Cian Mclennan

Engineering Team Lead

I like building things that empower others.

I'm an engineering team lead and software developer with over a decade of experience building high-quality web applications.

From a young age I have been passionate about all things related to technology and software, and as I've grown, so has my enthusiasm for empowering others through great tooling and automation.

In my younger years I wanted to make games. After finishing secondary school I completed a course in video game development. During this time I realised I had more interest in making software than games, and later earned a degree in Computer Science.

My professional background spans e-learning, SaaS, and sports betting platforms. I’ve built internal tooling for instructional designers, helped launch CMSs and frontend apps for high-traffic betting sites, and worked across the stack using technologies like React, Redux Toolkit, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Docker, and AWS Lambda. I place strong focus on accessibility, clean code, and developer experience.

In October 2017 I enrolled as a full-time student for 18 months at GenkiJACS in Fukuoka to improve my Japanese. While there I passed the JLPT N3.

I enjoy programming and learning new technologies. I regularly build small tools and automations to make work more efficient or to try out something new.

More recently, I've taken an interest in AI and natural language interfaces and how they can help users and teams work more effectively.

Currently I work as Engineering Team Lead at iheed, an e-learning company that trains doctors and nurses.

e: ciankm@gmail.com t: +35383 307 0180
w: ciankm.com | GitHub

I do

Web and Front-end Engineering, Internal Tools, TypeScript, Full Stack JavaScript

I use

React, Redux Toolkit, TypeScript, React Testing Library, Node.js, PostgreSQL, Sass, Git, Docker, Webpack

I speak

English, 日本語 (JLPT N3), and a little Irish. Currently learning Hindi.

I like

Coding, Linux, Travel, Japanese culture, AI, and automation.

I'm learning

Rust, WebAssembly, Hindi

• TypeScript
• React
• Redux Toolkit
• React Testing Library
• Node.js
• PostgreSQL
• Vim
• Linux
• Automation
• Shell scripting
• Docker
• Rust
• Webpack
• Sass
• Accessibility
• Web performance
• Command-line tools

Work Experience

Engineering Team Lead October 2023 – Present

iheed, Dublin | Ireland

• Lead the frontend engineering team and collaborate closely with instructional designers and graphic designers to build internal courseware development tools.
• Designed and built React-based tooling used by non-developers to create and manage educational content for medical professionals.
• Built and maintained backend integrations with Canvas LMS, Zoho CRM, and Zoho Analytics APIs.
• Created scalable backend services using TypeScript, PostgreSQL, AWS Lambda, and hosted on Heroku.
• Established development best practices, improved accessibility standards, and introduced testing with React Testing Library.

Front-end Engineer Dec 2020 – Sept 2023

888Holdings, Dublin | Ireland

• Delivered frontend applications for 888sport.com and sisportsbook.com including their CMS.
• Developed features using React, Redux, Hooks, Styled-components, PHP.
• Wrote and maintained unit tests.
• Promoted component re-usability and established a single source of truth for assets and themes.
• Improved developer experience and addressed technical debt across the stack.
• Implemented live sports streaming features.

Senior Front-end Engineer May 2013 – Jan 2020

Interactive Services, Dublin | Ireland

• Built e-learning SPAs for global clients with a focus on accessibility (JAWS, VoiceOver).
• Led the transition to Git and implemented CI using GitLab and gulp.js.
• Developed reusable components and templates to improve delivery speed.
• Taught git and tooling workshops internally and to vendor teams in India.
• Built internal tools and desktop/mobile apps in Objective-C, Swift, and C#.

Note: From Oct 2017 – Mar 2019 I studied Japanese full time and worked part-time remotely.

Lounge Host (Part Time) Nov 2017 – Oct 2018

Journeys English School, Fukuoka | Japan

• Facilitated English conversation during language exchanges.
• Managed lounge preparation and promotion.

Graduate IT Consultant Jun 2012 – May 2013

Allied Irish Banks (AIB), Dublin | Ireland

• Maintained internal software used by AIB branches.
• Administered CI servers and provided L3 support.
• Built automation scripts and resolved document system issues.

Education

BSc in Computer Science 2009 – 2012

Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin | Ireland

Object Oriented Systems, Distributed Systems, Computer Graphics, Client/Server Programming, Databases, AI. Extra Curricular: DIT iOS development springboard course.

Higher National Diploma in Computer Games Design 2007 – 2009

Ballyfermot College of Further Education | Ireland

3D Modelling/Animation with 3ds Max and Zbrush, Unreal Engine, Flash games, Photoshop, Reason.

Other Qualifications

JLPT N3 – Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Dec 2018

Able to understand everyday Japanese including casual conversations and basic reading material.

CELTA – Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Mar 2015

Trained in structured lesson delivery and clear communication.