Christopher Gu

Core competencies

• Java & Enterprise: Java 8+, Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Hibernate/JPA, JOOQ, Maven, REST, SOAP, JMS
• Integration & Data: XML/JSON transformation, metadata workflows, ETL, partner APIs, document processing, message queues (AWS SQS/JMS)
• Data Platforms: PostgreSQL, MySQL, ClickHouse; SQL-heavy backend services and repository design
• Distributed Systems & DevOps: Microservices, Docker, GitHub Actions CI/CD, AWS, production deployment, Linux
• Full-Stack (as needed): TypeScript, JavaScript, ReactJS, AngularJS, NodeJS
• Modern Practices: AI-assisted development (Cursor, LLMs), RBAC, legacy modernization, technical leadership of distributed teams

Professional experience

1. Senior Software Engineer

   Ad.net·June 2022 – May 2026

   • Architected and operated enterprise ad-tech platforms using Java, Spring Boot, JOOQ, TypeScript, React, Docker, message queues, and relational/data-warehouse backends, supporting high-volume real-time bidding workloads.
   • Designed and launched a scalable RTB ad server from scratch; integrated external partner APIs and data formats with Nativo, Criteo, and Klarna.
   • Drove a core platform rewrite that modernized authentication, RBAC, messaging infrastructure, and service boundaries using Java/Spring Boot, JOOQ, Docker, and TypeScript.
   • Implemented ETL pipelines against ClickHouse and delivered backend services requiring substantial SQL and structured-data processing.
   • Established GitHub Actions CI pipelines for automated build, test, and deployment of both Java backend and TypeScript services; collaborated with distributed teams across the US, India, China, and Israel.

2. Team Lead — CSI Events Platform v2.0

   A4Safe·April 2021 – June 2022

   • Led a cross-functional team delivering enterprise retail solutions with Java 8, Spring Boot, Node.js, and AI technologies.
   • Delivered a self-service event platform featuring a Java/Spring backend, PostgreSQL data store, and React/Angular front ends.
   • Authored Solidity smart contracts to business specifications using Hardhat and OpenZeppelin ERC-20 libraries.

3. Team Lead — AI / Computer Vision

   SmartShelf·April 2018 – February 2021

   • Directed engineering teams building retail AI and computer-vision solutions with PyTorch and related toolchains.
   • Delivered C#, C++, and Python platforms consumed by other developers and coordinated technical delivery with global retail clients.
   • Implemented Java 8 blockchain backend services using EthereumJ and Web3 technologies.

4. Lead Java Developer & Systems Architect

   Premiere Digital Services·April 2016 – June 2017

   • Architected a next-generation digital-film quality-control system adopted by Lionsgate, Paramount, and other major studios.
   • Replaced a legacy Python/BizTalk metadata transformation system with a Spring Boot MVC solution built from scratch, improving reliability and maintainability of document workflows.
   • Modeled and executed complex business-process workflows with Bonita BPM while collaborating with distributed SCRUM teams.

5. Lead RTB Ad Exchange Integrations Engineer

   DexiMedia / AdsGo / AMG / LiquidRTB·January 2015 – March 2016

   • Built and productionized an open-source RTB server supporting programmatic buying and selling of display, rich-media, mobile, video, and native advertising.
   • Completed partner integrations and certifications with Smaato, PubMatic, AppNexus, IPONWeb/Bidswitch, CPX Interactive/bRealtime, Adblade, and additional exchanges.

6. Senior Java Partner Integrations Engineer

   CarsDirect.com / Internet Brands·July 2012 – October 2014

   • Directed Java developers delivering partner integrations spanning REST services, SOAP lead services, Siebel management, and wholesale/day-trade lead systems.
   • Overhauled a used-car VIN feed processor that supported multi-million-VIN partners and led a mobile performance-improvement initiative.
   • Conducted technical interviews, peer code reviews, and engineering mentorship for the Java team.

7. Senior Head of Secure Systems

   Phunware / Tapit·December 2011 – April 2012

   • Secured critical mobile reporting systems and improved device-level rollups and reporting.

8. Senior Programmer — OEM Digital Marketing

   Matrix Consultants / American Suzuki Motor Corp.·2008 – 2011

   • Maintained Suzuki web properties using PHP/LAMP/MVC and MySQL; built the SuzukiAuto.com Build and Price tool from scratch in under one week.
   • Managed 1,000+ dealer websites on Enterprise Java SE, Spring MVC and Caucho Resin; owned 50%+ of release WAR builds and extensive automated testing.

9. Independent Developer / Entrepreneur

   Angel Investors (US, UK, Canada)·2003 – 2008

   • Created and sold PHPMail, a large-scale web email system, to MDS America for $175,000.
   • Built a pharmaceutical e-Pedigree system from RFC specifications, bypassing IBM/Amerisource lock-in and saving the client $200,000; approved by the State of Florida.
   • Developed and sold a white-label PHP social-networking platform and managed teams of 5–10 programmers.

10. Perl / Java / C++ Programmer

    World Wide Creations·October 1999 – June 2003

    • Co-built a C++/MFC instant-messaging client/server supporting MSN 7/8/9, AOL TOC and a custom TCP/IP protocol.