David Rae

Principal Solutions Architect

About

Since 2017 (9 years), I’ve operated as a Principal Solutions Architect, engineering highly scalable, data-intensive systems from the database schema up to the automated deployment pipeline. I specialize in Node.js, distributed system resilience, and complex REST API architecture, with a heavy focus on cloud cost optimization.


My approach bridges complex business logic with high-performance execution, translating vague stakeholder requirements into secure, well-architected systems. I have deep expertise in hybrid infrastructure (Cloud & Bare-Metal Linux) and secure, self-hosted environments, allowing me to build adaptable, zero-leak data pipelines. I am currently focused on modernizing legacy systems and delivering advanced, localized AI processing solutions.


Core Stack: Node.js, Python, PHP (Legacy Modernization), REST API Architecture, MySQL, Redis, Docker, Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure, Local AI/ML Pipelines (Whisper, Open Weight LLMs), Zero-Trust Networking (Headscale/Tailscale), Automated CI/CD (GCP Cloud Build).

Experience

Principal Solutions Architect / Independent Consultant
2017 – Present (9 years)
  • AI & Edge-Compute Architecture: Architected a zero-leak Speech-to-Text and LLM routing engine designed for absolute data sovereignty. Engineered a custom smart-routing layer (Node.js) that dynamically distributes asynchronous processing jobs to dedicated, private-cloud GPU workers running open-weights models (Whisper, Llama 3, Phi-4). Secured the distributed network utilizing a self-hosted Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) mesh (Headscale/Tailscale) to establish secure, outbound-only peer-to-peer tunnels, supporting strict compliance frameworks (HIPAA, NDAs) without exposing inbound firewall ports.
  • Legacy Modernization & APIs: Successfully migrated high-concurrency reporting bottlenecks out of legacy PHP monoliths into highly performant Node.js microservices. Engineered secure, high-throughput REST APIs for B2B financial platforms and live telecom Call Detail Records.
  • Data Engineering & ETL Pipelines: Designed automated ETL pipelines to ingest, parse, and index massive unstructured datasets (including MLS real estate feeds). Architected the backend database logic for complex spatial and filtered mapping queries.
  • Cloud DevOps & Infrastructure: Modernized deployment infrastructure by architecting automated CI/CD pipelines via GCP Cloud Build and custom containerized deployments, enabling zero-downtime live hotfixes and resilient system monitoring via Vue.js dashboards.
  • Full-Stack Enterprise Solutions: Engineered an end-to-end custom EdTech CRM and client portal, utilizing Vue.js for the dynamic frontend and Node.js/Express for the backend. Architected automated financial calculations, dynamic PDF generation, and asynchronous task queues to eliminate manual administrative bottlenecks.

Say Hi!

Based in Folsom, CA Working Worldwide

I'm always open to discussing new projects, systems architecture, or grabbing a coffee. Feel free to drop me a line.

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