Scott A. Ratchford
Education
MBA
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
B.S. Computer Science
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Minors: Mathematics, History · Honors: Honors College, Cum Laude
Technical Skills
Languages
Python (expert) · C# · JavaScript · HTML/CSS · SQL
AI / ML
LLM integration (OpenAI API, local LLMs) · Langflow · TensorFlow · Scikit-Learn · ML model inference · image classification · clustering · linear regression
Web & APIs
Django · Flask · Nginx · Gunicorn · REST APIs · jQuery
Desktop
PyQt / Qt · tkinter
Data
NumPy · Pandas · openpyxl · PostgreSQL · MySQL
DevOps
Docker · Docker Compose · GitHub Actions (CI/CD) · Git · Linux/Unix · DigitalOcean · Azure
Practices
Agile / Scrum · Unit & integration testing · Technical documentation · Code review
Experience
Software Developer
SmartLam North America, Dothan, AL
- Building PyQt desktop application to automate Glulam manufacturing scheduling, eliminating manual planning and saving over $20,000/month in worker productivity
- Developed AI-powered tools using OpenAI APIs and locally hosted LLMs to streamline internal workflows
- Integrating Zoho Creator platform with ERP and manufacturing systems via REST APIs, automating inventory management and Zebra label printing
- Coordinating with external consultants to evaluate and implement cloud software solutions aligned with operational needs
- Writing unit and integration tests; maintained technical documentation for all internal tooling
- Database design and management in PostgreSQL and Zoho Creator
Projects
Pygskin - Football Analytics Platform
Personal Project
- Built a Django web application that uses ML model inference to predict college football play calls, deployed on DigitalOcean with Nginx/Gunicorn
- Engineered data pipelines with Pandas/NumPy; trained Scikit-Learn models on historical play-by-play datasets
Open-Source Contributions
- Contributed to widely used GitHub Actions
- Published object-filtering Python module on PyPi
- Contributed to documentation for PostgreSQL
Additional
10+ years of 3D printing experience including CAD modeling in SolidWorks, 3D printer maintenance, and G-code/Cura scripting; former technical support specialist for UA College of Engineering