Alin is available for hire
Hire AlinAlin Balan
Verified Expert in Engineering
Full-stack Developer
Bucharest, Romania
Toptal member since December 21, 2021
Bio
As a fractional CTO and solutions architect with 10+ years in scalable eCommerce and cloud infrastructure, Alin leads the delivery of distributed Magento, ERP, and payment ecosystems on AWS. He also engineers agentic AI automations that reduce operational load through intelligent triage and internal tooling. Clients hire him when they need a hands-on leader to design robust systems, align stakeholders, and ship reliably, bridging the gap between high-level strategy and production code.
Portfolio
Teezr, Inc
Magento, WordPress, Magento 2, Stripe, CI/CD Pipelines, Redis Cache, JavaScript...
UMS Services LLC
Magento, PHP, Back-end, Magento 2, AWS Lambda, AWS Cloud Security...
Magtech Solutions
AWS Lambda, Magento 2, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Docker, Elasticsearch, PHP...
Experience
- API Integration - 10 years
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) - 10 years
- DevOps - 9 years
- Architecture - 9 years
- Magento 2 - 9 years
- CTO - 7 years
- Docker Compose - 3 years
- AI Agents - 3 years
Preferred Environment
Magento 2, Magento Enterprise, APIs, API Integration, Node.js, Agentic AI, CTO, AI Integration, Claude, Ollama
The most amazing...
...thing I've developed is a fast and predictable scaling AWS/Magento eCommerce platform, able to scale in seconds to support new and unexpected traffic.
Work Experience
Fractional CTO
2025 - PRESENT
Teezr, Inc
- Directed technical architecture of Magento 2-based artists marketplace, coordinating cross-functional team of 6+ developers and QA engineers to deliver production releases.
- Orchestrated the design of a custom module ecosystem, including artist, artwork, marketplace, and dashboard systems with scalable architecture patterns.
- Led client stakeholder alignment to prioritize the product roadmap, delivering limited edition products, profit calculators, social features, and discovery filtering.
- Implemented enterprise payment infrastructure with PayPal mass payout system for artist payments and Stripe integration for customer transactions.
- Established DevOps practices with Bitbucket Pipelines CI/CD automation for staging and production deployments, coordinating release management.
- Drove technical quality standards through code review processes and branching strategies, maintaining platform stability during high-velocity development.
- Architected artwork media management system with asset optimization and order fulfillment, coordinating API design and React-based editor components.
- Collaborated with the client team to deliver user profiles, artist dashboards with analytics, a help center, and an Elasticsearch-powered product filtering.
- Managed technical debt initiatives, including Magento upgrades, compatibility patches, and database optimization, balancing feature velocity with maintainability.
- Coordinated marketplace seller features, including shipment emails, admin back-end customization, order management, and multi-artist inventory systems.
Technologies: Magento, WordPress, Magento 2, Stripe, CI/CD Pipelines, Redis Cache, JavaScript, Figma, CTO, Scalability, Orchestration, Communication, Code Deployment, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), MySQL, PHP, Redis, Message Queues, Integration, Solution Architecture, Back-end Development, Team Leadership, Cursor AI, Team Building, Planning, Deployment, Consulting, Advisory, Software Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Claude Code, ChatGPT API, SOAP, XML
Magento 2 Expert
2023 - PRESENT
UMS Services LLC
- Developed an integration with an automotive parts provider using ACES, PIES, VcDb, and PcDb to automatically update the store catalog and enable customers to search for compatible car parts.
- Built a Python-based API integration using Amazon API Gateway and AWS Lambda to accelerate catalog searches, featuring advanced multi-filter capabilities and VIN decoding.
- Developed and optimized integrations, including QuickBooks, ShipperHQ, Duoplane, Punchout, and customer support systems, streamlining B2B procurement and operations while reducing manual data entry and improving order visibility.
Technologies: Magento, PHP, Back-end, Magento 2, AWS Lambda, AWS Cloud Security, Amazon Web Services (AWS), APIs, REST, DevOps, Amazon CloudWatch, Intuit QuickBooks, QuickBooks API, AI Integration, AI SDK, PostgreSQL, React Native, Architectural Design, AI Agents, Agentic AI, React, Scalability, Orchestration, Communication, Cloud Architecture, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), MySQL, Redis, Message Queues, Event-driven Design (EDD), Integration, Solution Architecture, Shopify API, Back-end Development, AI Chatbots, Microservices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), TypeScript, Cursor AI, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Cloud, Deployment, Data Engineering, API Architecture, API Gateways, Cloud Infrastructure, Claude Code, ChatGPT API, Automotive Systems, Automotive, Warehouse Management System (WMS)
CTO
2016 - PRESENT
Magtech Solutions
- Developed BigCommerce integration using AWS Lambda, enhancing scalability and cost-efficiency. The solution enabled real-time data synchronization, improved performance, and reduced infrastructure costs.
- Integrated ELK to visualize Magento 2 logs, enhancing visibility and troubleshooting. Leveraging my expertise in ELK stack and Magento 2, I implemented the solution to enable efficient log monitoring, analysis, and optimization.
- Developed secure API to access multiple ERP systems, improving data integration and visibility. The solution enabled seamless data exchange while maintaining data security and integrity.
- Built flowerbeauty.com using Magento 2 and AWS services, enhancing performance and security. Improved site functionality and user experience with high-performance and reliable solutions.
- Improved Magento 2 indexing for TFAW.com, optimizing speed and efficiency. Implemented strategies that reduced indexing time, improving site performance and revenue.
- Upgraded TFAW.com to Magento 2.4.3 successfully, enhancing site functionality and security. Conducted thorough testing and resolved issues for a smooth transition. Improved performance and user experience with the latest version.
Technologies: AWS Lambda, Magento 2, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Docker, Elasticsearch, PHP, MySQL, Redis, AWS ELB, Git, Magento, ELK (Elastic Stack), Node.js, NGINX, Vim Text Editor, Redis Cache, MongoDB, Docker Compose, Magento Enterprise, Architecture, Magento API, Magento Modules, HTML5, API Integration, HTML, APIs, eCommerce, RabbitMQ, Laravel, Stripe, GitHub, NoSQL, Bitbucket, SQL, Full-stack Development, SMTP, MySQL Server, Amazon EC2, JavaScript, Payment APIs, Amazon RDS, OpenAI GPT-3 API, ChatGPT, DevOps, Web Development, Databases, Full-stack, Agile, Leadership, Python, PHP 7, Software Development, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, REST APIs, Ubuntu, User Interface (UI), Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Back-end, Data Structures, Magento Community Edition, Magento Extension Development, Knockout (Knockout.js), PDF, Audits, Large Language Models (LLMs), Anthropic, Claude, AI SDK, React Native, Fractional CTO, Architectural Design, AI Agents, Agentic AI, React, CTO, Scalability, Orchestration, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Message Queues, Integration, Solution Architecture, Back-end Development, Microservices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), TypeScript, Next.js, Cursor AI, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Planning, Deployment, AI Tools, Chatbots, Data Engineering, SendGrid, Software Architecture, API Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Claude Code, ChatGPT API, Magento 1, SOAP, XML
Senior Full-stack Developer
2025 - 2026
Gorobot Labs LLC
- Designed and launched 5+ custom AI agents that automated lead capture, support triage, and follow-ups, reducing manual ops time by 35%.
- Engineered an n8n workflow integrating Google Calendar and Gmail to automate meeting scheduling, reducing back-and-forth emails by 40%.
- Built a custom AI agent that parses incoming emails and automatically populates Telegram channels with summarized action items and deadlines.
- Created a seamless integration between Calendly and Telegram to notify sales teams of new bookings instantly, increasing show rates by 20%.
- Designed a Telegram-based command center that allows users to query their daily calendar and send quick-reply emails via AI-generated drafts.
- Designed and implemented a custom OpenAI SDK integration using WebSockets for real-time knowledge base interaction. It features secure hash-key handshaking, server-side document configuration, and dynamic UI customization for client websites.
Technologies: Agentic AI, Claude, n8n, Automation, Cloud Architecture, MySQL, PHP, Redis, Message Queues, Integration, Solution Architecture, Back-end Development, AI Chatbots, OpenAI API, OpenAI SDK, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Next.js, Cursor AI, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Cloud, Deployment, Advisory, AI Tools, OpenAI, Chatbots, Data Engineering, Software Architecture, API Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Claude Code, ChatGPT API
Senior Full-stack Developer
2025 - 2025
David, Avramita si Asociatii
- Architected a bilingual (RO/EN) CMS architecture using Polylang, delivering six core modules with localized routing and synchronized content taxonomies.
- Engineered a scalable template system for 11 practice-area landing pages, utilizing reusable WordPress components to accelerate service-specific deployments.
- Leveraged the WordPress REST API (wp/v2) to expose structured data, enabling programmatic access to posts, pages, and custom taxonomies for future integrations.
Technologies: WordPress, MySQL, Caching, Cloudflare, NGINX, PHP, Redis, Back-end Development, Cloud Infrastructure
Magento Developer
2022 - 2022
A TO Z MEDICCAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES, LLC
- Developed custom Square payment gateway integration for Magento 2, enabling seamless customer synchronization and secure payment processing across the eCommerce platform.
- Implemented product customization module with image-based options, enhancing the customer shopping experience and boosting product configuration capabilities.
- Upgraded and maintained WeltPixel carousel extensions, improving front-end performance and user engagement with modernized slider functionality.
- Migrated 6+ 3rd-party extensions to Composer-based dependency management, streamlining deployment workflows and reducing technical debt.
- Integrated abandoned cart email recovery system, improving customer retention and recapturing potential lost sales through automated follow-up campaigns.
- Resolved critical payment gateway bugs, including customer registration sync and address handling, ensuring reliable checkout experiences.
- Maintained and upgraded the Magento 2 eCommerce platform serving medical equipment customers, ensuring platform stability and security compliance.
Technologies: Magento 2, Magento, PHP, Magento API
Senior Full-stack Developer
2014 - 2016
ALTEX Romania
- Created an infrastructure behind a cluster of varnish servers to speed up the response time and use a complex tagging system to allow Magento to purge cached pages on demand based on inventory changes.
- Extended Magneto 1 functionalities to allow dynamic and personalized content displayed on varnish cached pages.
- Developed a load testing infrastructure using JMeter and AWS EC2 to simulate the traffic expected on Black Friday days.
Technologies: Varnish, Magento 1, PHP, MySQL, Magento, Node.js, NGINX, Vim Text Editor, Redis Cache, Docker Compose, Architecture, Magento API, Magento Modules, API Integration, HTML, APIs, eCommerce, RabbitMQ, GitHub, NoSQL, Bitbucket, SQL, Full-stack Development, SMTP, MySQL Server, Amazon EC2, JavaScript, Payment APIs, Amazon RDS, DevOps, Technical Leadership, Web Development, Databases, Full-stack, Agile, Leadership, PHP 7, Software Development, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, REST APIs, Ubuntu, User Interface (UI), Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Back-end, Data Structures, Magento Community Edition, Magento Extension Development, Knockout (Knockout.js), PDF, React Native, Architectural Design, React, Back-end Development, Deployment, jQuery
Senior Developer
2014 - 2014
Optaros
- Scaled global eCommerce operations for the world’s leading nutrition and wellness enterprise by developing a series of Magento 1 platforms, each tailored to the unique regulatory and consumer demands of various international markets.
- Architected a centralized system-of-record integration for this global food and beverage leader, utilizing MuleSoft to orchestrate complex data flows between Magento and multiple regional ERP environments.
- Managed the cross-functional deployment of localized payment and logistics solutions for a premier global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brand, ensuring seamless service delivery across diverse geographical territories.
Technologies: Magento 1, MuleSoft, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, Jenkins, Magento, Node.js, NGINX, Vim Text Editor, Redis Cache, Magento API, Magento Modules, API Integration, HTML, APIs, eCommerce, RabbitMQ, GitHub, NoSQL, Bitbucket, SQL, Full-stack Development, SMTP, MySQL Server, Amazon EC2, Payment APIs, Amazon RDS, DevOps, Technical Leadership, Web Development, Databases, Full-stack, Agile, Leadership, PHP 7, Software Development, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, REST APIs, Ubuntu, User Interface (UI), Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Back-end, Data Structures, Magento Community Edition, Magento Extension Development, Knockout (Knockout.js), PDF, Architectural Design, Back-end Development, Advisory, Data Engineering, jQuery, Warehouse Management System (WMS), Order Management
CTO | Team Leader
2011 - 2014
Innobyte Solutions SRL
- Developed eCommerce platforms based on the client's requirements. One of them was Zirg.
- Improved the working procedures in the company and sharing of knowledge.
- Gathered requirements from clients, split them into tasks and sprints, and assigned the tasks to team members based on the skillset of each member.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magento 1, PHP, MySQL, Magento, Apache Solr, Node.js, NGINX, Vim Text Editor, Redis Cache, MongoDB, Symfony, Architecture, Magento API, Magento Modules, API Integration, HTML, APIs, eCommerce, GitHub, NoSQL, Bitbucket, CSS, SQL, Full-stack Development, SMTP, MySQL Server, Amazon EC2, JavaScript, Payment APIs, Amazon RDS, DevOps, Technical Leadership, Web Development, Databases, Full-stack, Agile, Leadership, PHP 5, Software Development, Google Analytics, REST APIs, Ubuntu, User Interface (UI), Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Magento Community Edition, Magento Extension Development, Knockout (Knockout.js), PDF, Audits, Fractional CTO, Architectural Design, CTO, Scalability, Communication, Team Leadership, Team Building, Planning, Advisory, jQuery, JSON, XML
Full-stack Developer
2007 - 2011
Estinvest SA
- Integrated a Java system to sync BVB data with our database, requiring automated data processing and storage. It challenged me to innovate and grow as a developer, resulting in a robust solution.
- Built a user-friendly PHP platform with advanced charting tools to display real-time stock details. Leveraging PHP libraries, I developed a responsive and standalone system for accurate and timely data, benefiting traders and users.
- Developed a sync system between a financial back office and database, enabling automatic data transfer for streamlined operations. Using advanced programming languages, I ensured the accuracy and timeliness of data updates, improving overall efficiency.
- Used AutoHotkey to automate data insertion for traders, reducing errors and improving efficiency. I developed a user-friendly tool that saved time, allowing traders to focus on core responsibilities.
Technologies: Java, PHP, Apache2, GitHub, NoSQL, CSS, SQL, Full-stack Development, Games, SMTP, MySQL Server, Web Development, Databases, Assets, Investments, Web Scraping, Scraping, Data Scraping, PHP 5, Software Development, Ubuntu, MySQL, Back-end Development, jQuery, XML
Experience
Multi-channel Retail for Automotive Components
A multi-channel eCommerce platform for automotive components. I served as the full‑stack developer for the website, building core storefront and back-office functionality and coordinating multiple API integrations with external parts providers. This included normalizing supplier catalogs, orchestrating availability/pricing lookups, and enabling automated order placement through partner APIs. I also integrated operational systems for accounting and fulfillment, enabling transactions, invoices, and shipment workflows to be processed with minimal manual intervention.
In addition, I designed and implemented an AWS-based integration layer to support the end-to-end sales channel at the API level—from search and product selection through checkout and order submission—focusing on reliability, scalability, and clear observability across third-party connections.
In addition, I designed and implemented an AWS-based integration layer to support the end-to-end sales channel at the API level—from search and product selection through checkout and order submission—focusing on reliability, scalability, and clear observability across third-party connections.
Print-on-demand Marketplace
https://tee-zr.com/As CTO and Architect, I directed the technical strategy and development of this Magento 2 on-demand print marketplace. I led a cross-functional team of 6+ engineers to build a custom module ecosystem using the Hyvä theme for peak performance. I architected the core marketplace logic, enabling vendors to manage public profiles and artwork catalogs used to build custom products.
I implemented enterprise integrations, including Stripe and PayPal for transactions, a PayPal mass payout system with vendor wallets for settlements, and TaxJar for automated tax compliance. The platform features custom shipping methods, an artwork "like" system, product wishlists, and Elasticsearch-powered filtering.
Beyond architecture, I aligned with stakeholders on the product roadmap, delivering artist analytics dashboards, profit calculators, and limited-edition features. I established DevOps practices via Bitbucket Pipelines CI/CD and maintained platform stability through rigorous code reviews and Magento version upgrades. My role balanced high-level technical leadership with hands-on full-stack development to ensure a scalable, stable, and feature-rich ecosystem for artists and consumers.
I implemented enterprise integrations, including Stripe and PayPal for transactions, a PayPal mass payout system with vendor wallets for settlements, and TaxJar for automated tax compliance. The platform features custom shipping methods, an artwork "like" system, product wishlists, and Elasticsearch-powered filtering.
Beyond architecture, I aligned with stakeholders on the product roadmap, delivering artist analytics dashboards, profit calculators, and limited-edition features. I established DevOps practices via Bitbucket Pipelines CI/CD and maintained platform stability through rigorous code reviews and Magento version upgrades. My role balanced high-level technical leadership with hands-on full-stack development to ensure a scalable, stable, and feature-rich ecosystem for artists and consumers.
AI Automation and Agentic Workflow Ecosystem
https://gorobot.run/Built and shipped GoroBot, an AI automation service focused on helping modern businesses streamline operations with custom AI agents and workflow automation. As a senior full‑stack developer, I designed and launched 5+ AI agents to automate lead capture, support triage, and follow‑ups, reducing manual operations time by roughly 35%. I engineered production workflows in n8n, including a Google Calendar and Gmail scheduling automation that cut back‑and‑forth emails by approximately 40%. I also built integrations that connect Calendly and Telegram for instant booking notifications and created an email‑parsing agent that summarizes incoming requests and posts action items and deadlines into Telegram channels. A Telegram “command center” enabled teams to query daily calendars and generate quick‑reply email drafts, improving response speed and increasing show rates by around 20%.
Fullstack | Website
https://fullstack.ws/This site is my personal hub for showcasing who I am and what I build. It features a curated portfolio of projects, plus a clear overview of the skills I’ve developed over the past year—spanning full‑stack development, problem solving, and the tools I’ve used along the way.
A key part of the experience is an integrated chat that lets visitors ask direct questions about the profile they’re viewing—specifically, about me, my work, and my approach. Instead of digging through pages, you can talk to an AI agent designed to answer quickly and ask pinpoint follow‑ups so you can get to the details that matter.
The site also functions as a living blog where I share notes and insights on the tools, frameworks, and technologies shaping the industry, along with what I’m learning as the ecosystem evolves. In short, it’s both a portfolio and an ongoing record of growth.
A key part of the experience is an integrated chat that lets visitors ask direct questions about the profile they’re viewing—specifically, about me, my work, and my approach. Instead of digging through pages, you can talk to an AI agent designed to answer quickly and ask pinpoint follow‑ups so you can get to the details that matter.
The site also functions as a living blog where I share notes and insights on the tools, frameworks, and technologies shaping the industry, along with what I’m learning as the ecosystem evolves. In short, it’s both a portfolio and an ongoing record of growth.
Certifications
NOVEMBER 2012 - MARCH 2021
Magento Certified Developer Plus
Magento
Skills
Libraries/APIs
REST APIs, jQuery, Node.js, Stripe, BigCommerce API, QuickBooks API, React, Shopify API, OpenAI API
Tools
Vim Text Editor, Git, NGINX, GitHub, Bitbucket, Claude Code, Docker Compose, ELK (Elastic Stack), Magento Modules, RabbitMQ, Claude, AI SDK, n8n, SendGrid, Apache Solr, Jenkins, AWS ELB, Varnish, ChatGPT, Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS), Google Analytics, Amazon CloudWatch, Figma, AWS CloudFormation
Languages
PHP, JavaScript, HTML, PHP 5, PHP 7, XML, HTML5, SQL, TypeScript, Java, CSS, Python, Hugo
Frameworks
Knockout (Knockout.js), Laravel, Symfony, React Native, Next.js
Paradigms
Object-oriented Programming (OOP), DevOps, Agile, Automation, Event-driven Design (EDD), Microservices, API Architecture, REST
Platforms
Magento 2, Magento 1, Magento, Ubuntu, Magento Community Edition, Magento Extension Development, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS Lambda, Docker, Magento Enterprise, Magento API, Amazon EC2, MuleSoft, Apache2, BigCommerce, WordPress, Ollama
Storage
MySQL, Redis, MySQL Server, Redis Cache, NoSQL, Databases, PostgreSQL, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), JSON, Elasticsearch, MongoDB, MariaDB
Industry Expertise
Automotive
Other
Architecture, API Integration, eCommerce, Full-stack Development, Payment APIs, Web Development, Full-stack, Web Scraping, Scraping, Data Scraping, Software Development, Back-end, Architectural Design, CTO, Communication, Message Queues, Solution Architecture, Back-end Development, Team Leadership, Team Building, Advisory, Software Architecture, APIs, SMTP, Amazon RDS, Technical Leadership, Leadership, PDF, Audits, Anthropic, Fractional CTO, AI Agents, Agentic AI, Scalability, Orchestration, Cloud Architecture, Integration, AI Chatbots, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cursor AI, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Cloud, Planning, Deployment, Consulting, AI Tools, Data Engineering, API Gateways, Cloud Infrastructure, ChatGPT API, Automotive Systems, Warehouse Management System (WMS), SOAP, Order Management, Games, OpenAI GPT-3 API, Assets, Investments, Google Tag Manager, User Interface (UI), Data Structures, Large Language Models (LLMs), AWS Cloud Security, Intuit QuickBooks, AI Integration, CI/CD Pipelines, Caching, Cloudflare, Code Deployment, Migration, OpenAI SDK, OpenAI, Chatbots
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