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Lucian Văcăroiu
Verified Expert in Engineering
JavaScript Developer
Bucharest, Romania
Toptal member since June 19, 2017
Bio
Lucian is a full-stack architect who transforms complex requirements into scalable, cost-efficient systems. With 22 years of experience across Laravel, Node.js, React, Vue, and AWS, he has led teams of 20+, delivered for enterprise clients (St. Jude, Alteryx), and built data visualization platforms for cancer research.
Portfolio
Pixelrein GmbH & Co. KG
Architecture, Laravel, PHP, Full-stack, Technical Documentation...
VeriFast
PHP, Laravel, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Heroku, MySQL, JSON, Full-stack...
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Laravel, PHP, Vue, D3.js, OAuth 2, REST APIs, Docker, Kubernetes, IT Security
Experience
- PHP - 20 years
- JavaScript - 20 years
- Laravel - 11 years
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) - 11 years
- Node.js - 11 years
- Vue - 7 years
- React - 7 years
- Serverless - 5 years
Preferred Environment
Tmux, NeoVim Text Editor
The most amazing...
...thing I've built is a data visualization platform using Laravel, Vue, and D3 for pediatric cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Work Experience
Senior Engineer and Software Architect
2025 - 2025
Pixelrein GmbH & Co. KG
- Led a comprehensive rearchitecture of the company's Laravel-based services marketplace, redesigning the underlying software architecture to improve scalability, maintainability, and performance.
- Designed and implemented a tiered discount system that enabled flexible pricing strategies based on customer segments, order volume, and promotional campaigns.
- Built a deep-SEO analysis tool that integrates multiple third-party vendor APIs to provide comprehensive insights into site performance, keyword rankings, and optimization opportunities.
Technologies: Architecture, Laravel, PHP, Full-stack, Technical Documentation, System Architecture, Vue, MySQL, Database Design, Tailwind UI, Tailwind CSS, IT Security
Full-stack Laravel and AWS Engineer
2024 - 2025
VeriFast
- Saved the company six figures per year in hosting fees by migrating all their services and applications from Heroku to AWS.
- Helped developer teams migrate their applications from "serverless" database and queue-management systems they were using to self-hosted solutions, improving performance considerably while lowering cost.
- Built an automated infrastructure deployment system and CI/CD pipeline with IaC using Ansible and Terraform, enabling the individual developer teams to spin up infra and deploy apps from a single YAML config file.
Technologies: PHP, Laravel, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Heroku, MySQL, JSON, Full-stack, JavaScript, DevOps, IT Security
Lead Developer
2020 - 2023
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Recognized at the American Association for Cancer Research (Abstract 1901 in April 2022 and Abstract 3163 in 2023) for developing VisComm and PeCan, innovative cloud-based platforms enhancing pediatric cancer research and data navigation.
- Engineered a robust web development foundation using Laravel, Livewire, and Docker with Lando, focusing on cross-team collaboration, enhanced productivity, and rapid onboarding processes.
- Implemented a versatile multi-tenant authentication system using Auth0, integrating St. Jude SSO for seamless access across all Bioinformatics Department platforms, enhancing user experience and security.
- Designed and developed a secure, scalable JWT and OAuth API for seamless data integration between legacy systems and new applications, facilitating efficient collaboration across all St. Jude Bioinformatics Department platforms.
Technologies: Laravel, PHP, Vue, D3.js, OAuth 2, REST APIs, Docker, Kubernetes, IT Security
Engineering Manager | Software Architect Product | Manager
2019 - 2023
Motoreco Parts Srl
- Led a product team of two full-stack developers and a UI/UX designer, effectively aligning stakeholder objectives with team capabilities to develop products meeting company needs.
- Designed and led a scalable, serverless PHP and AWS solution for a large auto parts retailer. Automated all operations, including autoscaling for online traffic, warehousing, supplier processing, and a GraphQL API back end.
- Crafted a comprehensive CI/CD pipeline integrating AWS services such as Lambda, API Gateway, Aurora, S3, ElastiCache, and Elasticsearch, along with GitLab and Cypress for seamless automated testing.
Technologies: Serverless, Vue, Laravel, PHP, MySQL, Agile Project Management, Product Leadership, IT Security
Software Architect
2019 - 2019
Toptal Client
- Designed the complete system architecture for a large-scale CMS, focusing on high availability and continuous integration/delivery.
- Designed AWS technology orchestration using AWS Lambda and AWS DynamoDB for robust and scalable performance.
- Researched dependencies and available open-source software packages in the React/Node.js ecosystem that could facilitate quicker delivery while meeting all the client requirements.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS CodePipeline, Amazon DynamoDB, AWS Lambda, React, Node.js, IT Security
Senior Node.js Developer
2019 - 2019
Alteryx
- Worked on a product that is under very strict NDA and is being actively used for data science and analytics by publicly traded Fortune 500 companies.
- Successfully identified and improved the architecture and performance pain points across the front end in one of the client's flagship products.
- Navigated and adapted to a very high-security development workflow.
Technologies: React, Node.js, IT Security
Lead Node.js/React Developer
2018 - 2019
Brightsave
- Architected a complete end-to-end microservice-based scalable and high-availability front-end and back-end solution based on AWS services and leveraging open-source technologies like React and Node.js.
- Developed an entire CI/CD pipeline consisting of a complex orchestration of multiple AWS services, including Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, and Aurora, to build, test, and deploy several serverless APIs and client apps.
- Designed and developed several serverless GraphQL APIs with Node.js, leveraging multiple AWS services, including Cognito, Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, and Aurora to serve as a back end for multiple client apps.
- Designed and developed several responsive PWA client apps using a React/Redux/Sagas stack, leveraging AWS Cognito for user authentication and authorization, including authorization and access to the aforementioned GraphQL APIs.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), DevOps, GraphQL, AWS CodePipeline, Amazon Aurora, Amazon DynamoDB, AWS Lambda, Serverless, React, Node.js, IT Security
Lead React Developer
2017 - 2017
ARTA Shipping
- Developed a React/Redux/Sagas progressive web app (PWA) solution to support the client's fine-art shipping management business.
- Refactored and adapted legacy UI to the modern responsive and async requirements of a PWA.
- Reversed-engineered legacy Python code to figure out endpoint architecture and interfaces for a legacy API with loosely maintained documentation.
Technologies: Python, Redux, React, IT Security
Lead React Developer
2017 - 2017
Moment Studios
- Developed a React/Redux/Sagas PWA solution to support the client's mobile app with Instagram-like functionality. Requirements included consuming a pre-existing JWT-authentication-based REST API.
- Built an independent PWA solution to act as a back-office/administration interface that the client's employees would use to moderate user content.
- Got up to speed quickly, self-managed and kept the project on track with minimal project specifications.
Technologies: Firebase, Redux, React, IT Security
Freelance Consultant
2011 - 2017
Self-employed
- Refined back-end code for Green Horse Games` MVP, a browser-based racing game, on the heels of their round A.
- Implemented 2Parale Affiliate Network's long-term DevOps and SysOps strategies, as well as consulted on expanding their tech team and development efforts.
- Architected and developed the first local/regional cashback platform.
- Developed a PWA for analyzing the European used car market, using a mathematical model to estimate fair prices and maintenance costs for various vehicles.
- Architected and developed a multi-campaign tracking system for mobile-app user acquisition with Facebook ads and the Facebook Ads API for Mavenhut.com.
- Created and developed a web-based A/B testing solution for PPC and PPV ad campaigns for Affiliate Window Ltd based on a mathematical model for statistical significance.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), PowerMTA, MySQL, PHP, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, DevOps, AWS CodePipeline, Amazon Aurora, Amazon DynamoDB, AWS Lambda, Serverless, React, Node.js, Consulting, Leadership, Architecture, IT Security
Director of Engineering
2009 - 2011
eRepublik Labs
- Oversaw the overall staffing strategy and day-to-day technical operations, including managing the supporting technical and financial infrastructure necessary for a team of roughly 30 people.
- Initiated and led the effort to architect and implement what were, at the time, bleeding-edge DevOps strategies when the term DevOps was relatively unknown.
- Helped the company transition its flagship product, a browser-based MMO, into the modern age and support a fast-expanding user base on the heels of their Series A funding.
Technologies: IBM WebSphere, MySQL Clustering, DevOps, LAMP, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, CTO, Leadership, IT Security
Experience
Client Testimonial (via Toptal)
TESTIMONIAL
"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Lucian since February 2020. He is an excellent team member, software engineer, and collaborator. Lucian is one of the most well-rounded, talented software engineers I have worked with, and he effortlessly understands the full concept of any project he is on. He is confident in his decisions and communicates his solutions well[,] but is also open to alternative solutions to accommodate the company and team. While on our team, he has been the sole developer on several crucial projects and always produces top-notch products. Lucian is not only an excellent developer but a welcoming, hilarious, and easy-going coworker. I would jump at the opportunity to work on a team with Lucian anytime." – Kirby Birch, Product Manager, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Lucian since February 2020. He is an excellent team member, software engineer, and collaborator. Lucian is one of the most well-rounded, talented software engineers I have worked with, and he effortlessly understands the full concept of any project he is on. He is confident in his decisions and communicates his solutions well[,] but is also open to alternative solutions to accommodate the company and team. While on our team, he has been the sole developer on several crucial projects and always produces top-notch products. Lucian is not only an excellent developer but a welcoming, hilarious, and easy-going coworker. I would jump at the opportunity to work on a team with Lucian anytime." – Kirby Birch, Product Manager, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Client Testimonial
TESTIMONIAL
"Lucian worked diligently under a tight deadline to produce a detailed and solid proposed technical approach for a large-scale software project. He is someone that I will certainly want to work with again in the future." – Toptal Delivery Manager
"Lucian worked diligently under a tight deadline to produce a detailed and solid proposed technical approach for a large-scale software project. He is someone that I will certainly want to work with again in the future." – Toptal Delivery Manager
Client Testimonial (via Toptal)
TESTIMONIAL
"We can without a doubt say that with Lucian's know-how and deep understanding of front- and back-end development, we could safely concentrate on the business end and trust that he managed the architecture and development. Never was there a time we felt that we had to double-check, and he would always be proactive in coming back with suggestions on how to solve a particular issue. We always considered him a full trusted member of our team. Another testament to his expertise was applying his experience to something that was new for both parties, developing serverless on AWS with all the moving parts that entails." – Niklas Nåsén, Brightsave.se, co-founder
"We can without a doubt say that with Lucian's know-how and deep understanding of front- and back-end development, we could safely concentrate on the business end and trust that he managed the architecture and development. Never was there a time we felt that we had to double-check, and he would always be proactive in coming back with suggestions on how to solve a particular issue. We always considered him a full trusted member of our team. Another testament to his expertise was applying his experience to something that was new for both parties, developing serverless on AWS with all the moving parts that entails." – Niklas Nåsén, Brightsave.se, co-founder
Client Testimonial
TESTIMONIAL
"Lucian is a great engineering director with a strong entrepreneurial streak. He is a straight talker who will tell you how things are and is not afraid of taking risks where needed. A great person to have on any team, and it was a privilege to work with him." – Alexis Bonte, CEO at eRepublik Labs Limited
"Lucian is a great engineering director with a strong entrepreneurial streak. He is a straight talker who will tell you how things are and is not afraid of taking risks where needed. A great person to have on any team, and it was a privilege to work with him." – Alexis Bonte, CEO at eRepublik Labs Limited
Client Testimonial
TESTIMONIAL
"If your internet company is in trouble or you want to take it to the next level, you need a Lucian. His results-oriented mindset is completed by great tech skills and online sales experience. He is the type of person that can solve the biggest problems that your company has. And you will realize this after the first conversation with him." – George Lemnaru, CEO of Green Horse Games
"If your internet company is in trouble or you want to take it to the next level, you need a Lucian. His results-oriented mindset is completed by great tech skills and online sales experience. He is the type of person that can solve the biggest problems that your company has. And you will realize this after the first conversation with him." – George Lemnaru, CEO of Green Horse Games
DeployerPHP
https://github.com/loadinglucian/deployer-phpDeployerPHP is an open-source server and site deployment tool I developed for the PHP ecosystem. As the sole creator and maintainer, I designed and built a comprehensive solution that enables developers to manage, provision, and deploy servers and sites using repository-driven configurations. The tool features composable commands for building automation pipelines, end-to-end server management, including cloud instance provisioning and service installation, and seamless Composer integration for easy adoption. I implemented support for popular services, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Nginx, and PHP-FPM, along with pro features for AWS EC2 and DigitalOcean integration. The project is distributed under the MIT License and continues to grow with community contributions.
Education
2008 - 2012
Undergraduate in Computer Science
University of Bucharest - Bucharest, Romania
2004 - 2008
Undergraduate in Management
Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania
Skills
Libraries/APIs
React, Node.js, jQuery, REST APIs, Vue, Flexbox, D3.js, DigitalOcean API
Tools
Git, Terraform, Lando, PhpStorm, PowerMTA, Neoim Text Editor, Tmux
Languages
SQL, GraphQL, HTML, CSS, ECMAScript (ES6), ES7, SCSS, JavaScript, PHP, HTML5, CSS3, Ruby, Python
Frameworks
Redux, Express.js, Laravel, Sails.js, Bootstrap, React Native, Ruby on Rails (RoR), OAuth 2, Tailwind CSS
Paradigms
REST, Continuous Integration (CI), DevOps, Management, Agile Project Management, Database Design
Platforms
LAMP, Docker, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon EC2, AWS Lambda, MacOS, IBM WebSphere, Firebase, Kubernetes, Heroku
Storage
MongoDB, MySQL, Amazon DynamoDB, NoSQL, Amazon Aurora, MySQL Clustering, JSON
Other
Serverless, Data Architecture, Software Architecture, Freelancing, Architecture, Software Design, Full-stack, System Architecture, Cloud Architecture, IT Security, Leadership, AWS CodePipeline, Software, CTO, Product Leadership, Consulting, NeoVim Text Editor, Computer Science, Technical Documentation, Tailwind UI
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