I'm a results-driven software engineer with strong experience in Python, C++, Kubernetes, cloud-native development, and distributed systems. I build scalable applications, automate infrastructure, and optimize performance for high-impact platforms. I'm passionate about problem-solving, modern DevOps practices, and delivering clean, maintainable code. I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to architect cloud-native solutions and continuously improve system reliability and efficiency.

Brandon Cottingham

I'm a results-driven software engineer with strong experience in Python, C++, Kubernetes, cloud-native development, and distributed systems. I build scalable applications, automate infrastructure, and optimize performance for high-impact platforms. I'm passionate about problem-solving, modern DevOps practices, and delivering clean, maintainable code. I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to architect cloud-native solutions and continuously improve system reliability and efficiency.

Available to hire

I’m a results-driven software engineer with strong experience in Python, C++, Kubernetes, cloud-native development, and distributed systems. I build scalable applications, automate infrastructure, and optimize performance for high-impact platforms.

I’m passionate about problem-solving, modern DevOps practices, and delivering clean, maintainable code. I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to architect cloud-native solutions and continuously improve system reliability and efficiency.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
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Work Experience

Software Engineer at Mercor
January 1, 2024 - November 15, 2025
Develop backend and infrastructure-focused services using Python and C++ for high‑performance applications. Build and maintain Kubernetes-based cloud infrastructure to support scalable microservices. Design CI/CD pipelines that automate testing, security scanning, and zero‑downtime deployments. Optimize distributed systems and API performance for production workloads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect cloud-native solutions.
AI Data Specialist at Outlier
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Labeled and evaluated complex datasets to improve machine learning model accuracy. Developed Python scripts to automate dataset validation and quality checks. Contributed to training large-scale LLMs through advanced annotation and analysis tasks.
Data Annotator / ML Training Contributor at Remotasks
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021
Performed high-volume image, text, and LiDAR annotation to support autonomous systems. Optimized workflows using Python tools, increasing annotation throughput by 25%. Ensured data accuracy and consistency across computer vision and mapping projects.
Software Engineering Intern at Handshake
August 31, 2022 - August 31, 2022
Assisted in developing backend services using Python and modern REST API design. Collaborated on integrating microservices into a Kubernetes-based infrastructure. Implemented automated testing pipelines to improve code reliability.
Freelance Transcriptionist at Rev.com
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Delivered accurate, high-quality transcripts under tight deadlines. Built custom C++ and Python tools for audio timestamping and formatting automation.
Human Resources Technical Assistant at Local Tech Solutions
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Supported HR operations by automating onboarding systems using Python. Built internal tools to streamline employee data processing. Collaborated with engineering and HR teams to improve workflow efficiency.
Software Engineer at Mercor
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Designed and implemented backend services in Python and C++ for high-performance applications. Built and deployed cloud-native microservices on Kubernetes, improving scalability and uptime. Automated deployment workflows using GitHub Actions and Kubernetes manifests, reducing release time by 40%. Integrated monitoring and logging solutions using Prometheus and Grafana for real-time performance insights. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize system architecture and improve resource efficiency.
DevOps / Cloud Engineer at Mercor
January 1, 2025 - November 15, 2025
Managed Kubernetes clusters for development and production workloads. Wrote Terraform and Ansible scripts to automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration. Enhanced CI/CD pipelines to streamline testing and deployments for multi-service environments. Improved container performance through image optimization, multi-stage builds, and resource tuning.
Software Developer at Mercor
August 15, 2025 - August 15, 2025
Developed robust REST APIs using Python (FastAPI/Flask) to support internal and external clients. Created C++ modules for real-time data processing and performance-critical components. Worked closely with QA teams to create automated tests and improve code quality. Documented system designs, APIs, and engineering processes to enhance team productivity.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at University of New Hampshire
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022

Qualifications

Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA)
January 1, 2023 - November 15, 2025
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
January 1, 2023 - November 15, 2025
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
January 1, 2022 - November 15, 2025
Python Institute PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming)
January 1, 2021 - November 15, 2025
Docker Certified Associate
January 1, 2022 - November 15, 2025

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Professional Services