I am Nicole Benfell
Name: Nicole
Profile: Senior Software Developer
Email: contact@nicolebenfell.com
Skills
About me
I’m a Senior Backend Engineer with 10+ years’ experience across backend, cloud, and mobile development. I work across Rust and C#/.NET, with SQL databases (MSSQL/MySQL) and Entity Framework, building event-driven, serverless systems on AWS (Lambda, DynamoDB, EventBridge, CDK) and GCP (Cloud Functions), alongside a strong background in Flutter/Dart mobile development.
I’ve worked on projects ranging from enterprise APIs to mobile apps and cloud-native services, always focusing on writing clean, maintainable code that can scale.
I focus on solving problems that make life easier for both users and teams. This includes:
- Building event-driven, serverless backends with AWS Lambda, DynamoDB, and EventBridge
- Designing APIs with Smithy and provisioning infrastructure as code with AWS CDK
- Developing backend services and third-party API integrations in C#/.NET
- Working with relational databases (MSSQL/MySQL) and Entity Framework for data-driven applications
- Maintaining Flutter/Dart mobile apps and automated test suites with Appium
- Automating workflows on GCP Cloud Functions with Python and PowerShell scripting
- Contributing to frontend features with TypeScript and React
- Troubleshooting and supporting live production systems across Windows and Linux servers
I also use AI-assisted development tools like Claude Code to speed up delivery, increase test coverage, and improve code quality. Whether it’s designing cloud architecture, shipping mobile features, or automating away repetitive work, I enjoy building software that makes a real difference.
Resume
Sumary
Nicole Benfell
Senior Backend Engineer with 10+ years' experience across backend, cloud and mobile development, working across Rust and C#/.NET on AWS serverless architecture, with a strong background in Flutter/Dart.
- Christchurch, New Zealand
- contact@nicolebenfell.com
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology
2016 - 2018 (Part Time)
Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier, New Zealand
Bachelor of Computing Systems
2012 - 2015
Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier, New Zealand
Extracurriculars: Student Ambassador at Careers Expo
Professional Experience
Software Development Engineer
Feb 2026 - Present
Corro - New Zealand · Remote
- Develop backend services in Rust within an AWS serverless, event-driven architecture using Lambda, DynamoDB, S3, API Gateway, Cognito and EventBridge
- Contribute to cloud architecture, API design with Smithy, and Infrastructure as Code using AWS CDK, alongside some TypeScript/React frontend work
- Use GitHub Actions and Docker for CI/CD, with Jira for agile delivery and ticket management
- Use Claude Code and generative AI to accelerate development workflows, increase test coverage and improve code quality
Senior Software Developer
Aug 2022 - Feb 2026
Clever First Aid - Christchurch, New Zealand
- Developed scalable backend services in C#/.NET, including integrations with third-party services and APIs
- Built and maintained Flutter app features (Dart/Bloc) for a reliable, cross-platform user experience
- Automated operational tasks using PowerShell, Python and GCP Cloud Functions, reducing manual workload
- Maintained automated test suites (C#, Appium/Java, Flutter/Bloc) and provided production support across Windows and Linux servers
Software Developer (progressed from Junior Software Developer)
Feb 2015 - Aug 2022
ABC Software - Napier, New Zealand
- Designed and delivered software across multiple platforms over 7+ years, including legacy VB.NET desktop applications, C#/.NET Core web applications, and a mobile scanner app built with Xamarin
- Started as a Junior Developer via a Bachelor of Computing Systems internship, contributing to the conversion of a legacy desktop application into a modern C#/.NET web application, before progressing to Software Developer
- Provided timely, effective support to clients and the ABC Software team, consistently delivering on time and within budget
Software Developer
Dec 2014 - Feb 2015
Hilltop Software - Napier, New Zealand
- Contributed to C++/MFC environmental data analysis applications used by NZ regional councils and utility companies, including a sensor data import module and a PHP bulletin board migration
Expertise
A clear overview of my technical strengths and focus areas
Software Development
Backend development in Rust and C#/.NET, building event-driven, serverless systems on AWS. Experienced in cross-platform mobile apps using Flutter/Dart and Xamarin. Skilled in frontend development with TypeScript and React.
APIs & Integrations
Proficient in designing and supporting RESTful and GraphQL APIs, including API design with Smithy. Secure authentication using AWS Cognito, JWT, and OAuth. Experience writing and maintaining integrations with external systems across logistics, finance, and compliance.
DevOps & Infrastructure
Serverless AWS architecture with Lambda, DynamoDB, S3, API Gateway, and EventBridge. Infrastructure as Code with AWS CDK, CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions and Docker. Also experienced with Jenkins and GCP Cloud Functions. Hands-on maintenance across Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Testing & Quality
Automated mobile testing with Appium (Java). Unit testing in C#, Rust, and Flutter/Bloc. Integration and regression testing across projects, with a strong focus on reliability.
Automation & Tools
Workflow automation through Python and PowerShell scripts, plus Power Automate workflows and CRON/command-triggered jobs. Streamlined engineering processes, reporting tasks, and local developer tooling. Strong focus on eliminating repetitive manual work and improving efficiency.
AI-Assisted Development
Use Claude Code and generative AI workflows to accelerate development, increase test coverage, and improve code quality. Comfortable integrating AI-assisted tooling into everyday development alongside strong software engineering fundamentals.
