Niko Hoogeveen — Resume

Software Engineer • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Software engineer with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering from Queen's University. Currently building custom Moodle and web solutions for institutional clients at Catalyst IT Canada, with prior experience leading full-stack mobile product development and providing technical oversight for startups. Former Coxswain in the Canadian Coast Guard's Inshore Search and Rescue program.

Work Experience

Software Developer

Catalyst IT Canada (Moodle Certified Partner)

Present • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Skills: PHP, JavaScript, Git, Docker, Linux, Moodle, Client Communication

  • Design and implement custom Moodle solutions for university and college clients, adapting e-learning platforms to institution-specific requirements.
  • Create project specifications and technical proposals by translating client requirements into scoped implementation plans.
  • Develop and maintain user-facing features and backend functionality using PHP and JavaScript within client environments.
  • Investigate and resolve client-reported issues through structured debugging and root-cause analysis.
  • Implement Moodle and hosted-database optimization initiatives that reduce database load and lower infrastructure costs.

Technical Oversight Consultant

MoveBuddy.com

Contract • Remote

Skills: Technical Oversight, Code Review, QA Processes, Stakeholder Communication, Risk Assessment

  • Oversaw work delivered by an external development partner, ensuring quality, timelines, and accountability met internal expectations.
  • Reviewed JIRA tasks and development estimates prior to implementation, flagging scope, complexity, and execution risks early.
  • Conducted regular code and QA reviews to assess performance, maintainability, and alignment with business requirements.
  • Acted as a liaison between business stakeholders and developers, reporting on progress, blockers, and delivery risks.

Tech Lead & Software Developer

Cactus Loyalty App

Contract • Remote

Skills: React Native, Laravel (PHP), REST APIs, PostgreSQL, Mobile Development, CI/CD

  • Architected a scalable loyalty rewards platform using Laravel, featuring an optimized relational schema and RESTful APIs.
  • Led development of a full-stack platform consisting of separate customer and business-facing mobile applications.
  • Developed two fully responsive mobile applications using React Native and Tailwind CSS, alongside a Vite.js web application.
  • Built QR-based point collection, rewards management, user authentication, and role-based access controls.
  • Established and maintained a CI/CD pipeline in a collaborative Scrum environment using GitHub Actions.

Coxswain — Inshore Search and Rescue

Canadian Coast Guard

Seasonal • Canada

Skills: Leadership, Critical Thinking, Decision-Making Under Pressure, Team Coordination

  • Served as commanding officer of an Inshore Search and Rescue Boat station, responsible for vessel readiness, crew coordination, and operational response.
  • Led marine emergency responses requiring rapid decision-making under uncertainty and evolving conditions.
  • Coordinated with multiple agencies and communicated clearly during time-sensitive, safety-critical situations.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science, Computer Engineering

Queen's University • Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Core Skills

Software EngineeringWeb DevelopmentMoodle DevelopmentReactNext.jsTypeScriptPHPEquity ResearchMachine Learning

Related: engineering projects, consulting services, and background.