Gabriela Martínez
@gabrielamartnez
Senior backend engineer specializing in PHP APIs and system optimization.
What I'm looking for
I’m a Senior Backend Engineer with 10+ years of experience building and improving web applications using PHP (Symfony, Laravel) and modern frontend frameworks. A big part of my work comes from existing systems—debugging production issues, maintaining stability, and improving features without risking operations.
I’m strongest on the backend, especially REST APIs and GraphQL, and I’m comfortable with complex codebases. I enjoy building products end-to-end, working closely with product and design teams to iterate on features based on real user needs.
In my recent experience as a Freelance Backend Engineer (Remote), I fixed production issues impacting APIs and workflows, delivered incremental improvements with development teams, and implemented new modules and internal tools while ensuring compatibility with existing architecture.
Previously at Ilógica, I led technical decisions for Symfony, Laravel, and Ruby on Rails systems, improving stability and performance across SaaS modules. I also optimized API performance (220ms to 130ms), developed REST APIs for subscription/billing, and built reusable CMS-based platforms with Laravel to support evolving requirements.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Freelance Backend Engineer
Freelance
Nov 2024 - Present (1 year 7 months)
Worked with multiple clients on existing PHP applications (Symfony, Laravel), focusing on debugging production issues and delivering incremental feature improvements. Ensured API and workflow stability while collaborating with product and development teams across time zones.
Backend Technical Lead
Ilógica
May 2023 - May 2024 (1 year)
Contributed to technical decisions and maintained code quality across Symfony, Laravel, and Ruby on Rails systems. Improved SaaS module stability and performance through debugging and iterative enhancements, partnering with frontend and product stakeholders to deliver user-aligned features.
Backend Developer
Ilógica
Jan 2019 - Apr 2023 (4 years 3 months)
Developed and maintained SaaS modules serving 10K+ active users, building and debugging REST APIs for subscription and billing workflows. Optimized API performance, reducing response times from 220ms to 130ms, while fixing production issues affecting data consistency and user flows.
Web Developer
Blue Company
Nov 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 1 month)
Developed and maintained a logistics application for Banco Estado using Symfony and Redis. Built a Laravel-based platform integrating MongoDB, MySQL, and Elasticsearch, diagnosing issues across QA, staging, and production while managing deployments to ensure system stability.
Web Developer
Grupo i33
Aug 2014 - Mar 2017 (2 years 7 months)
Built backend systems for gamification web applications using Symfony, implementing business logic to support interactive user experiences. Collaborated with frontend developers to deliver consistent full-stack functionality.
Web Developer
Diario El Nacional
Aug 2012 - Aug 2013 (1 year)
Managed a CMS and built REST APIs to support digital publishing workflows. Ensured supporting services enabled reliable content and workflow operations.
Intern & Web Developer
4Geeks
Apr 2011 - Jan 2012 (9 months)
Developed RESTful endpoints and mobile app integration modules for a product using Django and Google App Engine. Collaborated on backend services to support app functionality and integrations.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Executive Certificate, Innovation
2016 - 2017
Completed an Executive Certificate in Innovation at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile from 2016 to 2017.
Universidad Católica Andrés Bello
Bachelor of Science, Computer Systems Technology
2004 - 2012
Earned a B.Sc. in Computer Systems Technology at Universidad Católica Andrés Bello from 2004 to 2012.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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