Sándor Kovács
@sndorkovcs
Senior software engineer specializing in secure legacy modernization, microservices, and DevSecOps automation.
What I'm looking for
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
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.
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
UCD Academy
Cybersecurity Certificate, Cybersecurity
Grade: High Distinction
Cybersecurity certificate completed with High Distinction. Focused on advanced cybersecurity concepts and practice.
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.
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.
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
IBEC Manager Training, Management
Completed IBEC Manager Training in Dublin (How to Manage an Efficient Team). Focused on managing and leading an efficient team.
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.
Commercial High School
Secondary Diploma, Secondary Education
1989 - 1993
Completed commercial secondary education resulting in a secondary diploma (1989–1993).
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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