Available to hire
Hi, I’m Marv Blackwell, a seasoned software developer with over 15 years of experience in various programming languages including PHP, JavaScript, and TypeScript. I enjoy tackling every project with a fresh perspective, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach, and have a knack for modernizing legacy systems to bring them up to date with current practices. I’m passionate about automated testing and static analysis, believing that strong code coverage and tools are critical for shipping reliable software.
I’ve worked extensively with different teams, supporting and training colleagues while integrating modern technologies and workflows. Based in Durham, I’m open to relocation and always eager to collaborate on projects where I can bring my blend of creativity and technical expertise to the table.
Skills
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Intermediate
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Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Software Developer at Artifax Software
September 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025Worked with the team on a legacy application, bringing modern practices into existing workflows. Coordinated development using Scrum and other processes. Implemented static analysis tools (Psalm) and developed custom plugins to address legacy framework type identification issues. Supported colleagues through training and knowledge sharing, and collaborated across departments using Confluence, Teams, and Jira. Worked with tech stack including PHP 7 and 8, Azure-hosted IIS, JavaScript, and MS SQL Server.
Developer (SD2) at RLDatix (Datix Limited)
August 1, 2021 - November 30, 2023Developed and maintained new and existing features across multiple tech stacks, coordinating with departments and stakeholders through Scrum and other processes. Pioneered the use of Psalm static analysis within the company codebase, creating custom plugins and providing training and presentations on its use. Modified automation platforms to run new tasks and supported tooling development and deployment. Technologies used included Docker, PHP 7.4 and 8.x, JavaScript, TypeScript-driven backend microservices, React, AngularJS, MySQL, MS SQL Server, and various tooling like phpunit, eslint, and Composer.
Software Engineer at Northern Pub Consultancy Services
May 1, 2019 - August 31, 2021Developed, maintained, and refined features for a legacy HR/CRM platform. Developed custom static analysis plugins and sought stakeholder feedback on potential rewrites. Contributed to integral open-source projects and provided technical support to clients. Integrated 3rd party cloud services for EPOS. Held responsibility as key holder.
Software Engineer at Web Design Durham Ltd. / Web Development Durham Ltd.
November 1, 2013 - May 31, 2019Developed websites for clients including e-commerce, brochure, and B2B sites. Focused on Android mobile application development. Documented and refactored in-house CMS to multiple composer packages. Managed Bitbucket repositories. Integrated third-party systems such as Twitter, Facebook, PayPal, Sage One stock control, and hardware access control. Upgraded CMS with multi-branch models to support mixed feature sets. Trained clients and staff on administrative interfaces and internal CMS usage. Held key holder responsibilities.
Technical Assistant at Devilwear Ltd.
November 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013Upgraded in-house systems and produced customized upgrade paths for faulty e-commerce installations. Developed automated reports for sales and management teams. Integrated with third-party systems including RMDMO and Twitter.
OpenSim Consultant at Teesside University
July 1, 2012 - November 30, 2012Assisted development of construction training scenarios using OpenSim. Maintained OpenSim and MySQL server software in a Windows Server 2008 environment. Provided training for staff in OpenSim server and client software (Imprudence & Radegast). Analyzed and modified OpenSim source code and contributed features back to the core repository with community liaison.
WebUI Developer (Volunteer) at Aurora Sim Development Committee
July 1, 2011 - May 31, 2012Overhauled and rewrote PHP interface to C# server module for Aurora Sim. Directed development of related C# modules. Modified core Aurora Sim code to support server module methods. Developed PHP library for third-party developers. Tested WebUI software running on Apache, MySQL, SQLite.
OpenSim Developer at Teesside University
October 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011Developed educational scenarios for OpenSim, maintained server software environments including MySQL, MSSQL, and IIS on Windows Server 2008. Created C# plugin bridging OpenSim server and AI software. Modified OpenSim source code, committed patches to developer communities. Developed bespoke web interface with PHP, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Integrated Active Directory and SOAP services for authentication and access control. Trained staff on software usage and maintenance.
PHP Developer at Ace Viral
February 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010Developed PHP-based content management system for Adobe Flash-based games, including high score and achievement systems. Converted website designs to custom PHP templating with HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Modified existing designs with new layouts.
Software Developer at Artifax Software
September 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025Worked with team on a legacy application, bringing modern practices into existing workflows. Used Scrum and non-scrum processes to coordinate development and fix bugs. Employed static analysis tools (Psalm) including developing custom plugins to support legacy frameworks. Coordinated with colleagues using Confluence, Teams, and Jira. Supported training and knowledge sharing in modern practices and tooling. Tech stack included PHP 7 + 8, Azure-hosted IIS, JavaScript, and MS SQL Server.
Developer (SD2) at RLDatix (Datix Limited)
August 1, 2021 - November 30, 2023Developed, maintained, and refined new and existing features across multiple tech stacks. Employed Scrum and non-scrum processes for coordination. Pioneered use of Psalm static analysis tools within the company and developed plugins. Presented and trained colleagues on these tools. Modified automation platforms to run new tasks and used Confluence for documentation and collaboration. Worked with Docker, Linux, Makefile, PHP 7.4 + 8.x, Doctrine ORM, .NET integrations, JavaScript, React/Angular, Mysql, MS SQLServer, and associated tooling (phpunit, eslint, Composer).
Software Engineer at Northern Pub Consultancy Services
May 1, 2019 - August 31, 2021Developed, maintained, and refined new and existing features to a legacy HR/CRM platform. Developed custom static analysis plugins. Engaged with stakeholders for feedback on potential rewrites. Contributed to integral open-source projects related to the HR/CRM platform. Provided technical support to clients and integrated 3rd party systems including EPOS cloud services. Held key holder responsibilities.
Software Engineer at Web Design Durham Ltd. / Web Development Durham Ltd.
November 1, 2013 - May 31, 2019Developed websites for diverse clients, including e-commerce and B2B. Created mobile applications focusing on Android closed ecosystems. Documented and refactored in-house CMS using phpDocumentor and Composer. Managed company Bitbucket repositories and integrated third-party systems such as Twitter, Facebook, and PayPal. Upgraded CMS using multi-branch models. Trained clients and new staff on CMS usage. Held key holder responsibilities.
Technical Assistant at Devilwear Ltd.
November 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013Upgraded in-house systems and produced custom upgrade paths for faulty ecommerce installations. Developed automated sales and management reports. Integrated third-party systems including RMDMO and Twitter.
OpenSim Consultant at Teesside University
July 1, 2012 - November 30, 2012Assisted in developing construction training scenarios using OpenSim. Maintained OpenSim and MySQL server software on Windows Server 2008. Trained staff on OpenSim server and client usage. Analyzed and modified OpenSim source code, contributing to core repository.
WebUI Developer (Volunteer) at Aurora Sim Development Committee
July 1, 2011 - May 31, 2012Overhauled and rewrote PHP interface to C# server modules for Aurora Sim, modifying core code to support module methods. Developed PHP libraries for third-party developers and tested WebUI software with Apache, MySQL, SQLite.
OpenSim Developer at Teesside University
October 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011Developed educational scenarios on OpenSim platform. Maintained OpenSim and associated server software. Trained staff on OpenSim and related client software. Created C# plugins to bridge OpenSim with AI software. Worked on source code contributions and client software modifications. Developed bespoke web interfaces and handled integrations with Active Directory and SOAP services.
PHP Developer at Ace Viral
February 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010Developed custom PHP-based CMS for Adobe Flash games including high score and achievement systems. Transposed website designs into PHP templates with HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Modified existing layouts and designs.
Education
BTEC National Diploma at East Durham and Houghall Community College
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004BTEC National Diploma at East Durham and Houghall Community College
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004Qualifications
Millennium Volunteers Award of Excellence
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004Recruitment & Selection Training
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004Millennium Volunteers Award of Excellence
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004Recruitment & Selection Training
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004Industry Experience
Software & Internet, Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment, Retail
Skills
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Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
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