My Professional Journey
My technical journey began in marine physics research, where I spent over a decade learning computational methods for oceanographic data analysis. This foundation in scientific computing and systematic problem-solving gradually evolved toward software engineering and cloud infrastructure.
If you are interested in a more theatrical storytelling format of my CV - co-realised by Claude, you can find it here: Loïc’s journey
Career Evolution Timeline #
🚀 Senior Cyber Platform Engineer 2023 → Present #
Department for Work and Pensions - Digital | Remote, UK
Platform Leadership & Security Excellence
- Co-architecting a container platform serving Cyber Data Scientists and Analysts
- Achieved zero-CVE baseline through migration to Chainguard minimal containers
- Reduced deployment frequency from monthly to weekly through CI/CD automation
- Increased application test coverage from 10% to 85% using comprehensive testing strategies
- Leading team of 2 junior engineers through pair programming and knowledge sharing
Key learning: Transitioning from individual contributor to platform enabler, focusing on team productivity and organizational capability building.
💻 Software Engineer 2022 → 2023 #
Department for Work and Pensions - Digital | Newcastle, UK
The Government Tech Transition
- Developed cloud-based AI solutions for document processing using AWS SageMaker
- Implemented serverless architectures with Python and TypeScript
- Helped establish Python coding standards across development teams
- First exposure to regulated environment development and compliance requirements
Key learning: Understanding how technical excellence intersects with public service and regulatory compliance.
🔧 R&D Software Engineer 2021 → 2022 #
OSE Engineering | France
The Industry Pivot
- Built prototype of full-stack application for delivery robot fleet management
- Developed Python packages for vehicle routing optimization
- Created development best practice guides
- Implemented WebSocket/WebRTC real-time communication systems
Critical transition: From academic research to commercial software development, learning agile methodologies and product-focused engineering.
🌊 Research Scientist 2019 → 2021 #
National Oceanography Centre | Southampton, UK
The Data Science Learning Period
- Statistical analysis of large-scale climate datasets (>200k observations)
- Developed Monte Carlo methods for uncertainty quantification
- Participated in international collaborative research programmes
- Helped train PhD students and research staff in computational methodologies
Foundation building: Learning systematic data analysis and reproducible computational workflows.
🔬 Research Project Scientist 2014 → 2018 #
Scottish Association for Marine Science | Oban, UK
The Systems Thinking Development
- Designed reproducible data processing workflows for robotic ocean observations
- Co-lead 5 oceanographic research cruises (200+ days at sea)
- Developed MATLAB toolboxes for oceanographic data analysis
- Managed multi-platform observational programmes
Core skills development: Project leadership, system design thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
📚 PhD Fellow & Postdoc 2010 → 2014 #
CNRS Perpignan & LOCEAN Paris | France
The Scientific Foundation
- Developed signal processing methods for oceanographic time series
- Published research in scientific journals
- Built expertise in statistical analysis and data quality control
- Learned systematic methodology and rigorous documentation
- Participated in 6 oceanographic research cruises
Academic grounding: Scientific rigor, systematic thinking, and collaborative research methodologies.