Scott Syme
Software Engineer
About Me
Software Engineer passionate about building robust, scalable systems with Java and modern cloud technologies. Dedicated to continuous learning and improving both professionally and personally.
I’m a Software Engineer with over five years of experience, primarily focused on backend development using Java and Spring Boot. At American Express, I’ve worked on large-scale microservices and reactive systems, delivering secure, maintainable solutions in a fast-paced environment. I’m a certified Java SE 11 Developer and AWS Cloud Practitioner. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new tools and technologies through side projects and self-study, expanding my skill set beyond my day-to-day responsibilities.
I’m a Software Engineer at American Express with over five years of experience in backend development,
specialising in Java, Spring Boot, and microservices architecture. I’ve contributed to the modernisation of
core financial systems using reactive frameworks like WebFlux, and worked within agile DevOps teams where
I’ve led Scrum ceremonies, mentored junior engineers, and supported onboarding. I’ve also been involved in
graduate recruitment, conducting interviews and representing the company at university careers fairs. I hold
both Oracle Certified Java SE 11 Developer and AWS Cloud Practitioner certifications.
I take pride in writing clean, maintainable code and enjoy fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and
growth within engineering teams. Outside of my day-to-day role, I regularly explore technologies I don’t
work with professionally—whether through personal projects, cloud infrastructure experimentation, or diving
into frontend frameworks like React and Next.js. I’m driven by curiosity and continuous improvement,
especially in areas like technology and economics, and I enjoy keeping up with developments at the
intersection of innovation, finance, and society.
Outside of tech, I’m passionate about health and self-development. I follow a structured fitness routine
focused on weightlifting and nutrition, which plays a central role in my lifestyle. I’m also actively
studying Japanese—a journey I began over a year and a half ago and deepened after visiting Japan last
summer. 日本語を勉強しています。毎週レッスンを受けていて、空いている時間にはできるだけ日本語に触れるようにしています。 I dedicate time each week to tutoring and
immersive learning, and I find joy in steady, long-term progress—whether that’s learning a new programming
language or deciphering kanji.
Employment History
Professional Experience
Engineer I — American Express
May 2021 – Present
London, UK (Remote)
Engineer in the Accounts Receivable team, responsible for developing and supporting Java microservices using Spring WebFlux. Built reactive backend components for financial operations and collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement scalable solutions. Contributed to a robust testing framework using Cucumber, JUnit, and Mockito.
Technology Graduate Engineer — American Express
Sep 2019 – May 2021
Burgess Hill, UK (Hybrid)
Completed rotations in three teams:
- Accounts Receivable – Developed microservices using Java and Spring WebFlux.
- Security Engineering – Built a test automation tool to improve the security scanning process across engineering teams.
- Full-Stack Development – Worked on a platform with a React.js frontend and microservice backend, gaining hands-on experience with RESTful service integration and front-to-back coordination.
First Foundry Analyst (Intern) — American Express
Jun 2017 – Aug 2017
Burgess Hill, UK
Interned in the Travel and Lifestyle Services team. Tasked with researching the business viability of blockchain technology for a real-world use case. Delivered a proof-of-concept and presented findings to stakeholders, exploring integration scenarios and limitations of distributed ledger systems..
Other Experience
Visitor Centre Assistant — Cream o' Galloway
Jun 2019 – Aug 2019
Gatehouse of Fleet, UK
Provided customer support and operational assistance at a local food attraction.
Cabin Counsellor — Camp Highlander
Jun 2018 – Aug 2018
Mills River, North Carolina, USA
Took part in an American summer camp programme, supervising and mentoring a group of boys aged 10–13 at a residential camp in North Carolina. The role fostered adaptability, leadership, and emotional intelligence through continuous responsibility for camper welfare and engagement.
Food and Beverage Assistant — Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
Oct 2017 – Feb 2018
St Andrews, UK
Provided table service in a formal dining setting at Rocca Restaurant in St Andrews. Maintained professionalism under pressure, with a focus on attention to detail and high-quality customer service.
Customer Service Assistant — Wilko
Oct 2014 – Aug 2016
Castle Douglas, UK
Supported customers on the shop floor, operated tills, and managed stock in a busy retail environment. This role helped develop strong communication and time management skills while working effectively as part of a team.
Skills
Certifications
Education
University of St Andrews
BSc (Hons) Computer Science, 2015 – 2019
- Graduated with 2:1
- Relevant modules: Software Engineering, Databases, Operating Systems, Object-Oriented Programming, The Internet and the Web, Data Communications and Networks, Human-Computer Interaction, Video Games, Computer Systems, Distributed Systems.
- Dissertation: "MIDI Controller Envelope Editor"