A day in the life of… Stephen Webb, Senior Software Engineer

A day in the life of… Stephen Webb, Senior Software Engineer

Ever wondered what a day in life looks like at Vortexa for a Senior Software Engineer? We sat down with Stephen to find out what his day-to-day life looks like, what is the most interesting aspect of his role, and what he really thinks of our company culture…

07 July, 2023
Jessica Irvin
Jessica Irvin, Head of Operations & People

Stephen studied Computer Science at the Univeristy of York. Prior to joining Vortexa, Stephen started his career as a placement year student at Morgan Stanley during university, he then stayed for almost seven more years afterward before moving to Vortexa.

Stephen has also been involved in volunteer teaching in the UK and Ghana, and enjoys mentoring junior team members. Outside of work Stephen is passionate about climbing and archery, and hanging out with his dog Harvey.

Fun fact: ‘My family used to work a windmill in Kent for over a century. There’s a family tree carved inside, and I was the last child who got carved into it before it became a heritage centre.’

What does day-to-day life in your role look like?

My day is mostly spent working on new or improved features; usually a pair session or two with the team, which we use for mentoring and sharing knowledge in both directions. Also, designing and discussing design and approaches for the next feature.

What would you say is the most interesting aspect of your role?

Every day I learn something new about the real world domain – modelling a sanction breaking vessel, or congestion around busy ports – and the tech and design driving our solutions – discussing and building new designs and approaches, digging into our data pipeline to improve something.

What was your path to joining Vortexa? 

After seven-ish years at an investment bank, I was looking for a role where I could learn and grow more, as well as something more impactful and fast paced. I could afford to be picky and looked around a lot until I found the role at Vortexa.

The team is keen to learn and build for the best, and everyone who wants to be can be part of that discussion and design - no one is locked out or dictated to when they have ideas that can contribute to the best solution.
What kind of qualities does a person need to have to succeed at Vortexa?

Curiosity to dig in the guts of the domain and our solutions; confidence to rock the boat and bring fresh perspective.

What do you like about the culture? 

The team is keen to learn and build for the best, and everyone who wants to be can be part of that discussion and design – no one is locked out or dictated to when they have ideas that can contribute to the best solution.

Who do you collaborate with?

Everyone from other members of data production to the product designers, as well as the analysts looking directly at vessels and products moving on the water.

What are the first three things you do on a Monday morning?

Check out the social slack channels, grab a coffee, and catch up with the team on our stand-up to prepare for getting back into whatever code I was working on.

What energises you most about working as a Senior Software Engineer at Vortexa?

Collaborating with our data scientists, to engineer and architect their ideas to be future proof, as well as the opportunity to mentor and share experience to improve myself and others in the team.

Jessica Irvin
Head of Operations & People
Vortexa
Jessica Irvin
Jessica is Head of People & Operations at Vortexa and is responsible for hiring, learning & development, culture, engagement, performance management and leading expansion plans.