I am an experienced web developer with a strong background in crafting modern, responsive websites. With over 8 years of expertise in IT, I combine technical knowledge with creative design skills to create seamless web applications that engage users across various devices. My proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Adobe Creative Suite enables me to design mobile-first, aesthetically pleasing, and functional websites. I am passionate about optimizing cloud infrastructure, automating deployments, and enhancing security to support robust and scalable online platforms.

Brian Zhou

I am an experienced web developer with a strong background in crafting modern, responsive websites. With over 8 years of expertise in IT, I combine technical knowledge with creative design skills to create seamless web applications that engage users across various devices. My proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Adobe Creative Suite enables me to design mobile-first, aesthetically pleasing, and functional websites. I am passionate about optimizing cloud infrastructure, automating deployments, and enhancing security to support robust and scalable online platforms.

Available to hire

I am an experienced web developer with a strong background in crafting modern, responsive websites. With over 8 years of expertise in IT, I combine technical knowledge with creative design skills to create seamless web applications that engage users across various devices. My proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Adobe Creative Suite enables me to design mobile-first, aesthetically pleasing, and functional websites. I am passionate about optimizing cloud infrastructure, automating deployments, and enhancing security to support robust and scalable online platforms.

See more

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
See more

Work Experience

Azure Infrastructure Engineer - Part-Time at Zamaqo
August 31, 2023 - July 17, 2025
Managed and optimized Azure infrastructure for continuous integration and deployment using Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes. Implemented secure cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and cost efficiency. Secured cloud environments with Azure Sentinel and performed ongoing monitoring for security threats.
Full Stack Web Developer at Dukstra Technologies
September 1, 2019 - Present
Played a key role in building the backend of RSA Pharma, a data-driven supply chain and contract governance system for the National Department of Health. Utilized Laravel PHP to develop functionalities to streamline monitoring and management of pharmaceutical suppliers’ performance, enhancing operations and medicine availability across South Africa. Established CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps for automated deployments, ensuring seamless integration and continuous updates.
IT Product Engineer at First Coast Technologies
August 31, 2016 - July 17, 2025
Developed and implemented Alfresco, an open-source content management system, to provide cloud-based document management for enterprise clients. Provided end-user and technical support. Automated Magento deployment to AWS EC2 using shell scripts. Worked with Linux Ubuntu Server, Web APIs, REST Services, OAuth, Odata, and JSON technologies.
IT Integration Engineer at Stock2Shop
August 31, 2017 - July 17, 2025
Integrated e-Commerce platforms (Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify) with ERP solutions such as Sage, Pastel, Evolution, SAP, and SYSPRO.
Web Developer (Freelance & Contract Work) at Self-Employed
January 31, 2019 - July 17, 2025
Designed about 20 websites and webapps using PHP Laravel, WordPress, and WooCommerce including payment integrations. Hosted client websites on Afrihost reseller CentOS Hyper-V server and managed WHM, cPanel, PHP INI optimization, email accounts, MySQL database administration, and sub/domain setup.
Azure Infrastructure Engineer - Part-Time at Zamaqo
August 31, 2023 - July 17, 2025
Managed and optimized Azure infrastructure for continuous integration and deployment using Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes. Implemented secure cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and cost efficiency. Secured cloud environments with Azure Sentinel and performed ongoing monitoring for security threats.
Full Stack Web Developer at Dukstra Technologies
September 1, 2019 - Present
Played a key role in building the backend of RSA Pharma, a data-driven supply chain and contract governance system designed for the National Department of Health (NDoH). Developed functionalities using Laravel PHP to streamline supplier performance monitoring and management, enhancing oversight, efficiency, and medicine availability across South Africa. Established and configured CI/CD pipelines with Azure DevOps for automated deployments to DigitalOcean, supporting critical supply chain governance.
IT Product Engineer at First Coast Technologies
August 31, 2016 - July 17, 2025
Developed and implemented Alfresco, an open-source content management system, providing cloud-based document management for enterprise clients. Provided end-user and technical support with high customer service standards. Automated Magento deployment to AWS EC2 using Shell scripts and worked with Linux Ubuntu Server, Web APIs, REST Services, OAuth, Odata, and JSON technologies.
IT Integration Engineer at Stock2Shop
August 31, 2017 - July 17, 2025
Integrated e-Commerce platforms (Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify) with ERP systems including Sage, Pastel, Evolution, SAP & SYSPRO.
Web Developer (Freelance & Contract Work) at Self-employed
January 31, 2019 - July 17, 2025
Designed and developed up to 20 websites and web apps using PHP Laravel, WordPress, and WooCommerce with payment integration. Hosted client websites on Afrihost reseller CentOS Hyper-V server and managed server environments including WHM, cPanel, PHP INI optimization, email, and MySQL database administration.
AZURE INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER - PART-TIME at Zamaqo, a Switzerland based company with office in Cape Town
August 1, 2023 - August 7, 2025
Managed and optimized Azure infrastructure for continuous integration and deployment using Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes. Implemented secure cloud infrastructure ensuring high availability and cost efficiency. Secured cloud environments with Azure Sentinel and performed ongoing monitoring for security threats.
FULL STACK WEB DEVELOPER at Dukstra Technologies, Cape Town, SA
September 1, 2019 - Present
Played a key role in building the backend of RSA Pharma, a data-driven supply chain and contract governance system designed for the National Department of Health (NDoH). Utilized Laravel PHP to develop functionalities to streamline monitoring and management of pharmaceutical suppliers' performance, enhancing oversight, efficiency, and availability of essential medicines in South Africa. Established and configured CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps enabling efficient and automated deployments to DigitalOcean. Supported seamless integration, continuous updates, and reduced deployment times, underpinning RSA Pharma's critical role in supply chain governance.
IT PRODUCT ENGINEER at First Coast Technologies, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, SA
August 1, 2016 - August 7, 2025
Development and implementation, including creating workflows and rules, of 'Alfresco' - an open-source content management system developed using Java technology and PostgreSQL database to provide a cloud-based document management solution to new enterprise-size clients called paperfreewebTM. Provided end-user and technical support for the cloud solution while delivering high levels of customer service within an agreed SLA. Wrote shell scripts automating deployment of Magento to Amazon Web Services EC2. Worked with Linux Ubuntu OS Server, web APIs, REST services, OAuth, OData, and JSON technologies.
IT INTEGRATION ENGINEER at Stock2Shop, Hout Bay, Cape Town, SA
August 1, 2017 - August 7, 2025
Integrated e-Commerce sites (Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify) with Enterprise Resource Planning solutions (Sage, Pastel, Evolution, SAP & SYSPRO).
WEB DEVELOPER - Freelance & Contract Work at Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, SA
January 31, 2019 - August 7, 2025
Designed up to 20 websites and web apps using PHP Laravel, WordPress, and WooCommerce including payment integration. Websites included chpc.ac.za, dwypd.gov.za, origabeauty.com & upnortharchitect.online. Hosted client websites on Afrihost reseller CentOS Hyper-V server and managed WHM, cPanel, PHP INI optimization, email accounts, MySQL® database administration, and sub/domain setup.
Azure Infrastructure Engineer - Part-time at Zamaqo, Cape Town office (Switzerland based)
August 1, 2023 - August 7, 2025
Managed and optimized Azure infrastructure for continuous integration and deployment using Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes. Implemented secure cloud infrastructure ensuring high availability and cost efficiency. Secured cloud environments with Azure Sentinel and performed ongoing security threat monitoring.
Full Stack Web Developer at Dukstra Technologies, Cape Town, SA
September 1, 2019 - Present
Played a key role in building the backend of RSA Pharma, a data-driven supply chain and contract governance system designed for the South African National Department of Health. Utilized Laravel PHP to develop functionalities streamlining monitoring and management of pharmaceutical suppliers' performance, enhancing oversight, efficiency, and availability of essential medicines. Established and configured CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps enabling automated deployments to DigitalOcean, ensuring seamless integration, continuous updates, and reduced deployment times supporting critical supply chain governance.
IT Product Engineer at First Coast Technologies, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, SA
August 1, 2016 - August 7, 2025
Developed and implemented an open-source content management system called "Alfresco" using Java technology and PostgreSQL to provide a cloud-based document management solution to new enterprise clients named Paperfreeweb™. Provided end-user and technical support ensuring high-level customer service within agreed SLA. Wrote shell scripts automating deployment of Magento to Amazon Web Services EC2. Worked with Linux Ubuntu OS Server, Web APIs, REST Services, OAuth, OData, and JSON technologies.
IT Integration Engineer at Stock2Shop, Hout Bay, Cape Town, SA
August 1, 2017 - August 7, 2025
Integrated e-commerce sites (Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify) with Enterprise Resource Planning solutions (Sage, Pastel, Evolution, SAP & SYSPRO).
Web Developer Freelance & Contract Work at Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, SA
January 1, 2019 - August 7, 2025
Designed up to 20 websites and web apps using PHP Laravel, WordPress, and WooCommerce including payment integration. Developed sites such as chpc.ac.za, dwypd.gov.za, origabeauty.com & upnortharchitect.online. Hosted client websites on Afrihost reseller CentOS Hyper-V server and managed WHM, cPanel, PHP INI optimization, email accounts, MySQL databases administration and sub/domain setup.
Azure Infrastructure Engineer - Part-Time at Zamaqo
August 1, 2023 - August 7, 2025
Managed and optimized Azure infrastructure for continuous integration and deployment using Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes. Implemented secure cloud infrastructure ensuring high availability and cost efficiency. Secured cloud environments with Azure Sentinel and performed ongoing monitoring for security threats.
Full Stack Web Developer at Dukstra Technologies
September 1, 2019 - Present
Played a key role in building the backend of RSA Pharma, a data-driven supply chain and contract governance system for South Africa’s National Department of Health. Utilized Laravel PHP to develop functionalities to streamline monitoring and management of pharmaceutical suppliers' performance, improving oversight, efficiency, and medicine availability across South Africa. Established and configured CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps enabling automated deployments to DigitalOcean, ensuring seamless integration and reduced deployment times supporting critical supply chain governance.
IT Product Engineer at First Coast Technologies
August 1, 2016 - August 7, 2025
Developed and implemented workflows and rules for 'Alfresco,' an open-source content management system developed using Java technology and PostgreSQL to provide a cloud-based document management solution for new enterprise clients called Paperfreeweb™. Provided end-user and technical support ensuring high customer service within agreed SLA. Automated deployment of Magento to Amazon Web Services - EC2 using Shell scripts. Worked with Linux Ubuntu OS Server, Web APIs, REST Services, OAuth, Odata, and JSON technologies.
IT Integration Engineer at Stock2Shop
August 1, 2017 - August 7, 2025
Integrated e-Commerce sites (Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify) with Enterprise Resource Planning solutions (Sage, Pastel, Evolution, SAP & SYSPRO).
Web Developer (Freelance & Contract Work)
January 31, 2019 - August 7, 2025
Designed up to 20 websites and web apps using PHP Laravel, WordPress, and WooCommerce including payment integration. Managed hosted client websites on Afrihost reseller CentOS Hyper-V server. Handled WHM, cPanel, PHP INI optimization, email accounts, MySQL database administration, and sub/domain setup. Websites included chpc.ac.za, dwypd.gov.za, origabeauty.com, upnortharchitect.online.

Education

BSc Software Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2011
BSc Software Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2011
BSc Software Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2011
BSc Software Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2011
BSc Software Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2011

Qualifications

Azure Fundamentals, AZ-900
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Data Fundamentals, DP-900
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, SC-90
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
AI Fundamentals, AI-900
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Azure Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Challenge Certificate
August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Azure Fundamentals, AZ-900
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Data Fundamentals, DP-900
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, SC-90
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
AI Fundamentals, AI-900
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Azure Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Challenge Certificate
August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Microsoft Azure Cloud Certified
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Fundamentals
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Role-based & Challenges
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Azure Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Challenge - Certificate of Completion
August 1, 2023 - August 7, 2025
Azure Security Engineer Associate, AZ-500 (Exam scheduled for 2025-01-17)
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Microsoft Azure Cloud Certified
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
DP-900 Data Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
SC-900 Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
AI-900 AI Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Azure Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Challenge Certificate of Completion
August 1, 2023 - August 7, 2025
Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 (exam scheduled 2025-01-17)
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Microsoft Azure Cloud Certified
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Microsoft Azure Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals SC-900
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025
Azure Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Challenge Completion Certificate
August 1, 2023 - August 7, 2025
Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 (Exam scheduled for 2025-01-17)
January 11, 2030 - August 7, 2025

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Government, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, Professional Services