~/about
Background and how I work
Over a decade building enterprise web applications, APIs, and scalable backend systems with PHP and Symfony.
Background
I started out in 2009 as a freelance programmer and web developer, then worked as a web developer at UIG Detectors and Terminal24. In 2017 I joined HDNET in Werther - Germany, where I spent nine years building enterprise backend systems: REST APIs and microservice architectures, database design, authentication and authorization, and the Docker-based development, CI/CD, and Kubernetes environments they run on.
Since June 2026 I have worked as a freelancer with companies worldwide, focusing on PHP/Symfony backend development, API engineering, system architecture, and legacy modernization.
How I work
I enjoy complex backend problems where clean architecture, reliability, security, and maintainability matter. In practice that means:
- designing APIs and service boundaries that stay understandable as systems grow,
- treating authentication, authorization, and application security as part of the design,
- backing changes with automated tests (PHPUnit) and CI/CD pipelines,
- modernizing existing applications step by step rather than rewriting them.
Working together
I'm available for remote freelance and contract work, from short-term technical assignments to long-term engagements, particularly around:
01
Symfony & PHP development
Design and development of new PHP and Symfony applications, backend systems, APIs, and business platforms—from technical design and database modeling through implementation, testing, and production delivery.
02
Backend Architecture & API Development
Architecture and development of maintainable backend systems and REST APIs, with clear application boundaries, solid data models, authentication and authorization, asynchronous processing, integrations, and safe API evolution.
03
SaaS & Microservices Development
Backend development for SaaS platforms, multi-tenant applications, service-oriented systems, and asynchronous workflows, including tenant isolation, messaging, integrations, scalability, and reliable service communication.
04
Legacy PHP & Symfony Modernization
Incremental modernization of existing PHP and Symfony applications without a risky full rewrite. I help reduce technical debt, improve architecture and testability, update outdated components, and make systems easier to maintain and extend.
05
Performance & Reliability Engineering
Investigation and improvement of slow, unstable, or difficult-to-operate backend systems, including database bottlenecks, caching, asynchronous processing, resource limits, production failures, and scalability issues.
06
Security-Focused Backend Engineering
Designing and improving backend systems with security built into application and architecture decisions, including authentication, authorization, tenant isolation, secure APIs, sensitive-data handling, background-job security, and safer operational workflows.
07
CI/CD, Docker & Production Delivery
Improving how backend applications are built, tested, deployed, and operated, including Docker environments, CI/CD pipelines, deployment strategies, worker processes, configuration, observability, and production readiness.
08
Technical Audit & Architecture Review
Independent review of existing backend systems covering architecture, maintainability, performance, security, testing, deployment, and operational risks, with practical recommendations prioritized by impact.
09
Symfony Maintenance & Technical Support
Ongoing support for PHP and Symfony applications, including maintenance, upgrades, production issues, code reviews, technical guidance, and incremental improvements. Suitable for teams that need experienced backend support without adding a permanent senior engineer.