Tarak Patel: Architecting Scalable Systems, Elevating Developer Experience
Based in Cambridge, Canada, I am an experienced Solution Architect and CI/CD Lead specializing in modern systems and championing Developer Experience (DevEx) to accelerate innovation.
About Tarak
My passion lies at the intersection of elegant system design and efficient software delivery. With foundational degrees in Engineering (Gujarat University) and Computer Engineering Technology (Centennial College, Toronto), complemented by an AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification (and TOGAF® in progress), I've built a career dedicated to technical excellence.
My professional journey began in embedded systems and DevOps at Mircom Group, evolving through integration development at Aerotek LLC, and leading me to my current focus at Ford Motor Company. Starting as a Build & Release Lead and progressing to Solution Architect & CI/CD Lead, I've been instrumental in modernizing critical vehicle software platforms.
I believe that robust architecture (leveraging patterns like Microservices, DDD, CQRS) and a seamless Developer Experience (driven by optimized CI/CD, tooling, and automation) are fundamental to building successful, scalable products. I thrive on leading technical initiatives, mentoring engineers, and translating complex requirements into tangible, high-impact solutions.
Core Expertise
Architecture & Design
- Microservices, DDD, CQRS
- System Modernization (AWS, GCP)
- Modeling (UML, C4, PlantUML)
DevEx & CI/CD
- Pipeline Optimization (Jenkins, Actions)
- Developer Tooling Strategy
- Automation & Workflow Streamlining
- Release Management (ASPICE)
Cloud & Infrastructure
- AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Docker, Kubernetes
- Artifactory, GitHub Enterprise
- Monitoring (Grafana, ELK)
Programming & Tools
- Python, C++, Bash, Node.js
- React.js, TypeScript
- Git, JIRA, Confluence
Professional Impact
- Modern ECU Software Platform (Ford): Architected a scalable, microservices-based platform for vehicle software releases, enhancing deployment efficiency and system modularity.
- Optimized CI/CD Pipelines (Ford): Engineered and refined complex CI/CD pipelines integrating QNX and Qualcomm OS layers, enabling robust and automated delivery for multiple ECUs.
- DevEx Tooling & Automation (Ford): Defined and implemented a suite of developer tools and automated workflows, significantly improving onboarding speed and release processes. Developed dashboards and playbooks for clarity.
- Cloud Migration Leadership (Ford): Led the cross-functional migration of critical build infrastructure to GCP and GitHub Enterprise Cloud, modernizing capabilities and enhancing collaboration.
- Artifactory Standardization (Ford): Acted as SME liaison for a major Artifactory migration, defining standardized artifact storage structures across diverse ECU pipelines.
- High-Volume Release Management (Ford): Successfully managed and executed over 300 release cycles for various ECUs, ensuring strict adherence to ASPICE compliance standards.
- Mentorship & Best Practices (Ford): Actively mentored engineers in CI/CD strategy and DevOps best practices, contributing to team growth and skill development.
- Foundation Roles (Aerotek & Mircom): Built foundational experience in integration build development, embedded systems engineering, and establishing DevOps practices.
Blog / Insights
Sharing insights, tutorials, and perspectives on topics related to solution architecture, cloud computing, CI/CD, Developer Experience, and industry trends.
Practical Application of DDD in Microservices
Moving beyond the buzzwords to implement Domain-Driven Design effectively...
Read More →Optimizing GitHub Actions for Complex Builds
Strategies for caching, parallelization, and managing dependencies in intricate workflows...
Read More →Why DevEx is the Next Frontier in DevOps
Exploring the impact of developer experience on productivity, innovation, and retention...
Read More →Career Goals
I am committed to continuous growth and seek roles with increasing technical scope and strategic impact.
Near-Term
Secure a Staff or Principal Architect role, deepening my focus on complex system architecture and driving DevOps/platform strategy.
Mid-Term
Evolve into a Platform or Enterprise Architect position, influencing broader organizational standards in DevEx, architecture, and cloud adoption.
Long-Term
Aspire to a Chief Architect or Distinguished Engineer position, leading enterprise-level architecture strategy, governance, and long-term technological vision.
Get In Touch
Let's connect! I'm open to discussing technical leadership opportunities, architectural challenges, or potential collaborations.
Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Email: tarak.m89@gmail.com
Phone: 416-577-2498
LinkedIn: View Profile