Aleksandar is available for hire
Hire AleksandarAleksandar Smiljanic
Verified Expert in Engineering
Solution Architect and Full-stack JavaScript Developer
Zagreb, Croatia
Toptal member since August 13, 2014
Bio
Aleksandar is a senior full-stack developer and solution architect with over 15 years of experience delivering high-performance web applications and enterprise solutions. He is an expert in JavaScript (React, Node.js) and cloud architecture (AWS), with proven leadership in building scalable systems and leading engineering teams in agile environments.
Portfolio
Built-ID (GiveMyView)
JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, Amazon Web Services (AWS), React...
Augmented Reality Startup
Process Analysis, Interviewing, Discovery, Software Engineering...
Built-ID (Built-ideas)
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Database Design, AngularJS, Node.js, Express.js...
Experience
- Full-stack - 20 years
- JavaScript - 20 years
- REST APIs - 10 years
- Node.js - 10 years
- MongoDB - 10 years
- React - 7 years
- TypeScript - 4 years
- AWS Certified Solution Architect - 3 years
Availability
Part-time
Preferred Environment
Git, Node.js, React, MongoDB, AWS IoT, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Postman, Cloud Infrastructure, JavaScript, TypeScript
The most amazing...
...experience I've had was leading startup engineering from the first line of code to the exit.
Work Experience
Lead Developer and System Architect
2018 - PRESENT
Built-ID (GiveMyView)
- Led the architecture, development, and successful delivery of a production-ready system comprising three React applications and corresponding REST APIs within six months.
- Oversaw day-to-day management of the engineering team, including recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new team members.
- Defined and established the project's system architecture, ensuring scalable and efficient development processes.
- Developed the REST APIs using Node.js and designed the database structure to support the system's requirements.
- Configured the production and development environments using Heroku, AWS, MongoDB (Atlas), and CircleCI to ensure seamless deployment and continuous integration.
- Implemented and managed supporting services such as Mandrill, Mailchimp, Papertrail, Google Analytics, and other necessary infrastructure tools.
- Led the company’s cybersecurity accreditation efforts, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Technologies: JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, Amazon Web Services (AWS), React, Cloud Infrastructure, AWS Certified Solution Architect, REST APIs, Database Design, Heroku, CI/CD Pipelines, TypeScript, Google Analytics, Mandrill API, AWS Lambda, Full-stack, Startups, Git, Remote Team Leadership
Restructuring Consultant for Development Process and System Architecture
2024 - 2024
Augmented Reality Startup
- Led workshops with key stakeholders to identify challenges and optimize the development process, system architecture, and infrastructure.
- Analyzed findings and documented comprehensive guidelines for improvements across all areas, ensuring alignment with business goals.
- Developed and implemented a blueprint for the new target architecture, establishing a clear path for scalable and efficient system development.
Technologies: Process Analysis, Interviewing, Discovery, Software Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, Startups
Lead Developer and System Architect
2014 - 2018
Built-ID (Built-ideas)
- Set up the architecture for the project and system development.
- Implemented three AngularJS applications: public site, profile administration, and system administration/monitoring.
- Implemented the REST API on Node.js and database design.
- Set up Heroku/AWS/CircleCI production and development environment.
- Set up supporting services/infrastructure: Mandrill, Mailchimp, Papertrail, SSL, Google Analytics, Mixpanel, and more.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Database Design, AngularJS, Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, JavaScript, Full-stack, Startups, Git, Remote Team Leadership
JavaScript Developer - Full-stack
2014 - 2014
EMnify GmbH
- Set up the architecture for EMnify administration application.
- Defined and tooled a RESTful API for documentation generation.
- Developed a seed front-end project based on AngularJS, REST Angular, Karma, and Protractor.
- Developed a seed mock/sandbox back-end based on Node.js/Express.
Technologies: AngularJS, Blueprint, Apiary API, Express.js, Node.js, JavaScript, Git
CEO
2011 - 2014
SmartRM
- Managed the company and product requirements.
- Defined the system architecture and APIs. Built Win and Mac clients from the same code base.
- Defined development, release, and deployment workflows and a continuous integration environment.
- Developed the product/company website.
- Developed several application components, both front-end and back-end.
- Assisted team members in troubleshooting.
Technologies: Mule ESB, Spring, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Qt, C++, Startups, Jira
Co-founder
1996 - 2011
Sinapsi
- Co-founded and managed the company and its Croatian branch.
- Handled client-facing tasks, from requirement gathering to delivery.
- Managed the team. Defined best practices and processes.
- Defined system architectures and performed software selection.
- Handled project management, planning, and issue tracking.
- Developed critical project components, mainly in Java.
- Designed databases for developed applications.
- Worked on various projects, mainly in banking, pharmaceutical industries, logistics, and eCommerce.
Technologies: Jenkins, Hibernate, Spring, Oracle, Jira
Developer, Team Lead
2007 - 2009
Novartis (via Sinapsi)
- Developed several intranet application for a pharmaceutical client.
- Developed an application for CRA (Clinical Research Assistant) monitoring.
- Developed an application for event/congress management. Implemented it as a cross-business unit application that formalized an otherwise unstructured process.
- Developed a BPM application for the approval process of promotional materials (e.g., brochures).
- Managed the team and client-facing tasks.
Technologies: Database Design, WebLogic, Confluence, jBPM, Hibernate, Jira, Oracle
Team Lead, Developer
2002 - 2005
Data Management (via Sinapsi)
- Ported three portfolio products for a software vendor specializing in HR solutions from C++/Visual Basic/Cobol to a web/Java platform.
- Developed and ported a traveling expense management application.
- Developed and ported a HR resource management application.
- Developed and ported an annual tax declaration application.
- Developed parsers and executors for custom queries and DSL languages.
- Managed team and client-facing tasks.
Technologies: Database Design, Hibernate, Jira, Oracle
Developer
1988 - 1996
Selected Previous Experience
- Developed a RAD framework and accounting application based on the framework for Emporion (1994-1996; C++, Win32).
- Developing an expert system for oil plant diagnostics and image and signal processing for Agip/ENI Expert Systems Lab (1992-1994; Lisp, Kee, G2, C).
- Worked in CEFRIEL's AI Lab on a research grant (1991-1992; Lisp, Kee).
- Developed and commissioned an automation system for R. Koncar, a steel rolling mill plant (1988-1990; ABB Process control systems).
Technologies: ABB, C, Lisp, Win32, C++
Experience
Built-ID
https://www.built-id.com/Real estate professionals continue to rely on word-of-mouth to amass insight on the experience and reputation of consultants. Built-ID is revolutionizing the means by which developers source new consultants by providing an international platform for this peer-to-peer connectivity; a Google for real estate.
The app is developed on full-stack JavaScript and deployed on Heroku.
The app is developed on full-stack JavaScript and deployed on Heroku.
SmartRM
SmartRM is a document level security solution. It permits the user to protect files, send them, and keep control of who can use the files and under which conditions. The files are encrypted and the keys are sent to the SmartRM server. Users opening the file have to identify themselves, and will obtain the decryption key only if the correct grant was given by the owner. SmartRM is a 4 component system, with Win and Mac native clients (C++/Qt), a web administration console (Ruby on Rails), and identity and key servers (Java/Spring/Mule).
LaFeltrinelli
http://www.lafeltrinelli.it/LaFeltrinelli is a major Italian bookstore chain for which we developed a custom eCommerce site from the ground up based on Magnolia CMS, Spring, and Hibernate. The site has complex back-end integration with payment systems, logistics, accounting/invoicing, CRM, and loyalty sub-systems. The site was built by a team of 15 in only six months. My team developed the shopping cart, checkout, and payment gateway integration, as well as integration with logistics and accounting systems.
BPM Web Application
I developed an application for a major pharmaceutical company that formalizes the approval process for promotional materials. In Europe, pharmaceutical promotional materials are heavily regulated and have to pass several approval steps, from internal marketing and legal departments to authority deposit and approval. The whole process has to be traceable and available for internal or external audit at any time. The application was developed in Java/Struts/Hibernate and based on the jBPM OSS BPM engine. After a successful launch, two other departments adopted the application for their approval processes.
HR Application For Tax Filing
A web application that Italian companies use for tax filing on behalf of their employees. It implemented a 300 page specification process mandated by the fiscal authority by importing from the previous year's filings, editing, and transmitting to the authority. The application was developed in Java/Struts/Hibernate in 5 months.
Education
1990 - 1991
Master's Degree in Computer Science (Expert Systems)
CEFRIEL - Milano, Italy
1983 - 1988
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering
University of Zagreb - Zagreb, Croatia
Certifications
APRIL 2023 - APRIL 2026
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Amazon Web Services Training and Certification
FEBRUARY 2015 - PRESENT
M101JS: MongoDB for Node.js Developers
MongoDB University
Skills
Libraries/APIs
React, REST APIs, Node.js, Apiary API, Mandrill API
Tools
Git, Jenkins, Confluence, ABB, WebStorm, Yeoman, Eclipse IDE, Apache Tomcat, Apache, Jira, Postman, Google Analytics
Languages
JavaScript, TypeScript, Lisp, C, Java, Ruby, C++, Visual Basic, Perl
Paradigms
Database Design, Agile Software Development, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Object-oriented Design (OOD), DevOps, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD)
Storage
MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Database Modeling
Frameworks
AngularJS, Qt, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Express.js, Blueprint, jBPM, Hibernate, Spring, Payload CMS
Platforms
Heroku, Mule ESB, Win32, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux, Oracle, AWS IoT, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), AWS Lambda
Other
AWS Certified Solution Architect, Full-stack, Startups, Remote Team Leadership, Cloud Infrastructure, WebLogic, CI/CD Pipelines, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Expert Systems, Process Analysis, Interviewing, Discovery, Software Architecture, CTO, Software Project Management, Large Language Models (LLMs), Serverless, CEO, Team Leadership
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