firebase, TypeScript, Skia

Sports Events - Local Sports Event Management Platform

May 2023 - GitLab
Developed a platform for users to create, share, and participate in local sports events.
Technologies: React, Next.js, TypeScript, GitLab CI/CD, Docker, Mantine UI, MySQL, Spring Boot, Leaflet

Whats The Weather - iOS Weather App Clone

October 2022 - Blog Post
Built a mobile app for real-time weather forecasts using SwiftUI and OpenWeatherMap API.
Technologies: Swift, SwiftUI, OpenWeatherMap API

Real Estate Mediation Website

April 2021 - Website
Created a website for a real estate mediation professional, enabling clients to book appointments and contact them online.
Technologies: WordPress, PHP, HTML, CSS, Online Booking Plugins, Contact Forms

Associative Experiences

Maillage Seniors 2020

Makesense re_make - Limoges, France
During the COVID-19 crisis, I participated in a citizen engagement program to connect with elderly individuals, reducing their isolation by making phone calls to those in nursing homes or living alone.

Mobile Developer 2020

Association Infolimo - Limoges, France
Developed and deployed a React Native mobile app for the association, providing a list of cultural and associative events in the Limousin region.

Humanitarian Aid and Scientific Outreach 2017

Les Rangs d'Honneur - El Hajeb, Morocco
Participated in hikes with volunteers to provide medical and social aid to remote populations, focusing on scientific outreach.

Hygiene Awareness 2016

To Go to Togo - Sokode, Togo
Taught hygiene practices, such as using ashes as a soap substitute and maintaining dry toilets, to underserved populations in Togo.

🛠 Technical Skills

Throughout my career, I have developed a robust skill set that includes:

  • Programming Languages: Proficient in JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python.
  • Frameworks and Libraries: Extensive experience with React, Next.js, NestJS, React Native, Express, and Svelte.
  • Database Management: Skilled in managing and developing databases using PostgreSQL and Firebase.
  • DevOps and Cloud Services: Competent in using AWS, Google Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes, and ELK Stack to ensure scalable, efficient, and reliable software deployment.

📚 Interests

Apart from technology, I have a fervent passion for photography, capturing moments and landscapes that reflect the beauty and diversity of our world. As a Togolese national, I cherish exploring and depicting both the vibrant culture of my homeland and the scenic vistas of my adopted home in France through my lens. I also enjoy reading science fiction and thrillers, stargazing, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in automotive technology.

📢 Let's Connect

If you are intrigued by my profile and believe we could collaborate or share insights, please do not hesitate to connect with me. Here’s how you can reach me:

Thank you for taking the time to explore my professional world. I am eager to discuss potential opportunities and share ideas over a cup of coffee.