Jamie Kitson BSc (Hons)

Senior Software Engineer | C# / .NET | Full-Stack Development | GIS & Systems Integration

Email: jamie@kitson.xyz
Website: JamieKitson.com · GitHub: GitHub profile

Professional Profile

Experienced software engineer with over 23 years of commercial software development experience, including more than two decades developing and maintaining business-critical applications at Idox.

Specialising in C# and the .NET ecosystem, with experience spanning legacy .NET Framework applications, modern .NET, web applications, Windows software, backend services, database integration and deployment automation. Equally comfortable working with established enterprise systems and developing new solutions using contemporary web technologies.

Combines broad technical knowledge with the ability to investigate complex problems, understand unfamiliar systems, and deliver practical solutions across application, database, infrastructure and deployment layers. Experienced in working with SQL Server and Oracle, building GIS-enabled applications, integrating third-party components, and automating software build and deployment processes.

A hands-on engineer who values maintainable code, sound engineering practices and pragmatic technical decisions. Able to work independently, transfer knowledge to colleagues, and take ownership of problems that cross conventional technology boundaries.

Core Technical Skills

Languages and application development

• C#, .NET Framework, modern .NET and ASP.NET MVC
• Delphi and legacy application maintenance
• JavaScript, TypeScript, React and HTML/CSS
• Windows desktop applications, web applications, APIs and background services

Databases and data

• Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle
• SQL development, database integration and troubleshooting
• Oracle Spatial and geospatial data processing
• XML, XSLT, SOAP and service integration

GIS and mapping

• MapServer, OpenLayers and web mapping
• OGC WMS and WFS services
• Spatial reference systems, including British National Grid (EPSG:27700)
• SLD styling, spatial data integration and GIS application development

Build, deployment and infrastructure

• Git and GitLab CI/CD
• MSBuild and automated build pipelines
• WiX Toolset and Windows Installer (MSI) packaging
• IIS configuration and application deployment
• Windows Server, Linux and web server administration
• Application configuration, deployment tooling and troubleshooting

Engineering and integration

• Modernisation of established software systems
• Integration of legacy and contemporary technologies
• Third-party libraries and component integration
• Diagnosing complex application and infrastructure issues
• Build, release and deployment automation

Professional Experience

Idox — Software Developer

October 2003 – Present

Long-standing member of the software development organisation at Idox, a specialist supplier of software and information management solutions. Responsible for developing, maintaining and extending business applications and services across a broad range of technologies.

My experience spans the full software lifecycle, from implementation and database integration through to build automation, installation, deployment and operational troubleshooting.

Application development and modernisation

• Develop and maintain Windows applications, web applications and backend services using C#, .NET and ASP.NET MVC.
• Work across legacy .NET Framework systems and modern .NET applications, balancing compatibility and stability with the adoption of newer technologies.
• Maintain and extend established software written in Delphi, alongside newer C# implementations.
• Develop web application functionality using JavaScript, TypeScript and React.
• Integrate existing systems, third-party components, APIs and data sources to support evolving product requirements.

Database development and integration

• Work with Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle databases in enterprise application environments.
• Develop and troubleshoot data access, SQL queries and application-to-database integrations.
• Integrate geospatial data and Oracle Spatial functionality into mapping applications.
• Investigate complex issues spanning application code, database behaviour, configuration and the surrounding environment.

GIS and mapping

• Develop web mapping solutions using MapServer, OpenLayers and React/TypeScript.
• Work with OGC-compliant WMS and WFS services, including feature querying, map styling and geospatial data integration.
• Integrate Oracle Spatial data using appropriate spatial reference systems and MapServer configuration.
• Develop and troubleshoot GIS functionality involving SLD styling, filtering, coordinate systems and server-side map services.
• Work across the boundaries between mapping clients, application services, spatial databases and web server infrastructure.

Build, installation and deployment

• Develop automated build and deployment tooling using modern .NET, MSBuild and PowerShell or other scripting where appropriate.
• Package and deploy Windows software using WiX Toolset and MSI installers.
• Configure and troubleshoot IIS-hosted applications, application pools, certificates and related web infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain GitLab CI/CD pipelines supporting software builds, client-side compilation and installer production.
• Investigate deployment failures and compatibility issues across application runtimes, dependencies, server configuration and operating systems.
• Improve the repeatability and maintainability of software installation and release processes.

Technical problem-solving

• Diagnose complex issues across application code, databases, third-party libraries, build tooling and deployment environments.
• Work with both mature enterprise applications and newer technology stacks, adapting implementation approaches to the requirements of each system.
• Apply broad technical knowledge to problems that span multiple components or layers of an application.
• Share technical knowledge with colleagues and support the understanding and maintenance of established systems.

Motiv Ltd — Programmer / Analyst / Maintenance

December 2002 – August 2003

Developed demonstration and business applications while also supporting server infrastructure.

• Designed and built PDA applications using Delphi and MySQL, including an MS Project database client, a data collection application for double-glazing surveyors, and a mobile FAQ application.
• Developed a Java application to generate PDF invoices.
• Maintained Linux gateway, firewall and application server systems, alongside Windows Server 2000 web servers.
• Worked across application development, database integration and systems administration.

VW Heritage Parts Centre — Technician

July 2002 – September 2002

• Developed a Delphi application to support data gathering and ordering.
• Performed general computer and database maintenance, including work with the Line 100 business system.
• Provided operational support for the parts business.

Dorothy Stringer High School / Electronic Register Ltd. — Programmer / Analyst

July 2001 – July 2002

Designed and developed applications using Delphi 5, MySQL and HTML.

• Built a staff communication system for broadcasting messages across the school.
• Developed an application for targeted pupil mailings.
• Developed specialist electronic register applications involving network communication interfaces and data compression.

Dorothy Stringer High School — Lab Technician / Classroom Assistant

September 2000 – July 2001

Provided technical and classroom support to teachers and pupils across the science, IT and art departments.

Education

University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST)

1997 – 2000

BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence — Second Class Honours, Division Two (2:2)

Steyning Grammar School

1990 – 1997

A-levels: Mathematics (A), Physics (B), Further Mathematics (C), Chemistry (D).

Additional Information

• Personal interest in Linux, self-hosted services and practical systems administration.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Technical projects and source code: GitHub