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Building Fast, Scalable, and Reliable Backend Systems

I build backend systems that stay fast under load and easy to maintain over time. With expertise in PHP 8.x, MySQL optimization, and legacy modernization, I turn data and business logic into clean, scalable architectures that deliver measurable performance gains.

Dominic Minischetti - Senior PHP Backend Engineer
ABOUT ME

Backend Engineer • Problem Solver • Systems Thinker

Passionate about performance, maintainability, and real-world impact

With 5+ years of hands-on backend engineering, I specialize in PHP 8.x and MySQL, delivering scalable architectures, well-structured APIs, and high-performance data flows. I focus on clean code, measurable optimizations, and systems that teams can trust long-term.

Technical Philosophy

I build for clarity, predictability, and maintainability. That means readable code, minimal complexity, smart caching, and database-first thinking. The goal isn't just features - it's stable, scalable systems that stay easy to extend without breaking.

"Good code is like good bread: the right ingredients, proper technique, and time to rise. Craft and care always pay off."

Background & Approach

Born in New York and raised in Italy, I bring discipline, adaptability, and clear communication to cross-functional teams. Whether improving legacy systems or designing new architectures, I aim for reliability, precision, and business value.

Beyond the Code

Outside of work, I mentor junior developers, refine workflows, and experiment with modern PHP tools. Continuous learning is a core part of my process - better engineer, better teammate, better results.

EXPERIENCE

Professional Journey

Crafting scalable systems and clean architectures across diverse environments

2025 – Present

Backend Engineering Contributor - Humanetes

Supporting backend architecture for an AI-orchestrated micro-task platform. Responsible for REST API prototypes, database modeling, and backend automations that ensure secure task execution, auditability, and scalable user flows.

PHP 8 MySQL REST APIs Automation
Jul 2024 – Oct 2025

Backend PHP Developer - BLOX Digital

Built and optimized large-scale CMS platforms powering 100+ high-traffic news outlets. Delivered modular PHP code aligned with PSR standards, improved SQL query performance, and tuned caching layers to reduce load and speed up response times. Automated deployments and CI/CD workflows across distributed environments.

PHP 8.x MySQL PSR-12 CMS Architecture Agile
May 2022 – Mar 2024

Backend PHP Developer - Appliances Connection

Designed and shipped a full Warehouse Management System that automated inventory workflows and reduced operational errors. Built REST APIs for handheld scanners with real-time data sync and high transaction volume handling. Designed database structures for performance and consistency.

PHP MariaDB REST APIs Bootstrap Performance Optimization
Aug 2021 – May 2022

Full Stack Developer - Kingsleague GmbH

Developed backend features and responsive UI components. Introduced automated testing with Python + Selenium, reducing regressions and speeding up releases. Containerized environments with Docker to simplify deployment and onboarding.

PHP MySQL Firebase Docker Python Selenium
2012 – 2021

Data Analyst & DBA - Earlier Roles

Consolidated SQL Server reporting pipelines, optimized heavy queries, and automated data workflows. Managed MySQL and SQL environments for 50+ clients, gaining deep insight into business logic, data modeling, and system integrity - experience now applied directly to backend engineering.

SQL Server MySQL ETL Automation Reporting
SKILLS

Technical Expertise

A toolkit built for backend performance, scalability, and clean integration

Backend Development

PHP 8.x PSR Standards SOLID MVC Code Optimization

Database & Storage

MySQL Query Optimization MariaDB SQL Server Database Design

APIs & Integration

REST JSON JWT OAuth Swagger/OpenAPI Postman

DevOps & Tools

Docker Git Linux Nginx Apache CI/CD

Frontend Foundations

JavaScript HTML5/CSS3 Bootstrap jQuery Responsive Design

Testing & Quality

PHPUnit Selenium Code Review Performance Profiling

Engineering Practices

Agile/Scrum Clean Code Documentation Refactoring
PROJECTS

Featured Work

Systems engineered with intention – from backend security to offline-first design.

🔐 Passless – Passwordless Auth (Magic Links)

A full passwordless authentication system built without frameworks. Implements secure magic links, atomic rate limiting, session fingerprinting, sliding-session logic, and transparent audit/security logs. Designed for reliability, clarity, and zero hand-wavy abstractions.

PHP 8 MySQL 8 Vanilla JS Modern CSS SendGrid/Mailgun

📝 Markly – Offline-First Markdown Hub

A fast, offline-ready Markdown workspace with tags, backlinks, search, optimistic syncing, and a secure PHP API. IndexedDB handles local state, a service worker keeps the UI alive offline, and the backend uses strict CSRF + session hardening with clean SQL.

PHP 8 MySQL Vanilla JS IndexedDB Service Worker

🔊 EchoDB – The Sound of Change

A real-time event stream engine where database mutations become sound. Server-Sent Events push live JSON diffs to the browser, which drives a synchronized visualizer and Web Audio synthesizer. A tight, framework-free PHP 8.3 backend built with PDO and Monolog.

PHP 8.3 MySQL + PDO Monolog

🧰 DevToolbox – Developer Micro-Apps

A clean, modular set of offline-capable developer tools (Regex Explorer, JSON Doctor, JWT Lens, and more). Fully client-side with ESM modules, a service worker for caching, fast UI patterns, and zero telemetry. Built to feel effortless.

Vanilla JS (ESM) Service Worker Tailwind CSS Accessibility

🧮 InsightLab – NYC Housing Analytics

A reproducible analytics pipeline powered by Python and DuckDB. Processes a decade of NYC housing data, generates versioned datasets, and ships them as visual dashboards. Deterministic builds, clean SQL, and a transparent end-to-end workflow.

Python DuckDB Chart.js Reproducible Analytics
TESTIMONIALS

Professional Endorsements

What colleagues and managers say about working with me

"Dominic bridges technical expertise with clear, structured communication. He consistently aligns code quality with business goals, a rare combination."

Full Stack Developer, Kingsleague

"Dominic delivered a warehouse system that fundamentally improved operations. His approach is thoughtful, his code reliable."

Backend Developer, Appliances Connection

"Dominic approaches each project with care and discipline. His commitment to doing things right sets the tone for his team."

Product Manager, Eiffel srl

Let's Build Reliable Systems Together

I'm open to full-time backend or full-stack roles. If your team values clean architecture, measurable performance gains, and reliable systems, let's talk.

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⚡ Available for new opportunities • Response within 24 hours