Publication
Linux Best Practices and Tips by Toptal Developers
https://www.toptal.com/developers/linux/tips-and-practices
Rogelio is available for hire
Hire RogelioRogelio Nicolas Mengual
Verified Expert in Engineering
PHP Developer
Jujuy, Argentina
Toptal member since May 6, 2013
Bio
Rogelio is a versatile, positive, and self-motivated full-stack engineer with over 18 years of experience in various programming languages, frameworks, and platforms. He enjoys taking on new challenges and constantly strives to learn new skills.
Portfolio
SmartCron AI
LAMP, LEMP, Typesense, OpenAI, Claude, Claude API, Claude Code
Willow Greenhouse
Python, Claude API, Vapi, Laravel, FastAPI, ChromaDB
Constance Kelley
Python, Machine Language, OpenAI, n8n, API Integration...
Experience
- Linux System Administration - 15 years
- Full-stack - 13 years
- PHP - 12 years
- MySQL - 11 years
- JavaScript - 10 years
- Laravel - 6 years
- Python - 5 years
- Software Architecture - 5 years
Preferred Environment
Git, Linux, PHP, Laravel, MySQL, Python
The most amazing...
...thing I've done is build the entire infrastructure and develop all the systems that are part of one of the leading real estate platforms in America.
Work Experience
Software Development Manager
2025 - PRESENT
SmartCron AI
- Developed an agent that works with GitLab and has extended context about the business, the tech stack, and the code. It is basically a 24/7 software developer for the agency.
- Built a tool that automates inbound and outbound marketing communications; it integrates with AI via Claude AI and Instagram.
- Created a mobile application for the restaurant business.
- Developed many different custom-tailored CRMs and mobile applications for Android and iOS.
- Built an AI agent that takes incoming calls for a company called Willow Greenhouse and sells plants to customers. The agent is connected to Clover. The Client has a dashboard that displays all call information.
Technologies: LAMP, LEMP, Typesense, OpenAI, Claude, Claude API, Claude Code
Full-stack AI Developer
2026 - 2026
Willow Greenhouse
- Developed an automated AI Agent that integrates with the Clover API, which can take orders and generate invoices from customers.
- Created a dashboard to see the store's incoming call activity.
- Designed the architecture for the agent to scale in AWS.
Technologies: Python, Claude API, Vapi, Laravel, FastAPI, ChromaDB
Full-stack Developer - PHP/Laravel & Python
2025 - 2025
Constance Kelley
- Created automation for the client's workflow to enhance productivity.
- Built a dashboard for the client to have full visibility of the stages of every sales point.
- Used different LLMs to help leverage automation via different communication channels (text and voice).
Technologies: Python, Machine Language, OpenAI, n8n, API Integration, Workflow Automation & System Integration, Automation, Lead Generation, Sales Funnel, Laravel, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Model Context Protocol (MCP), Open-source LLMs, Grok API, Hugging Face, Agentic AI, AI Agents, Hugging Face Transformers
PHP/MySQL Developer
2023 - 2025
Insurance XDate
- Developed a custom e-signing functionality for legal documents.
- Created a 2FA mechanism to improve the security of the app.
- Created a PDF document generator in several stages of the workflow and interacted with Google Email and MS Email services.
Technologies: PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Linux System Administration
PHP Developer
2022 - 2023
Aqui LLC
- Created the relational database structure to support the business logic.
- Developed the application using Laravel 9, Alpine.js, and Tailwind for styling.
- Set up the server's infrastructure to support the expected demand.
Technologies: PHP, MySQL, Laravel, Alpine.js, Canvas, JavaScript, Linux System Administration
Senior Full-stack Engineer
2021 - 2022
Toptal, LLC
- Developed an application that takes in data from credit scoring sub-systems and makes decisions based on that input.
- Created infrastructure in the cloud and built up the architecture to a solution that can be scaled.
- Created tests for all scenarios to automate deployment.
Technologies: Laravel, PHP, Credit Scores, Credit Ratings, MySQL, NGINX, Software Design, Integration, Google Geocoding API, Payment APIs, Online Payments, Symfony, Docker, RabbitMQ, JavaScript, Linux System Administration
Full-stack Developer | Security Auditor
2020 - 2021
UNRIVAL
- Performed a security audit, finding and correcting security issues in the server infrastructure and the application layer.
- Developed new functionality in the web application and worked in PHP and Vue.
- Created a new way of deploying environments in AWS.
- Added a load balancer for the web application and configured the servers to work under a new architecture.
Technologies: PHP, Vue, HTML, CSS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Burp Suite, Penetration Testing, Server Security, Web App Security, Linux Administration, Linux, MySQL, Apache2, LAMP, Git, Full-stack, Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC), Relational Databases, Web Development, Application Security, Apache HTTP Server, VirtualBox, Vagrant, Software Architecture, Cybersecurity, NGINX, Architecture, Virtualization, Linux Server Administration, Security, Amazon EC2, REST, Software Design, Legacy Software, Legacy Code, Integration, API Integration, APIs, JavaScript
Senior Full-stack Web Developer | System Administrator
2019 - 2021
Percipient
- Created a new application that interacted with Salesforce.
- Developed a new Laravel application that exported MS Word documents based on a set of dynamic questions.
- Performed troubleshooting and enhancements of existing applications using different versions of Laravel.
- Created different development and testing environments and managed the security policies in AWS.
Technologies: Laravel, Linux, Amazon Web Services (AWS), MySQL, Apache2, NGINX, Vue, HTML, CSS, Salesforce, Salesforce API, System Administration, PHP, LAMP, Git, Full-stack, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, VirtualBox, Vagrant, Architecture, Linux Administration, Virtualization, Linux Server Administration, Amazon EC2, DocuSign, REST, Software Design, Integration, API Integration, APIs, Payment APIs, JavaScript, OpenAI GPT-4 API, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Linux System Administration
Back-end Developer
2017 - 2018
Giving Assistant
- Developed algorithms for better sorting of suggestions offered to potential clients.
- Created the API to connect with a strategic partner that offers peer-to-peer money raising.
- Improved existing back-end functionality, extending its capabilities and doing more reusable modules.
- Participated in architectural decisions for high-demand services.
Technologies: Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Algolia, MySQL, Linux, Yii 2, PHP, Apache2, LAMP, Git, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, VirtualBox, REST, Integration, API Integration, APIs, Payment APIs, Linux System Administration
Back-end Developer
2017 - 2018
Adverator (via Toptal)
- Created back-end admin panels for different types of media ads and managed printed media specs and images.
- Troubleshot and modified an uploading mechanism to interact with S3 buckets.
- Improved existing back-end modules to make the code more reusable.
Technologies: Vagrant, Linux, Apache, JavaScript, CodeIgniter, PHP, MySQL, Apache2, LAMP, Git, Full-stack, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), REST
Web Developer
2017 - 2017
Hiring Output (via Toptal)
- Added features to a local labor platform using PHP on the back end and JavaScript on the front end.
- Fixed bugs in JavaScript code that were not working as expected.
- Improved performance of the application by removing idle processes and functions.
- Created data importing processes from different sources.
Technologies: Heroku, MySQL, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery, CodeIgniter, PHP, Apache2, LAMP, Git, Full-stack, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, APIs, JavaScript
Director of Engineering
2015 - 2016
Toptal
- Helped the team improve the internal process to funnel the right talents to the clients.
- Created specifications for new features on the working platform.
- Interviewed clients, analyzed specs, and made decisions about prospect projects.
- Supervised the working relationship among developers and clients.
- Solved issues from billing to technical to ensure the quality of the provided service.
Technologies: Software Architecture
Technical Screening Team Leader
2014 - 2016
Toptal
- Helped improve the internal process for talent testing and selection.
- Trained new team members that wanted to start screening Toptal prospects.
- Led meetings and managed a team of experienced developers.
- Created new tests for the different technical roles.
- Coordinated with different teams to tackle different kinds of issues derived from screening.
Technologies: Algorithms
Technology Leader and Full-stack Developer
2013 - 2015
ProHatch (via Toptal)
- Rebuilt the payment process flow for a better user experience.
- Created a blog module for the administrator accounts.
- Implemented news publishing capabilities for administrators.
- Built all the front-end landing pages and templates.
- Fixed several broken modules and classes within the legacy code.
- Developed a cron job to monitor projects' phase status.
- Implemented an admin panel that allows admin users to control the platform processes.
- Created a chart generator for decision-making staff.
- Built the back-end and front-end for the new real estate business of the company.
- Performed SysAdmin tasks on the server (migrations, SSL installations, upgrades, backups, cron jobs to trigger and control processes, and other configurations).
Technologies: Linux Server Administration, Bash, Google API, Facebook API, Bootstrap, jQuery, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, CodeIgniter, PHP, System Administration, Linux, MySQL, Apache2, LAMP, Git, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, Redis Cache, Software Architecture, WePay, NGINX, Architecture, Linux Administration, Virtualization, Security, REST, Legacy Software, Legacy Code, Integration, API Integration, APIs
Freelance LAMP Developer and Support
2012 - 2014
InitSoft
- Customized a Drupal login and registration module to include an SMS authentication system that uses the Twilio API.
- Created bash seed scripts to automate installations of CMS apps into the virtual hosts (CMS: Drupal, WordPress, Joomla!, EzPublish, and many more).
- Modified a Perl script that handles records on DNS configuration files.
- Provided solutions to clients' broken CMS applications (Drupal, Joomla!, WordPress, OpenMicroBlog, EzPublish and many more).
- Fixed the DBMGR daemon start script for a customized Vagrant box that was used as a model to build a web server box model.
- Created online documentation for clients to reduce support time.
Technologies: Shell Scripting, Twilio API, Git, Perl, WordPress, Drupal, MySQL, PHP, Linux, Apache2, LAMP, Full-stack, Relational Databases, Bash, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, Linux Administration, Linux Server Administration, Integration
PHP/Joomla Developer
2013 - 2013
LDS Trucking (via Toptal)
- Fixed broken Joomla modules.
- Fixed the Joomla layout.
- Updated the site content.
- Installed new modules.
- Customized new modules installed to fit the layout design.
- Fixed a front page slideshow and added jQuery effects.
Technologies: jQuery, Joomla, PHP, MySQL, Apache2, LAMP, Git, Full-stack, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server
Senior Web Developer
2013 - 2013
JCCRANE (via Toptal)
- Created Twitter integration for the BuzzFactory website.
- Fixed a broken Scrollable.js script.
- Fixed broken Joomla modules.
- Updated broken CSS styles.
- Updated PHP code for broken Joomla modules.
Technologies: Joomla, CSS, jQuery, PHP, JavaScript, MySQL, Apache2, Git, Full-stack, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server
System Admin/Drupal Engineer
2013 - 2013
Patients Pending, Ltd. (via Toptal)
- Migrated a Drupal 7 web application from source to destination server.
- Recreated cron jobs that ran on the source server.
- Created a full backup of the source server.
- Customized the permissions rules editing sudoers file.
- Created and configured chroot SFTP access accounts.
Technologies: Linux, Drupal 7, PHP, System Administration, MySQL, Apache2, LAMP, Git, Full-stack, Relational Databases, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server
AIX Developer
2010 - 2013
IBM
- Created a ksh shell script to add steps of a batch process that involved communication between AIX and mainframe servers.
- Modified a Java program that generated serial number records to include a new numeration structure.
- Modified a Java GUI application that interacts with the mainframe. Added new validations and created new input fields.
- Created a PL1 job that interacted with the DB2 existent database and created some tables after some processing.
- Modified a Perl web application (located in an AIX server) that was not working since many changes done in the mainframe servers.
- Created a ksh shell script that performed some processing and took and sent data from/to the mainframe servers, keeping a record of the process on DB2 tables to resume steps in case of failure.
- Modified the ksh shell script to include new record structure types.
- Modified the D-mate script (IBM's Perl based custom framework language), to add new logic for parts processing.
- Modified some PHP script that interacted with D-frame to change serial code calculations.
- Created a ksh shell script to separate Lenovo serials from IBM serials, write it to DB2, and send data to the mainframe for further processing.
- Provided on-call support, taking care of batch failures on the mainframe and AIX servers. This on-call was required one entire week per month.
Technologies: IBM Db2, PHP, Perl, Java, Shell Scripting, Linux, Git, Relational Databases, Bash, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, Bash Script, Sed
Security Server Administration
2009 - 2010
Hewlett Packard
- Created a Unix shell script (ksh/bash/tcsh) that took care of massive creation of user accounts based on a user model.
- Created a Unix shell script (ksh/bash/tcsh) that took care of modifying user's permissions based on a model user.
- Created a Unix shell script (ksh/bash/tcsh) that resets passwords, disable, or deletes users listed on a file.
- Modified sudoer's file of many Unix-based servers. This was done depending on the client's security policy.
- Supported a PHP-based application for user ID control.
- Provided system administration and security support for more than 2000 Unix servers (AIX, Solaris, AS400, HP-UX, Red Hat) and 500 Windows servers.
- Collaborated with the disaster recovery on-call team, providing the SA and security support required for such events.
Technologies: PHP, KSH, Bash, Linux, Git, Web Development, Apache HTTP Server, Shell Scripting, Bash Script, Sed
IREG Technician
2006 - 2007
Claro
- Performed IR21 tests to ensure signaling between carriers.
- Performed AA14 tests to guarantee correct communication between the different operators worldwide.
- Monitored and troubleshot SS7 signaling between carriers, acting on the results to guarantee the correct communication.
- Performed roaming tests based on the GSM Association reference documents IR24, IR35 and IR32 (gsm, gprs and CAMEL service).
- Checked TADIG department charges against networking records and correct deviations to ensure correct billing.
Technologies: Bash
MCI-Verizon Nationwide Representative
2005 - 2006
Apex America
- Provided support for billing issues, ensuring client satisfaction.
- Supported technical issues doing a follow-up with the client until correct resolution.
- Changed existing plans and tested correct billing upon change completion.
- Created new client accounts.
- Managed and troubleshot Citrix environments.
Technologies: Citrix
Experience
Full-stack LAMP Developer Work | Insurance Data Provider Application
https://www.insurancexdate.com/The project is an insurance data provider application. I was working mainly as a solo developer, in charge of fixing issues and creating new features. The application was data-intensive, and the volume of service was very high, making it challenging at times.
Options Calculator
https://www.bigpicturetrading.com/I created a Calculator for different options trading strategies for big picture trading from the great Patrick Ceresna. The calculator was part of a tool offered in one of their pro options trader seminars. It was built in Alpine.js with different libraries.
Full-stack Developer Work | Legal Software Application
http://percipient.coI developed many new features and fixed some issues for an existing legal software application. I built sub-systems from scratch that include a legal document analyzer that uses an AI model to infer about legal documentation, documentation signatures, legal workflows, and many other features.
Starin
http://starin.bizFull-stack development in PHP and JS for a wide variety of projects. I led tasks such as integrating APIs, writing custom modules, troubleshooting and solving issues, designing new DB structures, applying new design implementations, and more.
Server Security Audit
https://unrival.netI was hired to perform a full audit on the servers and the application layer. I performed an audit and patched several attack vectors on the application layer. I also improved the servers' security by tightening the security network layer.
Leading Real Estate Platform
Full-stack development for a leading real estate platform. I handled coding for front- and back-end solutions, creating system designs (BD structures, networking, caching, etc), and managing infrastructure.
Addy (formerly Adverator)
https://www.addy.co/I was in charge of the full-stack development for this advertisement company, which makes local ads easy and accessible. I worked on the implementation of new functionalities and improved the existing ones.
Frequenter
I was primarily in charge of migrating a mobile back-end system to a new server. I also oversaw counter-hacking measures to regain control from a ransomware that had infected the stack, as well as hardening the system to prevent future security breaches.
Giving Assistant
https://givingassistant.orgI worked primarily as a PHP back-end developer, in charge of integrating APIs, improvements, and new implementations for the company. Its primary business is allowing retail consumers to give to charity while they spend money online.
Business Trading Platform
I contributed as a full-stack developer for a company creating an MVP that connects the necessities of the average household and service providers like electricians, plumbing services, and other maintenance work.
Tech Books for Kids
Tech Books for Kids is a personal project that aims to introduce children and young teens to the rational world of logic, computer science, programming, and math. I was in charge of the ideas, drawings, and coloring.
ProHatch
I worked as the technology lead and full-stack developer on a crowd-funding platform now in business with real estate deals. I handled the architecture, infrastructure, and full-stack implementation of the platform. It used WePay to process payments, and the framework used was CodeIgniter.
OGMobi
I developed an intelligent polling system from scratch, which collected data from potential customers and presented charts and information useful to the marketing department and the decision makers of the organization.
WebEnabled
I developed and customized functionality for the main site, developing seed scripts to install different (most) CMS and CRMs in web applications on virtual servers. I also performed support for developers using the platform.
LDS Trucking
I was in charge of restoring the site's functionality and fixing the layout of the front- and back-end modules that were broken after a Joomla! update. I also fixed some bugs and added small features related to user experience.
Buzz Factory
http://buzzfactory.bizI was in charge of fixing a broken Joomla! site after a migration and upgrade of their servers and framework. I fixed several front-end and back-end modules, and also added a Twitter module and scrollable.js on the main site.
Timesulin
I performed several DevOps tasks required for the migration and configuration of the online platform using a well-known CRM. I also performed a security audit on their servers and cleared malware on a Linux server.
Illustration
I enjoy creating illustrations on my free time (which is not much). Here's a doodle made in 40 minutes.
Personal Page
My personal page. It's a simple point of contact and web presence.
Education
2007 - 2011
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
National Technological University - Cordoba, Argentina
Skills
Libraries/APIs
jQuery, Stripe, Google Maps, Twilio API, Google API, Salesforce API, Google Geocoding API, Facebook API, Vue, OpenAI API, Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, Hugging Face Transformers, Claude API
Tools
Apache HTTP Server, NGINX, Vim Text Editor, Apache, Git, Vagrant, VirtualBox, MATLAB, Perfex CRM, RabbitMQ, Canvas, n8n, Claude, Claude Code
Languages
Bash, PHP, SQL, CSS, HTML, Python, JavaScript, Sed, Bash Script, KSH, Java, HTML5, CSS3, Perl, Octave
Frameworks
Bootstrap, CodeIgniter, Laravel, Alpine.js, Yii 2, Symfony
Paradigms
Model View Controller (MVC), Functional Programming, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), REST, Penetration Testing, DevOps, Database Design, Model Context Protocol (MCP), Automation
Platforms
Apache2, LAMP, Linux, Twilio, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon EC2, Heroku, Drupal, WordPress, Drupal 7, Joomla, Burp Suite, Salesforce, Algolia, Docker, Ollama, LEMP
Storage
MariaDB, Relational Databases, MySQL, Memcached, Elasticsearch, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Redis, Redis Cache, PostgreSQL, IBM Db2
Industry Expertise
Cybersecurity, High-frequency Trading (HFT)
Other
System Administration, Ajax, Full-stack, Algorithms, Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC), Web Development, Software Design, Legacy Software, Legacy Code, API Integration, APIs, Linux System Administration, System Architecture, System Architecture Design, RETS, Web Scraping, WePay, Security, Server Security, Software Architecture, DocuSign, Architecture, Application Security, Integration, Payment APIs, Online Payments, OpenAI GPT-4 API, OpenAI, Trading Bots, Stock Trading, Forex Trading, Algorithmic Trading, Equity Trading, Options Trading, Anthropic, Cursor AI, Engineering Management, Shell Scripting, Linux Server Administration, Front-end, Back-end, Web App Security, Linux Administration, Data Science, Virtualization, Machine Learning, Credit Scores, Credit Ratings, Technical Leadership, Simulations, Data, IT Systems Architecture, Computer Science, Statistics, Matrix Algebra, Operating Systems, Relational Database Design, Networking, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), ChromaDB, Microsoft Graph API, Forms, OpenAI SDK, Milvus, Web Security, Okta, Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Agents, Agentic AI, Hugging Face, Grok API, Open-source LLMs, Machine Language, Workflow Automation & System Integration, Lead Generation, Sales Funnel, Vapi, FastAPI, Typesense
Collaboration That Works
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
1
Share your needs
Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2
Choose your talent
Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3
Start your risk-free talent trial
Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring