Doug Hawkes

I am driven by the challenge of solving high-stakes problems that require both a 'big picture' perspective and a creative technical implementation. My journey began in molecular biology and gene therapy research, where I first discovered the transformative power of computational solutions for genetic disorders.
 

Today, I apply that same analytical rigor to building and optimizing large-scale, multi-tenant SaaS platforms. With over 8 years of experience in the .NET ecosystem, I specialize in navigating complex system flows and leveraging observability to ensure product reliability. I am at my best when collaborating with high-velocity teams to translate ambitious business needs into resilient, scalable architectures.

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How I Work
I believe that the most resilient software isn't just "written", it’s engineered through a deep understanding of the system's goals and the people who use it. My approach is defined by four core principles:

• System-First Diagnosis: Before jumping into code, I look at the "flows." Whether it’s using Kibana to trace a production edge case or mapping out a new API integration, I prioritize understanding the ripple effects to ensure a stable solution.

• Pragmatic Innovation: I’m an early adopter of AI-orchestrated workflows, not for the sake of the hype, but for efficiency. I use these tools to handle the "noise" (boilerplate and repetitive tests) so I can focus on the high-value architectural logic.

• Context over Cleverness: I value "Clean" over "Clever." Software is a living document, and I strive to write code that is maintainable, well-documented, and grounded in the team’s existing patterns.

• Collaborative Empathy: I believe the best technical solutions come from clear, ego-free communication. I enjoy translating complex technical constraints into plain language for stakeholders and working alongside my team to find the best path forward.