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Sándor KovácsSK
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Sándor Kovács

@sndorkovcs

Senior software engineer specializing in secure legacy modernization, microservices, and DevSecOps automation.

Ireland
Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a senior role where I can modernize legacy systems into secure microservices/Laravel, lead DevSecOps automation and testing, and apply AppSec and AI to reduce technical debt while keeping operations stable.

I’m a Senior Software Engineer with 25+ years of experience specializing in secure application architecture, high-availability systems, and legacy modernization. I treat PHP, Python, and Go as tools to solve complex business problems—prioritizing architecture, security, and scalability over syntax.

I combine deep Linux infrastructure experience (20+ years) with recent certifications in Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity, so I can turn fragile systems into robust, secure Microservices and Laravel architectures without operational downtime. In my recent work, I’ve led enterprise-scale refactoring to strict Laravel 12 architecture and added centralized policy/permission authorization to reduce the attack surface.

I’m a hands-on technical leader who standardizes DevSecOps workflows, automates testing cycles, and integrates AI-driven solutions to reduce technical debt and accelerate delivery. From building autonomous AI agent tooling (Vibe Coding) to modernizing legacy codebases and improving reliability, performance, and developer experience, I consistently focus on secure engineering practices, spec-driven development, and operational excellence.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

OH

Senior Backend Engineer

One Touch Health

Apr 2025 - Oct 2025 (6 months)

Led an architectural overhaul of a large legacy system (800+ database tables), migrating from PHP/Laravel 9 to a strict Laravel 12 architecture. Implemented centralized multi-role authorization to harden security, standardized CI/CD with pre-commit hooks and PHPStan to improve developer workflow, and introduced caching plus async queues to boost responsiveness.

IN

Independent Developer

Independent

Sep 2024 - Mar 2025 (6 months)

Delivered reusable starter kits for Laravel 12 and React.js to accelerate secure prototyping. Refactored deployment pipelines using GitHub Actions and Docker to ensure consistent delivery.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

UA

UCD Academy

Cybersecurity Certificate, Cybersecurity

Grade: High Distinction

Cybersecurity certificate completed with High Distinction. Focused on advanced cybersecurity concepts and practice.

LH

LABA Hungary

Building High-Load Applications from Scratch, High-Load Application Development

Completed the program Building High-Load Applications from Scratch in 2024. Trained on building and designing high-load applications.

LH

LABA Hungary

PMP (Project Management Professional), IT Project Management

Grade: 18 PDU Points

Completed IT Project Management training (PMP) in 2024. Earned 18 PDU points as part of the program.

UA

UCD Academy

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing

Grade: High Distinction

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing specialization completed with High Distinction. Covered advanced security assessments, threat modeling, and defense strategies using Kali Linux.

IBEC logoIB

IBEC

IBEC Manager Training, Management

Completed IBEC Manager Training in Dublin (How to Manage an Efficient Team). Focused on managing and leading an efficient team.

NC

Ányos Jedlik Mechanical and Informatics Technical College

System Administration Diploma(s), System Administration

2000 - 2002

Completed system administration diploma(s) between 2000 and 2002. Training covered foundational system administration skills.

CS

Commercial High School

Secondary Diploma, Secondary Education

1989 - 1993

Completed commercial secondary education resulting in a secondary diploma (1989–1993).

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