Freelancer profile translated to English.
Back to original languageAbout Thomas
Hello, I'm Thomas Hoppe – freelance Java developer and software architect focusing on robust web applications and modern backend systems.
I bring over 15 years of experience in enterprise software development – from conception to go-live. My focus is on implementing scalable Java/Spring Boot applications with well-thought-out architecture and clean code.
What sets me apart:
- Deep understanding of Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and relational databases (PostgreSQL)
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker), and cloud deployment
- Sound knowledge of software architecture, modularization, and technical documentation
- Agile working method according to SCRUM, proactive communication, and solution-oriented thinking
- Reliability and high quality – even under time pressure
What I value:
Efficient, maintainable solutions that are oriented towards real requirements. I enjoy working closely with product managers, UX teams, and other developers – remotely or hybrid.
German
Native or bilingual
English
Conversational
Remote only
Primarily works remotely
Experience
- Flowence – Digitale Buchungs- & Zahlungsplattform (Early-Stage Startup)Lead Developer & Technical Co-Founder (Freelance)HOSPITALITYNovember 2025 - Today (7 months)Silves, Portugal
Architecture & Backend
- Conception and implementation of the overall architecture with Java and Spring Boot
- API-first approach with cleanly versioned REST interfaces (OpenAPI/Swagger)
- Design of a modular domain model for bookings, guests, payments, and availabilities
- Implementation of transaction-safe booking processes with clear state models
Security & Authentication
- Implementation of OAuth2-based authentication and authorization flows
- Role and permission concepts for internal and external users
- Securing external API access (CORS handling, token validation)
Integrations
- Connection of external systems (e.g., Hotel/PMS APIs, Payment Providers)
- Implementation of robust error and fallback strategies (e.g., booking completion even with temporary payment problems)
- Decoupling of external dependencies through clearly defined adapters
Quality, Operations & Scalability
- Setup of structured logging and monitoring foundations
- Consideration of scalability, maintainability, and extensibility from the beginning
- Preparation for containerization and cloud-native operation (Docker-based)
Agile Working & Startup Environment
- Development according to SCRUM with short iterations and MVP focus
- Close collaboration with frontend development (React/TypeScript)
- Active participation in product decisions, prioritization, and technical roadmap
- Typical startup responsibility: from concept, prototype, and validation to production readiness
- digitalgarveFreelance Full-Stack Developer & Head of DevelopmentBANKING AND INSURANCEApril 2025 - November 2025 (7 months)Düsseldorf, Germany**Project**: Secure reporting platform for suspicious bank transactionsFor a FinTech/RegTech startup in the banking sector, I developed as a freelance Full-Stack Developer and Head of Development a secure, auditable reporting platform for the structured capture and processing of suspicious transactions.The goal was to build a compliance-compliant MVP that could scale to production readiness and meet high requirements for security, traceability, and data integrity.
Role & Responsibility
- Overall technical responsibility (Head of Development)
- Architectural decisions, definition of coding standards, code reviews, release and deployment strategy
- Full-stack development of the core application
- Consulting business stakeholders and Product Owner on architecture, security, compliance, and technical prioritization
Tasks & Achievements
- Backend & Web Development
- Implementation of core functionalities with Spring Boot and Thymeleaf
- Development of guided reporting and auditing processes, including validations
- Modeling of complex banking and account workflows
- Integration of Keycloak as central IAM
- Implementation of OAuth2 flows and role-based access control
- Securing sensitive endpoints with Spring Security
- Data storage on PostgreSQL
- Setup of automated Bitbucket Pipelines (Build, Tests, Security Checks)
- Preparation of reproducible, secure deployments
- Support with release hardening and handover to operations
- Work according to SCRUM
Technology Stack
- Backend: Spring Boot
- Frontend: Thymeleaf
- IAM & Security: Keycloak, OAuth2
- Database: PostgreSQL
- CI/CD: Bitbucket Pipelines
- Methodology: SCRUM
Results & Added Value
- Stable, secure MVP by mid-project duration
- Production-ready release within the project timeframe
- Consistent security architecture thanks to central IAM (Keycloak) and hardened Spring Security configuration
- Solid foundation for auditability, scalability, and further development
- Creditreform Boniversum GmbHHead of Software as a ServiceSeptember 2023 - February 2025 (1 year and 5 months)Neuss, Germany• Establishment of a new division for providing SaaS services• Planning, conception, and development of software to combat money laundering and transaction fraud• Design and implementation of an architecture for this software• Operation and continuous development of the platform• Ensuring compliance with security and customer requirements• Active communication with stakeholders for requirements gathering and feature development
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Education
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)Hochschule Weserbergland2005Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)