# Thomas Whidden > Senior software engineer @ Vestwell | Maxwell’s demon Location: New York, New York, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/thomaswhidden I'm a passionate technologist with a knack for exploring the boundaries of systems and software. My expertise lies in: • Ethical hacking: Identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening cybersecurity • Reverse engineering: Deconstructing complex systems to understand their inner workings • Innovation: Developing creative solutions and building new technologies With a curious mind and a problem-solving approach, I thrive on challenges that push the limits of what's possible in tech. Whether it's finding unconventional ways to improve security, optimizing existing systems, or crafting innovative new tools, I'm always eager to learn and contribute to the ever-evolving world of technology. My goal is to leverage my skills in hacking, breaking, and making to drive positive change and advance technological capabilities across various industries. ## Work Experience ### Senior Software Engineer @ Vestwell Jan 2026 – Present | Manhattan, NY ### Full Stack Engineer @ apexads.io Jan 2025 – Present • Engineered Go-based analytics backend with PostgreSQL, Redis, and ClickHouse for real-time event tracking, processing millions of click and conversion events monthly with time-series aggregation and cross-database synchronization. • Deployed Next.js frontend on Vercel with Convex serverless backend for live campaign dashboards, leveraging real-time subscriptions and type-safe APIs for instant analytics updates. • Automated cloud provisioning and ad platform integration using Cloudflare Workers and Meta Ads API for high-volume performance tracking, campaign management, and revenue attribution. • Built custom domain infrastructure system with automated DNS verification, SSL certificate provisioning via Cloudflare, and dynamic Worker routing for scalable multi-tenant tracking domains (supporting 500+ customer domains). ### Software Engineer @ HiringFM Jan 2020 – Present | Los Angeles County, California, United States • Engineered a PDF output solution that perfectly replicates web-based designs, enhancing resume format and readability. • Developed a microservices architecture using Node.js for tasks like web scraping, boosting application performance. • Architected a scalable full-stack application with Next.js and Azure, featuring automated CI/CD via GitHub, auto-scaling to 30+ instances, multi-region database replication, and a custom high-volume data schema. • Implemented advanced OCR with Python to automate user profile population, streamlining onboarding and reducing manual entry. • Designed an automated job scraping system in Python, integrating with employer portals for real-time updates, maintaining a daily-refreshed database of 15 million jobs. ### Full Stack Engineer @ DanielleGuelbart.com Jan 2025 – Jan 2025 • Built Next.js artist portfolio and e-commerce platform with TypeScript, Convex real-time backend, Printify print-on-demand integration, and Stripe payments. • Created CMS with admin dashboard featuring masonry gallery management, TipTap rich-text blog with categories, and infinite scroll pagination. • Implemented automated order fulfillment, including real-time Printify inventory sync, session-based cart, dynamic variant selection, API shipping calculations, and order tracking. ### Co-Founder @ Cntrl AI Jan 2022 – Jan 2024 | Los Angeles County, California, United States • Developed a vector storage system for efficient handling of files up to 10MB, reducing storage costs by 50% and achieving 75% faster data retrieval, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement • Researched and evaluated emerging technologies, conducting proof-of-concepts and performance testing, leading to successful implementation and improvements in system performance, development efficiency, and user experience • Implemented LLM-assisted features (art generation, X.com posting, web search), increasing user engagement by 15% • Built a highly scalable API using Python, FastAPI, and Flask, processing over 100,000 requests with optimized design and caching, reducing average response time by 50% • Collaborated with co-founders to define the company's technical vision and strategy, aligning with business objectives and delivering measurable value ### Marketing @ Self Employed, Internet Income Jan 2001 – Jan 2021 • Mastered advanced techniques in content filtering and security measures, providing unique insights for improving email security and user protection • Created and managed large-scale automated marketing campaigns, developing comprehensive understanding of traffic patterns, system behaviors, and potential vulnerabilities in digital ecosystems • Engineered custom scripts and tools for high-volume data processing and distribution, demonstrating skills applicable to developing efficient network monitoring and security systems • Conducted extensive A/B testing and analytics on various messaging strategies, gaining valuable insights into user behavior and engagement patterns crucial for enhancing digital communication security ### Co-Founder / Lead Cannabis Consultant @ WeedRAR Consultants LLC Jan 2014 – Jan 2020 | Greater Los Angeles Area Cannabis Processing Facility Management • Designed and implemented state-of-the-art facility, increasing production efficiency by 30% and reducing operating expenses by 20% • Engineered custom extraction solutions, boosting product purity by 25% and decreasing workplace accidents by 40% • Developed comprehensive SOPs, resulting in 95% adherence rate and 50% reduction in processing errors Process Optimization and Team Leadership • Trained and mentored staff on new SOPs, ensuring consistent high-quality output and regulatory compliance • Led cross-functional teams in continuous process improvement, adapting to evolving industry regulations • Collaborated with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Compliance to maintain highest standards of quality and safety Key Achievements: • Achieved industry-leading throughputs while maintaining lower overhead costs • Implemented safety measures that significantly reduced workplace incidents • Streamlined operations, resulting in substantial improvements in product quality and operational efficiency Industry Recognition: • High Times Cannabis Cup: 2nd place Best Concentrate (2018) - Collaboration with DNA Genetics • Chalice California: 1st Place, Sativa Concentrate (2016) - Collaboration with Kanna King Farms • High Times Cannabis Cup: Best Breeders Concentrate (2019) - Collaboration with DNA Genetics ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hairetsu --- Source: https://flows.cv/thomaswhidden JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/thomaswhidden/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13