Lead Backend Engineer | REST API Specialist

jonnykoulouris

I lead the development of a RESTful API platform, managing developers and delivering scalable backend systems used in production environments.

## about

I’m a backend-focused software engineer with over 6 years of experience building and maintaining production systems. Currently, I lead the development of a RESTful API platform, where I’m responsible for technical direction, delivery, and mentoring developers. My work focuses on designing scalable systems, improving reliability, and ensuring efficient integration between services. I’ve worked across backend, frontend, and mobile environments, giving me a strong understanding of how systems connect end-to-end.

## highlights

  • Led a staged Nuxt 2 → Nuxt 3 platform rebuild.
  • Built and scaled REST APIs with clear OpenAPI contracts.
  • Delivered PostgreSQL migration work with minimal downtime.

## experience

M
Monika UK & Europe
Software Developer · Aug 2025 – Present
  • Lead — API design & development
  • PostgreSQL database support
  • Legacy app rebuild & support
M
Manchester Metropolitan University
Software Developer · May 2023 – Aug 2025
  • Lead, platform rebuild · Nov 2024 – Aug 2025
E
Ebuyer
Developer · Nov 2021 – Apr 2023
T
TouchRight Software
Software Developer · Oct 2016 – Sep 2020
Junior Software Developer · Jun 2016 – Oct 2016
U
UCLan
Programmer · Jun 2015 – Oct 2015

## featured work

Featured

Led the architectural redesign and migration of a large-scale course pages platform from Nuxt 2 to Nuxt 3, evolving into a full rebuild for performance and long-term maintainability.

nuxt 3ssrvitecomposition apiarchitecture
Featured

Led delivery of a safety-critical feature across backend and mobile apps, including validation, rollout, and stakeholder alignment.

apismysqlphpmobiledelivery
Featured

Designed and delivered an integration using webhooks and APIs, handling real-world payload issues and operational reliability.

webhooksintegrationsapisphpreliability
Featured

Sole developer for 4 years across a full-stack web app, native iOS, and native Android app. Owned the complete technical lifecycle including AWS infrastructure, API integrations, and cross-platform feature delivery.

phplaravelswiftjavaawsmysql
all case studies

## stack

Languages
PHP
JavaScript
TypeScript
C++
Python
Frontend
React
Nuxt
Vue
CSS
Twig
Backend
Node.js
Symfony
Laravel
CodeIgniter
Laminas
APIs & Architecture
REST
Microservices
OpenAPI
Agile
Data
PostgreSQL
MySQL
Elasticsearch
Infra & Tooling
Azure
Docker
Linux
Git
IIS

## currently building

Currently focused on API platform work, scalable frontend delivery, and operational reliability.

## contact

Open to lead developer roles and strong engineering teams. Send a message and I’ll reply by email.