Senior Web Systems Engineer
Platforms | CMS | Automation | High-Traffic Infrastructure
Senior Web Systems Engineer with 20+ years of experience in PHP development, CMS platforms, API integrations, and high-traffic web infrastructure. Proven ability to design scalable systems, optimize performance, and build automation workflows across marketing, publishing, and membership platforms.
Core Skills
- PHP (5, 7, 8), MVC Architecture
- REST API Development & API Integrations
- Webhooks, System Integration, Automation
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- MySQL, PostgreSQL, FileMaker Pro
- Redis, Memcache, ElasticSearch
- Linux, Apache, Nginx
- Git, GitHub, SVN
- Performance Optimization & Caching
- Data Systems & Reporting
Technical Environment
Languages & Backend
Frameworks & CMS
- Joomla, CakePHP, Concrete5
- Vignette, Interwoven, Custom CMS Platforms
APIs & Automation
- REST APIs, Webhooks, Zapier
- Mailchimp, Jotform
Databases
- MySQL, PostgreSQL, FileMaker Pro
Infrastructure & Tools
- Linux, Apache, Nginx
- Git, GitHub, Heroku
Search & Performance
- Redis, Memcache, ElasticSearch
Professional Experience
Freelance
Senior Web Developer / IT Consultant | 03/2024 - Present
- Lead PHP developer for Joomla-based CMS platform (PanagiaSoumela.org)
- Designed and implemented REST API integrations and webhook-based workflows
- Built automation systems connecting CMS, Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, Zapier, Jotform, and internal databases
- Developed membership and donation systems with full data integration and reporting
VS Tech, CA
Senior PHP Developer | 03/2022 - 11/2023
- Developed and optimized backend systems for a high-traffic platform serving 200M+ monthly users
- Improved performance through SQL optimization, caching (Redis, Memcache), and API efficiency
- Built internal automation tools and reporting systems using PHP and MySQL
- Worked with REST APIs, cron jobs, and scalable backend services
- Maintained codebases in PHP 7/8 and legacy PHP 5 environments using Git and SVN
- Collaborated with frontend developers and marketing teams to implement analytics and tracking
Holy Institution Panagia Soumela, West Milford, NJ
IT Consultant | 2018 - 2021
- Developed and managed CMS-based website and digital systems
- Implemented email marketing automation using Mailchimp
- Built form workflows and integrations using Jotform and backend scripting
- Managed infrastructure, cron jobs, and data synchronization processes
Fullstack Academy, New York, NY
Web Development Bootcamp | 2019
Freelance
Web Developer / IT Consultant | 2018
- Developed applications using PHP, CakePHP, Vue, and React
Major NY Union, New York, NY
Software Developer | 2016 - 2017
- Developed internal accounting systems using custom development tools
Cambridge University Press, New York, NY
Senior Developer / Analyst | 2009 - 2015
- Developed full-stack web applications using PHP, JavaScript, and MySQL
- Automated workflows for editorial, marketing, and production teams
- Managed data migration from legacy systems (SAP, Documentum)
- Worked in Agile/Scrum environment using Jira
WholeHealthMD / IdeaSphere / Rebus, New York, NY
IT Director & Senior Developer | 1997 - 2007
- Led development of high-traffic publishing platforms using PHP
- Built CMS systems and e-commerce integrations
- Developed internal tools for editorial and production workflows
- Managed development team and coordinated web production processes
