Nikola Bucić

I am a hands-on Senior Full-Stack Developer with over 15 years of experience in PHP, MySQL, and modern JavaScript (Next.js, Angular, Vue). With a Master's in Computer Engineering and a background as a CTO, I combine technical rigor with practical business agility. Throughout my career, I have successfully engineered platforms handling 100k+ daily visitors, optimized high-traffic SaaS solutions, and led teams through complex architectural migrations.

My expertise lies not just in writing code, but in solving business problems—whether that's automating data pipelines to save hours of manual work or re-engineering databases for scalability.

Company Owner at Plavi Vrh (2019-06 – Present)

I thrive on the challenge of integrating new technologies at Plavi Vrh, where I focus on innovative application development.

• Spearheaded projects using Expo, React Native, and Supabase to deliver modern solutions.
• Explored LLM and image recognition APIs to enhance application capabilities.
• Pursued home automation and ESP32 programming as a side hustle, expanding my technical repertoire.

Senior Full-Stack Developer at Infobase (2020-01 – 2025-07)

Collaborated with stakeholders to define requirements and deliver end-to-end solutions, ranging from university virtual event platforms (e-fairs) to custom analytics tools. Modernized backend architecture by re-engineering MySQL databases and migrating search infrastructure from Apache SOLR to OpenSearch. Mentored and advised a newly formed team during their strategic transition from a legacy PHP/MySQL environment to a modern Next.js architecture.

Automated the deployment pipeline to AWS EC2 using GitHub Actions, significantly reducing manual release time.

• Modernized backend architecture by re-engineering MySQL databases
• Migrated search infrastructure from Apache SOLR to OpenSearch
• Mentored team through strategic transition to Next.js architecture
• Automated deployment pipeline to AWS EC2 using GitHub Actions

Co Founder at Orioly Inc. (2013-03 – 2022-04)

Developing SaaS solutions for small and medium sized travel agencies worldwide

Full-stack PHP Developer at Evisors Inc. (2020-01 – 2020-12)

Developed complex internal integrations and custom features based on client requirements. Acted as a MySQL consultant, optimizing long-running queries to reduce load on web/database servers and improve site speed.

• Developed complex internal integrations and custom features
• Optimized long-running queries to reduce server load and improve site speed

PHP/AngularJS Full-Stack Developer at AC Nielsen (2018-01 – 2020-12)

Designed a robust architecture using Google Apps Script to synchronize data between MySQL and Google Sheets, creating a unified structure to minimize maintenance. Automated daily data loads from BI architecture to MySQL using PowerShell and ProFTPd, saving the team 3 hours of manual work daily. Maintained Windows Server 2012 infrastructure and MySQL databases, while facilitating cross-departmental IT communications.

• Designed architecture using Google Apps Script to synchronize MySQL and Google Sheets
• Automated daily data loads using PowerShell and ProFTPd, saving 3 hours daily
• Maintained Windows Server 2012 infrastructure and MySQL databases
• Facilitated cross-departmental IT communications

CTO at ViagemIT (2015-02 – 2019-06)

Architected the foundation for a scalable SaaS service for small and medium travel agencies, enhancing system performance and user experience. Led a team of 2 frontend and 2 backend developers, driving major overhauls of the tech stack and ensuring seamless integration.

• Architected the foundation for a scalable SaaS service for travel agencies
• Led a team of 2 frontend and 2 backend developers
• Drove major overhauls of the tech stack

Laravel Back-End Developer at SocialSweethearts GmbH (2017-01 – 2018-12)

Improved site loading time from 1.0s to 0.4s through algorithmic enhancements, enhancing user experience and system performance. Increased code coverage to 90% by implementing rigorous testing standards, ensuring high-quality and maintainable code. Developed content moderation tools using Google Vision AI, automatically filtering profanity and violence, improving platform safety.

• Improved site loading time from 1.0s to 0.4s through algorithmic enhancements
• Increased code coverage to 90% by implementing rigorous testing standards
• Developed content moderation tools using Google Vision AI

PHP Developer at Trikoder (2013-10 – 2015-01)

Developed web applications using a custom PHP framework, enhancing client solutions and driving business growth. Contributed to the top Austrian digital deals and shopping platform, improving user engagement and platform reliability. Engineered scalable web solutions for the Slovenian news portal, increasing daily active users and optimizing performance.

• Developed web applications using a custom PHP framework
• Contributed to top Austrian digital deals and shopping platform
• Engineered scalable web solutions for Slovenian news portal

Programmer at PBZ (2009-01 – 2013-10)

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Computer Engineering – University of Zagreb / Sveučilište u Zagrebu (2001-01 – 2012-12)