Backend Development
Slow APIs, brittle integrations, or a codebase your team is afraid to touch? I build and fix backend systems that handle real production load and are easy for your team to maintain.
Learn more →Senior engineering help for your team — without the full-time overhead
I'm Robin Ward, an independent engineer with 15+ years building production systems. I work directly with your team on an hourly basis — no agency layers, no handoffs, no surprises.
What I Help With
I focus on four areas where senior experience makes the biggest difference.
DevOps & Infrastructure
Deployments shouldn't be scary. I set up CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, and cloud architecture so your team ships faster with fewer incidents.
Learn more →Database Architecture
Queries timing out? Data scattered across systems? I design, migrate, and optimize databases so your data works as hard as your team does.
Learn more →AI & Data Automation
Turn manual processes into automated pipelines. I build custom data workflows and ML integrations that actually fit your existing stack.
Learn more →Selected Work
Real results from real engagements. Details anonymized to protect client confidentiality.
Data Engineering
Enterprise Data Pipeline Overhaul
90% reduction in data discrepancies
Problem: A large enterprise client had critical data flowing between multiple systems with frequent mismatches, causing downstream reporting errors and hours of manual reconciliation each week.
Approach: Redesigned the data pipeline architecture with proper validation layers, automated reconciliation checks, and real-time monitoring. Built idempotent ETL processes that self-heal on failure.
Result: Data discrepancies dropped by 90%. The team reclaimed over 20 hours per week previously spent on manual fixes, and stakeholders regained trust in their reporting data.
Read the full case study →
DevOps
CI/CD Modernization for a Growing Team
70% faster developer onboarding
Problem: A mid-size engineering team had inconsistent build processes, manual deployments, and new hires took weeks to get their first code into production.
Approach: Implemented standardized CI/CD pipelines with Docker-based build environments, automated testing gates, and one-click deployments. Created developer onboarding scripts and documentation.
Result: New developers went from weeks to days for their first production deploy. Build failures dropped significantly, and the team shipped with confidence.
Read the full case study →
Backend Architecture
View all case studies →
Legacy System Modernization
3x improvement in API response times
Problem: An aging monolithic application was becoming a bottleneck — slow page loads, frequent outages during peak traffic, and a codebase that made feature development painfully slow.
Approach: Led a phased migration to a service-oriented architecture, starting with the highest-impact bottlenecks. Introduced caching layers, database query optimization, and horizontal scaling.
Result: API response times improved 3x, outages during peak traffic were eliminated, and the team was able to ship new features at twice the previous pace.
Read the full case study →About Robin
I'm a full-stack engineer and architect who has spent 15+ years in the trenches of enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and data engineering. Before starting Hexward, I spent 6 years as a Principal Solution Engineer at SAP, where I led architecture and delivery for complex enterprise systems.
I started Hexward because too many teams are stuck choosing between expensive agencies that delegate to juniors, or full-time hires they can't justify long-term. I give you direct access to senior-level experience, on your schedule, at a fair hourly rate.
- M.S. Computer Science & Software Engineering, Auburn University
- 6 years as Principal Solution Engineer at SAP
- 15+ years across enterprise software, cloud, and data engineering
- Deep expertise in Python, Django, Node.js, .NET, AWS, Azure, Docker, Terraform
About Hex
🦊
Hex is my AI assistant — built specifically for Hexward Consulting. Not a general-purpose chatbot, but a dedicated team member running on OpenClaw with full context of the business, projects, and goals.
Hex handles research, writing, automation, code review, email management, lead discovery, GitHub contributions, and keeps the entire operation running smoothly. Think of Hex as a force multiplier — handling the work that doesn't require Robin's direct attention, so he can focus on high-value client work.
- Direct, sharp communication — no fluff
- Connected 24/7 via OpenClaw
- Full context memory and workspace integration
- Email, calendar, GitHub, CRM, and web automation
Let's Talk
Tell me what you're working on and I'll respond within 24 hours with a clear next-step plan. No commitment, no sales pitch.
Email directly: robin.ward@hexward.com
Schedule a Free Consultation