Marc Lally

Senior Software Engineer

Platform & Architecture Lead

Core Expertise

Distributed Systems | Serverless | TypeScript/Node

As a Senior Software Engineer and Platform & Architecture Lead, I design and operate distributed systems that form the backbone of high-growth companies. My approach centers on translating complex business constraints into elegant, durable technical solutions that scale reliably while remaining operationally sustainable. I've led cross-functional teams through architectural transformations, established platform-wide standards, and consistently elevated engineering maturity across organizations.

I'm hands-on across the full stack—TypeScript/Node for rapid iteration and scale, Python for data systems and automation, Rust for performance-critical components—but my real strength is knowing when and why to use each tool. I architect with intention: clear service boundaries, intentional data models, robust observability, and security as a first-class concern. I mentor the next generation of technical leaders and drive decisions through data-driven strategy rather than dogma. When systems fail or decisions need making under ambiguity, I'm the person who thinks clearly, communicates effectively, and delivers results.

B.Sc. Computer Science (Hons)

UCL - University College London

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Amazon Web Services

AWS Developer Associate

Amazon Web Services

Distributed Systems
Scalable, high-throughput production environments handling millions of requests

Platform Strategy
Service-oriented and serverless architecture design with operational excellence

Multi-Stack
TypeScript/Node, Python, Rust—selecting the right tool for the job

Technical Scope & Impact

Design and evolve scalable distributed systems optimizing for reliability, cost efficiency, and velocity. Lead service-oriented and serverless architecture with clear boundaries, data ownership models, and operational visibility. Establish API standards (REST/GraphQL) with rigorous versioning and governance. Code at impact: TypeScript/Node for iteration, Python for data systems, Rust for performance-critical components. Own data architecture across SQL and NoSQL systems, design AWS-native platforms (Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB), and establish observability, CI/CD, and security standards at the platform level.

Leadership

Drive architectural direction across teams through data-driven strategy and clear decision frameworks. Mentor senior engineers and emerging technical leads, elevating decision quality and developing the next generation. Bridge engineering, product, and business stakeholders, translating requirements into coherent technical direction and credible delivery plans. Enable teams to move at velocity without sacrificing system integrity—ensuring short-term decisions align with long-term platform health and organizational scalability.

Experience

UK Ministry of Defence
February 2025 - November 2025
Senior Backend Engineer
Contract
Node.js TypeScript Serverless OAuth 2.0 JWT

(NDA-protected work) Architected and deployed scalable, secure, high-availability backend services handling mission-critical workloads. Designed low-latency core services using Node.js, TypeScript, and serverless technologies with stringent data protection via OAuth 2.0 and JWT. Established and enforced test-driven development practices across teams. Optimized application performance and reliability through systematic refactoring and careful integration of specialized tools and libraries. Defined security and architectural standards for authentication, data access control, and service communication patterns.

Codeium
March 2023 - December 2024
Senior Full Stack Developer | Tech Lead
React TypeScript Node.js Frontend Backend

Led platform-wide technical initiatives across frontend and backend systems. Architected React-based user experiences with performance and accessibility as first-class concerns. Designed and implemented backend services supporting millions of user interactions. Established coding standards, design patterns, and architectural principles across teams. Drove adoption of modern tooling and practices to improve developer productivity and system reliability. Mentored engineers on systems thinking and elevated overall engineering maturity.

Shell Global Energy
July 2022 - February 2023
Senior Backend Developer
Node.js Serverless AWS Lambda API Gateway TypeScript

Architected and built scalable Node.js and serverless APIs supporting high-throughput energy systems and data platforms. Led technical design and conceptualization of complex backend systems, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to translate business objectives into coherent technical strategy. Designed data-driven information architectures supporting real-time analytics and reporting. Established coding standards and architectural patterns to improve code quality, testability, and long-term maintainability. Mentored engineers on systems thinking and best practices. Ensured all components met exacting specifications and reliability standards.

Studio Rotate
June 2021 - July 2022
Senior Backend Developer | Tech Lead
Node.js Architecture MongoDB TypeScript Microservices

Led cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-impact digital products. Drove technical excellence and modern practices across the software development lifecycle. Designed robust information architectures and integrated advanced data storage solutions supporting scalability and performance. Solved complex architectural challenges and championed platform-level decisions. Collaborated with product, design, and business teams to translate requirements into reliable technical strategies. Elevated team capabilities through mentorship and architectural guidance.

Sainsburys Digital
December 2020 - June 2021
Senior Backend Developer
GraphQL Next.js Node.js TypeScript TDD

Led systematic refactoring and optimization of critical codebases using rigorous design patterns and architectural best practices. Architected middleware solutions leveraging GraphQL and Next.js to integrate with Google DV360 advertising platform, enabling efficient real-time data querying and service interoperability at scale. Established test-driven development standards across teams, ensuring high code quality, early defect detection, and reliable deployments. Built reusable, modular systems that scaled with business requirements. Mentored engineers and elevated technical standards across the organization.

KFC Europe
December 2019- November 2020
Senior Fullstack Developer | Tech Lead
React Node.js Mobile Payment Systems Microservices

Led cross-functional technical teams spanning mobile, backend, frontend, and infrastructure to deliver mission-critical systems. Architected and deployed complex integrations between digital ordering platforms, point-of-sale systems, payment processors, and fulfillment networks. Designed for reliability and performance across hundreds of locations. Established architectural standards and mentored engineers across disciplines. Drove alignment between technical strategy and business objectives, ensuring systems scaled reliably with rapid business growth.