Benjamin Ashfield - Software Engineer

Summary

Accomplished software developer with expertise in Python and JavaScript, specialising in backend development and RESTful APIs. Proficient in automated testing and test utilities, ensuring data integrity and robust system performance.

Experienced in Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, with a strong track record of collaborating effectively within remote and office-based teams.

Skilled in using Git, Jira, and Confluence for efficient project management. Adept at working within Linux environments, focusing on server configuration and production debugging. Committed to leveraging technical skills to drive innovation and enhance team productivity.

Overview

20

years of professional experience

1

Certification

Work history

Software Engineer

Bentley Systems Ltd

2019.08 - 2026.01

Worked as part of a cross-functional engineering team delivering cloud-hosted Common Data Environment (CDE) solutions for enterprise customers.
This role gave me strong exposure to real-world production systems, collaborative engineering practices, and the importance of observability, testing, and maintainability.
Developed and maintained backend functionality primarily using Python, with supporting JavaScript on the frontend.
Debugged production issues, investigated root causes, and delivered fixes to improve system reliability.
Designed and implemented new product features, from initial ticket creation through to delivery.
Collaborated closely with other engineers, QA, and product stakeholders in Agile and Kanban workflows.
Addressed security vulnerabilities by upgrading and refactoring third-party dependencies.
Supported deployments and customer environments running on Linux-based infrastructure.
A leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for infrastructure engineering.

Customer service supervisor

Screwfix

2006.04 - 2019.01

Led and supported teams of varying experience levels, developing strong communication, mentoring, and problem-solving skills that now translate directly into collaborative engineering environments.
A multi-channel retailer of trade tools, hardware, plumbing, and electrical products.

Skills

Languages: Python, JavaScript
Backend Development: RESTful APIs, backend feature development, data integrity
Testing: Automated testing, test utilities, fake services (SMTP)
Tooling & Workflow: Git, Jira, Confluence

Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Kanban
Systems & Platforms: Linux environments, server configuration, production debugging
Collaboration: Remote & office-based teams, cross-functional communication

Accomplishments

Standardisation of customer server configurations, reducing bespoke setups and simplifying upgrades.
Contributed to the migration of a large production codebase from Python 2 to Python 3.
Implementing a fake SMTP server to improve automated testing and confidence in email delivery.
Delivering multi-language functionality, enabling internationalised user interfaces.
Took ownership of a new feature end-to-end, including estimation, implementation, progress tracking, and documentation.

Certification

2019 Full Stack Software Development Track | IO Academy (formerly Mayden Academy), Bath
Intensive four-month training programme covering:
PHP, Object-Oriented Programming
HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Node.js, React
MySQL, MongoDB
Git / GitHub
REST APIs, JSON, AJAX
Agile & Scrum development
2019 Scrum Alliance | Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

REFERENCES

Available on request.

INTERESTS

I enjoy anime, manga, and gaming, and I’m naturally curious about how systems work — whether that’s software platforms or DIY projects. I enjoy fixing problems, learning new tools, and understanding things properly.