Maxim Stockmans

About Me

Hello! Nestled in the vibrant heart of Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, I'm continually navigating the dynamic world of technology. As I delve deeper into my studies in Computer Science Engineering at Ghent University, my passion for coding and analytical problem-solving keeps blossoming, shaping me into a skilled architect of the digital realm.

In parallel, I flourish as a freelance software engineer, where I immerse myself in pioneering projects and guide spirited teams towards success. My affinity for software architecture allows me to create innovative solutions, transforming mere concepts into impactful applications that push the boundaries of what's possible in the tech industry.

Beyond the digital sphere, I am a keen traveller, constantly seeking new adventures that broaden my horizons and deepen my appreciation for diverse cultures and viewpoints. In moments of respite, I unwind with the soothing strums of my ukulele, a practice that nourishes my creative spirit and keeps my passion for technology burning bright.

Join me in this exhilarating journey where technology intertwines with passion, and where innovation meets exploration. Together, we can forge new paths and redefine the boundaries of possibility!

Work Experience

Software Engineer

[Qlex.cloud]

[March 2023 - now]

[Diest, Belgium]

In this dynamic role at a pharmaceutical company, I have taken the helm as the lead developer for the eQMS system project. My responsibilities span across various spectrums including crafting the technical design, leading and mentoring interns, and actively engaging in development processes myself. Leveraging AWS technologies, I work in close collaboration with the Quality Assurance team to ensure the system aligns with the requisite standards and meets the company's objectives for efficiency and reliability.

Full Stack Software Engineer

[HyperAutomate]

[August 2022 - January 2023]

[Kontich, Belgium]

As the project lead, I was responsible for creating and maintaining a web-based tool using Python and the Django Rest Framework. This tool was designed to record processes and automatically extract them into a readable format for easier study and potential automation. I utilized my skills in Python and React, as well as my leadership experience, to guide the team and ensure the tool met project requirements and was user-friendly.

Software Engineer

[Ad Astra Industries]

[August 2022 - January 2023]

[Ghent, Belgium]

As the project lead, I was responsible for creating and maintaining the landing website for the company, complete with a backend dashboard that allowed administrators to easily edit and create blog posts using a node-like system. This was accomplished using React and the Django Rest Framework.

In this role, I utilized my skills in React and Django, to develop a user-friendly, dynamic website that allowed for easy editing and updating of content. Overall, my contributions helped to improve the company's online presence and effectiveness of their website.

Java Software Engineer

[Software365]

[June 2021 - July 2022]

[Sint-Niklaas, Belgium]

As a full stack Java developer, my primary responsibility was to create and maintain tools used in the healthcare industry. These tools were built using Java, Hibernate, JDBC, and Vaadin, and were designed to handle large amounts of data efficiently.

Working in a medium-sized team, it was important that the applications I developed were secure and reliable. In this role, I utilized my skills in Java, database connectivity, and server-side rendering to develop tools that met the project's requirements and provided a seamless user experience. I also ensured that the tools were secure and reliable, and able to handle large amounts of data effectively. Overall, my contributions helped to improve the effectiveness and reliability of the healthcare industry's tools and systems.

Education

Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering

[Ghent University]

[September 2023 - now]

[Ghent, Belgium]

Currently immersed in a program that focuses on the deeper exploration of software engineering and architecture, supplemented by advanced studies in areas like algorithms, machine learning, and data science, allowing for a significant enhancement of my technical skill set and knowledge base in the ever-evolving field of computer science.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

[Ghent University]

[September 2020 - June 2023]

[Ghent, Belgium]

Acquired a robust foundation in computer science, developing proficiency in coding, software design, and team leadership. This foundational course served as a springboard for my ongoing advanced studies and personal projects in the tech industry.

Honors & Awards

Data Engineering Challenge: 2nd place

[Capgemini]

[June 2023]

In June 2023, I secured 2nd place in Capgemini's Data Engineering Challenge. This recognition highlights my expertise in crafting optimized SQL queries and my knack for articulating complex data engineering concepts to a large audience. This required me not only to be efficient at writing queries and have the knowledge, but also be able to clearly convey the explanation to an audience while under pressure.

Full Stack Challenge BeLux: 2nd place

[delaware]

[April 2023]

Absolutely thrilled to share that I secured the 2nd place in the "Full Stack Challenge BeLux" organized by delaware BeLux in April 2023. This competition put my skills to the test as I swiftly developed a robust backend API, followed by crafting a seamless frontend to display data on a React website. Scoring was done based on correctness and speed of the submission, thus requiring me to work under pressure.

Projects

API Generation Tool

[restacked.io]

[December 2022 - now]

Embarking on a solo venture, I identified a prevalent issue in the tech industry - the tedious and repetitive nature of creating REST APIs. With the aim to revolutionize this process, I initiated a project where I single-handedly wore many hats: from conducting market research to validating the concept in the industry landscape.

Currently hosted on restacked.io, the tool is at its MVP stage, demonstrating its potential to significantly streamline the API development process. Through a user-centric web UI, users can define endpoints and set up authentication schemes, after which the tool takes over, automating the generation and deployment of a fully functional API. This initiative not only stands as a testament to my proficiency in coding and software architectural design but also highlights my ability to lead and manage a project from the ground up, steering it towards filling a significant gap in the market.

Travel App

[May 2021 - January 2022]

This full-stack application served as a personalized travel planner for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Europe. Utilizing data from various sources to find the cheapest flights available, the app allowed users to set parameters such as the number of countries to visit and the duration of stay in each, to craft the most cost-effective European trip possible, culminating in a return to the starting destination. I implemented an account system to personalize user experiences further. This project not only showcased my ability to integrate various data sources into a seamless user experience but also demonstrated my initiative in creating solutions based on personal experiences and needs. Please note, this web application is not online anymore.

Earth2 Trading Bot

[December 2020 - March 2021]

Developed a bot that automated the process of buying and selling virtual "tiles" on the Earth2 platform, with the goal of securing a profit. The bot efficiently monitored market trends and executed transactions at optimal times, buying tiles at a lower price and later selling them at a higher price.

Organizations

PR-Extern

[Ghent University & WiNA vzw.]

[July 2021 - July 2022]

[Ghent, Belgium]

In this pivotal role, I was entrusted with the significant responsibility of orchestrating the inaugural job fair event, primarily catering to students pursuing degrees in Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics at Ghent University's faculty of sciences. As the external PR (PR-Extern) for WiNA vzw., a non-profit student organization, I spearheaded the event from conception to execution, efficiently leading and managing a dedicated committee to ensure the job fair's success. Additionally, throughout the year, I facilitated communication between our organization and various companies, forging vital connections to assist students in finding potential opportunities and support during or at the culmination of their academic journey.