Full-Stack & Backend Developer

Reuben
Claassen

I build systems that scale and platforms that last — from CMS architecture and API design to automation pipelines and access control. I take ownership, dig deep, and bridge the gap between backend systems and the teams that depend on them.

View Projects GitHub
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Clean Architecture
Layered, maintainable systems where each component has one clear responsibility.
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Full Ownership
From schema design to deployment — I see problems through to the end.
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Security-First
Least-privilege access, input validation, and hardened defaults built in from the start.
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Automation Mindset
If a task is repeatable, it should be scripted — freeing teams to focus on what matters.
Available for new opportunities
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About me

I'm a full-stack and backend developer based in Cape Town with hands-on experience in system architecture, CMS platform development, API design, automation scripting, and access control. I take ownership, dig deep into problems, and deliver clean, secure, and maintainable solutions.

I've built dynamic campaign template systems, media asset pipelines, role-based access policies, and AI-powered content translation workflows. I'm comfortable working across the stack and supporting frontend teams with integration, troubleshooting, and documentation.

I hold a BSc in Computer Science from the University of the Western Cape and a National Certificate in IT Systems Development from WeThinkCode_ — an intensive, peer-driven engineering programme focused on real-world delivery.

Location Cape Town, South Africa
Role Full-Stack & Backend Developer
Education BSc Computer Science, UWC
Languages JS / TS, Python, Java, SQL
GitHub github.com/reuben-claassen
Status Open to roles ✓
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Skills

Languages
  • JavaScript / TypeScript
  • Node.js
  • Python
  • Java
  • SQL
Platforms & Tools
  • Directus CMS
  • Vue.js
  • Azure DevOps
  • Git
  • REST API Design
Practices
  • Relational DB Design
  • Role-Based Access
  • CI/CD Pipelines
  • Automation Scripting
  • Security Hardening
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Projects

snip — URL Shortener

A production-grade URL shortener built with Node.js, TypeScript, Express, and PostgreSQL. Features custom slugs, configurable link expiry, per-IP rate limiting, click analytics (browsers, OS, referrers, daily breakdown), and a clean Controller → Service → Repository architecture. Async click recording keeps redirect latency under 1ms.

Node.js TypeScript PostgreSQL Express Jest
GitHub ↗ Live ↗

Campaign Template Engine

Architected campaign template tables and relationships in Directus, enabling dynamic campaign generation from reusable, data-driven templates. Built dynamic content block structures using an internal design system to power flexible page generation for both web and mobile surfaces — significantly reducing duplicate configuration work across teams.

Directus CMS TypeScript REST API SQL
LinkedIn ↗

Media Asset Management System

Designed and automated a dynamic, tenant-based folder structure for media assets, including automated creation and updates triggered by tenant changes. Implemented image optimisation scripts with device-aware sizing and intelligent routing — reducing load times by 50%. Simplified the overall MAM architecture, reducing complexity and improving maintainability.

Directus Automation Node.js RBAC
LinkedIn ↗

AI Content Translation Pipeline

Built automation flows for batch AI-powered content translation, integrated with Data Studio for reporting and audit trails. Developed scheduled and on-demand RSS feed synchronisation automations and created automation scripts for post creation, user profile changes, and folder uploads — aligned with evolving access policies.

Automation AI Integration Data Studio TypeScript
LinkedIn ↗

Non-Profit Member Content Portal

Developed an internal content portal enabling 1,000+ authenticated members to securely access shared videos, PDFs, and written resources. Designed the authentication and access flow to ensure only authorised members could browse and view content.

Node.js SQL Auth Supabase
LinkedIn ↗