TOLULOPE M. MAKINDE

Backend Engineer | PHP & Python | Linux, Docker & DevOps
Lagos, NG.

About

Highly accomplished Backend Software Engineer with over 5 years of expertise in PHP, Laravel, Python, Linux, Docker, SQL, and Git. Specializing in designing scalable systems, optimizing performance, and delivering revenue-driving products, I have a proven track record of boosting lead capture by 30% and reducing system downtime by 40%. As a contributor to the CNCF OpenFeature PHP-SDK and a technical writer, I combine deep technical knowledge with a passion for innovation and community engagement.

Work

Internetbrands (via Tightline)
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Software Engineer (Laravel/PHP Developer)

California, United States, US

Summary

Currently serving as a Software Engineer, responsible for building and optimizing lead generation applications, enhancing system performance, and ensuring high reliability for critical backend services.

Highlights

Engineered and optimized high-performance lead generation applications, significantly boosting client lead capture rates by 20-30% and directly contributing to substantial revenue growth.

Spearheaded the migration of critical legacy applications from Vagrant to Kubernetes, achieving zero-downtime deployments and enhancing system scalability to manage thousands of leads daily.

Implemented comprehensive automated testing (unit and feature), which reduced release rollbacks by 30% and drastically improved overall software release reliability.

Integrated advanced Datadog logging and Kafka real-time messaging solutions, significantly enhancing system monitoring and optimizing lead delivery performance.

Executed critical upgrades for PHP and Laravel applications, resulting in improved system performance, enhanced security, and extended product lifespan.

Hotels.ng
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Software Developer (PHP/Python Developer)

Lagos, Nigeria, Nigeria

Summary

Designed and optimized multi-tenant database architectures and improved API performance to enhance user experience and operational efficiency for a rapidly growing platform.

Highlights

Architected and optimized a multi-tenant database system, facilitating seamless onboarding for new organizations and reducing integration time by 50%.

Optimized complex SQL queries, dramatically improving API response times from over 2 seconds to under 500 milliseconds, enhancing user experience for thousands of daily users.

Automated database schema migrations using Alembic, which reduced system downtime by nearly 40% during updates.

Integrated robust error reporting systems with Sentry and Slack, effectively cutting debugging time by 50% and improving system stability.

Freelance & Internship Backend Developer
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Backend Developer Internships & Freelance

Ibadan, Nigeria, Nigeria

Summary

Engaged in various internships and freelance projects, focusing on Laravel/PHP development, database architecture, and deployment automation.

Highlights

Participated in the HNG Internship and Andela BuildforSDG Hackathon, delivering projects focused on Laravel/PHP development, database architecture, and deployment automation.

Developed and implemented robust backend solutions for clients, emphasizing scalable database design and efficient deployment strategies.

Volunteer

HNG Internship
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HNG Mentor

Remote, Nigeria, Nigeria

Summary

Mentored junior developers within the HNG Internship program, guiding them through the software development lifecycle and best practices.

Highlights

Mentored over 10 junior developers, enabling them to successfully ship production-ready features and accelerate their learning curve.

Provided expert code reviews, guided team projects, and instilled best practices for version control, testing, and deployment.

CNCF OpenFeature PHP-SDK
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Contributor (Software Engineer - PHP)

Remote, Remote, United States of America

Summary

Contributed as a Software Engineer to the CNCF OpenFeature PHP-SDK, enhancing its core functionality, observability, and release reliability.

Highlights

Developed core client resolution logic and provider interfaces, significantly extending the functionality of the OpenFeature PHP-SDK.

Implemented advanced event tracking features, improving observability and debugging efficiency for SDK users.

Enhanced CI/CD pipelines, leading to a reduction in integration issues and a marked improvement in release reliability.

Education

University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

B.Sc.

Civil Engineering

Grade: Second Class Upper

Publications

Technical Writing on Linux and Backend Engineering

Summary

Authored and published over 20 technical articles on Linux and backend engineering, consistently averaging 300+ monthly views and contributing to the professional development of fellow developers by sharing insights and best practices.

Skills

Languages, Scripting & Frameworks

PHP, Python, Bash, Laravel, FastAPI.

Database & Monitoring Tools

MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Kafka, Datadog, Opensearch.

DevOps Tools & Version Control

Linux, Docker, Jenkins, Ansible, Kubernetes, Git.

Projects

Wealth Management Raffle Draw System

Summary

Developed a FastAPI application to manage a wealth management raffle draw system, ensuring transparency and adherence to investment criteria.

Expense Tracker

Summary

Developed a PHP/Laravel package designed for efficient expense categorization and management, ensuring secure transactions and automated testing.

Bookmark Shell Package (CLI)

Summary

Engineered a command-line interface (CLI) tool for streamlined management of browser bookmarks, enhancing personal productivity.