Héctor Villarreal Ortega (Open to 100% Remote Opportunities)
Senior Backend Engineer | Cloud Integration & DevOps Specialist (Python/Odoo)
Summary
Results-driven Senior Backend Engineer with 8+ years specializing in Odoo ERP implementation and complex integrations, architecting scalable backend systems using Python, Docker, and PostgreSQL. Deep expertise building cloud integrations (AWS) and robust CI/CD pipelines. Proven ability optimizing performance (slashed critical API latency by 90%) using sampling profiler tools like Pyspy and streamlining deployments via automated pipelines. Strong OCA open-source maintainer enhancing collaboration and code quality skills. Possesses a unique foundation in hardware/systems diagnostics from 5 years as an IT Technician. Eager to contribute technical expertise within a new professional environment and master cutting-edge technologies relevant to advanced backend and platform engineering roles.
Technical Skills
- Backend Development:
- Python (Expert): Extensive application in Odoo module development, scripting, backend services, and complex integrations.
- Odoo Framework (Expert): Deep understanding of ORM, module structure, API, and core functionalities, including performance tuning and customization for large-scale deployments.
- Asynchronous Processing (Proficient): Practical experience architecting and implementing reliable asynchronous workflows using AWS SQS integrated with Python applications (e.g., via EDI frameworks).
- REST API Design & Implementation: Building and integrating APIs for various services, including e-commerce platforms and external systems.
- Databases:
- PostgreSQL (Expert): Advanced querying, schema design for Odoo and direct monitoring/intervention (identifying blocking queries, careful data manipulation avoiding ORM conflicts).
- Elasticsearch & MongoDB (Familiar): Utilized in specific projects (e.g., Elasticsearch for Shopinvader/LocomotiveCMS search, MongoDB for Node.js application backend).
- DevOps & Cloud:
- Containerization (Expert): Designing, building, and managing multi-container production environments using Docker & Docker Compose for Odoo and related services.
- CI/CD (Expert): Full lifecycle experience with GitHub Actions and GitLab CI, including designing complex pipelines (testing, coverage, image building with git-aggregate, security checks), migrating between platforms, and optimizing for cost and reliability.
- Cloud Platforms (Active User): Deploying and managing applications on AWS (EC2, S3, RDS, SQS) and various VPS Providers (DigitalOcean, OVH, Linode), focusing on practical application deployment rather than deep infrastructure management.
- Networking & Deployment: Configuring Traefik (preferred) and Nginx as reverse proxies for SSL termination and routing; implementing automated backup strategies to S3 using Duplicity; utilizing deployment helpers like Doodba.
- Infrastructure: Proficient with Linux/Unix environments and writing effective Bash scripts for automation (especially deployment tasks); basic familiarity with Ansible for configuration management.
- Development Tools & Practices:
- Git (Proficient): Advanced workflows, branching strategies, code review integration, maintaining clean history, resolving complex merge conflicts.
- VS Code: Leveraging advanced features, including efficient Containerized Python Debugging.
- Performance Analysis: Utilizing application performance management APM tools to diagnose and resolve Python application bottlenecks.
- Code Quality: Strong advocate and practitioner of Clean Code, enforced through Pre-commit hooks and rigorous Code Review (informed by OCA maintainer experience).
- Methodologies: Working within Agile/Scrum teams; experience Mentoring junior developers.
- AI Exploration: Actively exploring and applying OpenAI APIs, Google AI Tools, n8n to enhance development processes and investigate potential application features.
Professional Experience
ForgeFlow | Barcelona, Spain | September 2017 – Present Senior Backend Engineer & Technical Consultant
- Architected & Developed High-Impact Cloud Integrations: Engineered robust, asynchronous solutions connecting Odoo with platforms like Shopify, Saleor, and Autostore WMS. Leveraged AWS SQS for reliable message queuing and Python within the OCA EDI framework for data processing. Successfully handled high transaction volumes (supporting client high revenues during peak season) and complex business logic (US taxes, warehouse routing).
- Optimized E-commerce Backend Performance: Diagnosed and resolved critical performance bottlenecks in Odoo interactions for a B2B Shopinvader site (leading furniture design co.) using profiling tools like Pyspy. Re-architected core logic, slashing API latency from ~10s to <1s, enabling real-time cart functionality and enhancing user experience. Supported e-commerce backend for major 3D printer manufacturer using Elasticsearch via LocomotiveCMS.
- Engineered & Managed Production Environments: Designed and maintained stable, containerized (Docker Compose) Odoo applications on AWS EC2 and various VPS platforms. Implemented robust deployment setups including Traefik for reverse proxying and SSL termination, and configured automated, reliable backups to S3 using Duplicity. Managed database scalability using AWS RDS.
- Led CI/CD Pipeline Migration & Optimization: Spearheaded the migration from GitLab CI to GitHub Actions for a key client. Designed and implemented comprehensive workflows for automated testing (incl. code coverage), security checks (Pre-commit), Docker image building (utilizing git-aggregate), and push to AWS ECR. Developed custom Bash scripts for automated, zero-downtime deployments, successfully reducing operational costs associated with the previous CI/CD provider. Utilized VS Code’s containerized debugging features extensively during development.
Odoo Community Association (OCA) | Remote | 2019 – Present Open Source Project Maintainer & Contributor
- Serve as a maintainer for the
OCA/purchase-workflowrepository and contribute actively to others (reporting-engine,search-engine). Responsibilities include reviewing community PRs against rigorous standards, fixing bugs, ensuring release compatibility, and mentoring new contributors. - Reviewed hundreds of community Pull Requests, fostering expertise in code quality assessment, constructive feedback, and collaborative development best practices within a distributed, asynchronous environment.
Senior IT Technician | Freelance & 3D Servicio Técnico Informático, Barcelona | 2010 – 2015
- Provided end-to-end IT support for 50+ clients: Diagnosed and resolved complex hardware (component-level repair, custom builds) and software issues (Windows/Linux OS, data recovery, network configuration). Developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Education & Projects
- BSc Industrial Engineering | ETSEIB, UPC Barcelona | 2012 - 2018
- Provided a strong analytical foundation with coursework in Automatic Control, Thermodynamics, Electrical/Fluid Mechanics, and Electronics. Applied these principles in various projects, including a final year simulation focused on optimizing logistics flow using mathematical modeling.
- Introduction to AI with Python Course Project | Cibernàrium, Barcelona Activa | 2022
- Covered core AI concepts, machine learning fundamentals, data preprocessing, and practical application using libraries like Scikit-learn and Pandas. Developed project applying basic classification algorithms to real-world datasets.
- MongoDB & AngularJS Course | Cibernàrium, Barcelona Activa | 2016
- Focused on NoSQL database concepts and modern frontend frameworks. Developed a functional Chrome Extension using AngularJS for modular UI components and Node.js/MongoDB for backend data storage, aimed at improving developer productivity.
- Web Development Certification | Fundació CIM, UPC Barcelona | 2015
- Gained comprehensive full-stack development skills (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL). Built two distinct web applications applying the MVC pattern, demonstrating practical knowledge of frontend design, backend logic, and database interaction.
Certifications
- DDMRP Planner Certification | Demand Driven Institute | 2020
Languages
- Spanish: Native
- Catalan: Native
- English: C1 Advanced
- Portuguese: Intermediate
Current Technical Interests & Professional Development
- Keen interest in mastering modern technologies crucial for high-performance, scalable backend systems and platforms.
- Hands-on learning with Kubernetes for container orchestration.
- Exploring advanced monitoring and logging stacks (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK).
- Integrating AI tools (OpenAI, Google AI) into development workflows to enhance productivity and capabilities.