Zirk Mackay

Software Developer

Dedicated software engineer with expertise in Java and .NET systems, leveraging an academic background in Actuarial Science to design robust, scalable solutions. Passionate about solving complex problems and embracing emerging technologies.

Zirk Mackay

About Me

Software Engineer at Warp Development, building web applications and data solutions for diverse clients. I hold a degree in Actuarial Science from Stellenbosch University and bring a strong analytical foundation to every project.

Certified in AWS Cloud Practitioner, Agile Project Management, and Machine Learning with Python. Golden Key Honour Society lifetime member. Passionate about teamwork, continuous learning, and delivering clean, impactful solutions.

Software Development

3+ years building enterprise web applications across Java, .NET, and JavaScript stacks — from financial systems to procurement platforms.

Industry Experience

Delivered solutions across insurance (Discovery), infrastructure (GIT), compliance (The Data Company), and AI consulting (Warp Development).

Actuarial Science

BCom from Stellenbosch University with ASSA exemption recommendations — bringing strong analytical and financial modelling skills to software.

Recognition

Awarded GIC Subsidiary Employee of the Year 2024. Golden Key Honour Society lifetime member. AWS & Agile certified.

Professional Experience

Warp Development

Somerset West, South Africa (Hybrid)

Mar 2025 - Present

Intermediate Software Engineer

  • Warp is a leading software development and AI consulting company specialising in creating cutting-edge technology solutions.
  • Contributing to the design, development, and testing of web applications and data solutions for various clients.
  • Skills: API Development, Linux, C#, .NET Framework

Gap Infrastructure Technologies

Stellenbosch, South Africa (On-site)

Dec 2023 - Mar 2025

Software Developer

  • Built the Procurement Process from scratch and fully integrated the system with SIO
  • Developed SIO (SA Infrastructure Online) – a Tender/Project Management system for the construction sector of South Africa
  • Created dynamic questionnaire builder for procurement processes
  • Implemented bidding process and evaluation systems for tenders
  • Optimized systems to work efficiently with big data
  • Awarded GIC Subsidiary Employee of the Year – Dec 2024

Discovery Limited

Stellenbosch, South Africa (Remote)

Mar 2023 - Dec 2023

Software Developer (Contract via JMR)

  • Engaged in the provision of development services for the Discovery Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) System
  • Implemented secure client onboarding with personal and financial data input
  • Created automated assessment of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
  • Built dynamic recommendations for insurance, investments, and retirement planning
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements for financial advisory services

The Data Company Technologies Ltd

Stellenbosch, South Africa (Hybrid)

Jun 2022 - Dec 2023

Software Developer (Junior → Developer)

  • Junior Software Developer: Jun 2022 – Dec 2022
  • Software Developer: Jan 2023 – Dec 2023 (Lead developer on LeaseTracker from Jan 2023)
  • Developed LeaseTracker – an IFRS16-compliant financial system for asset management, financing, and document tracking
  • Built Acumen – a claim capturing system for a UK-based claim handling company
  • Developed the MDU system for medico-legal complaints and claims management
  • Implemented automated data validation and maintained full audit trails
Decorative background

Skills & Expertise

Java Development

Java 8/17, Spring Boot

Building robust and scalable backend applications with modern Java frameworks and features.

Backend Development

RESTful APIs, Microservices

Creating robust server-side applications with focus on scalability and clean architecture.

Database Management

SQL Server, MySQL, Hibernate

Designing and implementing efficient database schemas and queries for optimal data management.

Frontend Development

JSF, Angular, JavaScript

Building user interfaces with Java Server Faces and modern JavaScript frameworks.

Version Control

Git, BitBucket

Managing code versions efficiently with Git and collaborating effectively through BitBucket.

Programming Languages

Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, SQL

Writing efficient and maintainable code across multiple programming languages.

Cloud Services

Azure, AWS

Deploying and managing applications on cloud platforms with focus on scalability and reliability.

DevOps

Docker, CI/CD

Implementing continuous integration and deployment pipelines for efficient software delivery.

Actuarial Knowledge

Financial Analysis, Risk Assessment

Applying actuarial science principles to software solutions for financial services.

Agile Methodologies

Scrum, Kanban

Working efficiently in agile environments with focus on continuous delivery.

C# / .NET

C#, .NET Framework, ASP.NET Core

Building robust enterprise applications and APIs with C# and the .NET ecosystem.

Machine Learning

Python, IBM ML, Data Analysis

Applying machine learning techniques to extract insights and build intelligent solutions.

Projects

OrderEazi

Warp Development

Aug 2025 - Present

Cloud-based order and inventory management platform accessible anywhere without local installs. Features include order management, inventory tracking, shipment tracking, reporting & analytics, and a user-friendly UI designed for business efficiency.

.NET FrameworkAPI DevelopmentC#Back-end Operations

SecuriCode

Warp Development

Oct 2025 - Dec 2025

Product authenticity verification system. Generates unique, non-replicable codes; tracks each scan's time, date, and location to detect counterfeit activity; and reveals official product details on scan to confirm authenticity.

.NET FrameworkReact.js

SYNAQ / Zimbra

Warp Development

Mar 2025 - Jun 2025

Email security platform with threat detection and domain attack prevention via custom Zimlets. Monitors spoofed domains, phishing attempts, and unauthorized sender impersonation. Includes backend integration with Zimbra for user access monitoring and suspicious login pattern flagging.

JavaJavaScriptZimbraReact.jsTerminal Server

SIO (SA Infrastructure Online)

Gap Infrastructure Technologies

Jan 2024 - Feb 2025

Tender and project management system for the construction sector of South Africa. Handles business partner registrations, tender submissions, procurement processes, and evaluation systems.

Spring FrameworkMicrosoft SQL ServerPostman APISharePointProject Management

Discovery FNA

Discovery Limited

Mar 2023 - Dec 2023

Financial Needs Analysis system for Discovery. Part of the team that built client onboarding, automated assessment of income/expenses/assets/liabilities, and dynamic financial recommendations for insurance, investments, and retirement planning.

JavaJiraXHTMLGitBASHFinancial Analysis

Lease Tracker

The Data Company Technologies Ltd

Dec 2022 - Dec 2023

Lead developer since January 2023. IFRS16-compliant financial system focused on asset management, asset financing, and document tracking. Ensures full compliance with IFRS16 lease requirements and generates comprehensive financial reports.

JavaMySQLMicrosoft ExcelFinancial Reporting

Acumen

The Data Company Technologies Ltd

Sep 2022 - Nov 2022

Claim capturing system for a UK-based claim handling company. Part of the development team that built the full claim submission and processing pipeline, including data validation and audit trails.

JavaMySQLClaims ManagementProblem Solving

MDU

The Data Company Technologies Ltd

Jun 2022 - Aug 2022

System for the Medical Defence Union (MDU), led and staffed by doctors facing medico-legal pressures. Part of the development team that created their complaints and claims management system.

JavaSQLComplaint ManagementProblem Management

My Services

Java Application Development

Custom Java applications built with Spring Boot, focusing on performance, scalability, and reliability.

Enterprise System Integration

Seamless integration of complex enterprise systems using Java-based technologies and APIs.

Financial Software Solutions

Specialized software for financial services, leveraging actuarial knowledge for risk assessment and compliance.

Cloud-Based Applications

Scalable and secure applications deployed on Azure and AWS cloud platforms with modern DevOps practices.

Decorative background

Education

BCom (Actuarial Science)

Stellenbosch University

Jan 2019 – Dec 2021

High School Diploma

Paul Roos Gimnasium

Jan 2014 – Dec 2018

Decorative background

Licenses & Certifications

Machine Learning with Python

IBM (via Coursera)

Issued Feb 2026

ID: Y8BCIX9T2XQX

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Agile Project Management Certification

Alison

Issued Jun 2024

ID: 5661-40228044

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ASSA Exemption Recommendations

Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA)

Issued Jul 2022

ID: A111, A112, A113, A211, A213, A214, N111

Golden Key Full Member

Golden Key Southern Africa

Issued Jan 2020
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AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Issued Feb 2022
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Honors, Awards & Organizations

Honors & Awards

GIC Subsidiary Employee of the Year

Issued by GIC (Gap Infrastructure Corporation)

Associated with Gap Infrastructure Technologies

Dec 2024

Out of all the subsidiary companies of GIC, awarded Employee of the Year in recognition of outstanding contributions and performance.

Organizations

Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA)

Student Member

Feb 2022 - Present

Associated with Stellenbosch University

Currently a Student Member of the South African Actuarial Society, maintaining engagement with the actuarial profession.

Golden Key International Honour Society

Lifetime Member

May 2020 - Present

Associated with Stellenbosch University

Golden Key Honour Society Lifetime Member — granted all Honours, Benefits & Privileges pertaining to membership in the Society, recognising academic excellence.

Get in Touch

Contact Information

zirk5237@gmail.com+27 824689029
Somerset West, South Africa
Decorative background