I'm Josip Vrdoljak, a dedicated engineer who enjoys creating thoughtful and impactful digital solutions. I believe that great work starts with clear ideas, strong collaboration, and a constant drive for improvement. This portfolio is a glimpse into my journey - feel free to explore and reach out if you'd like to connect.
Experience
Freelance / Contract, Software Engineer (Backend focus)
Mar 2025 - Present | Remote
- TypeScript
- Node.js
- NestJS
- Next.js
- MongoDB Atlas
- Docker
- AWS
- TailwindCSS
- UI Shadcn
- Cloudflare
- Designed and developed a custom content management system (CMS) including backend API, admin panel, and public website. Selected the complete technology stack
- Implemented backend services in NestJS with JWT authentication, role-based access control (RBAC), and guard patterns. Integrated with MongoDB Atlas for secure and scalable data storage
- Developed an admin panel in Next.js with server-side rendering (SSR), secure httpOnly token authentication, and Cloudflare-based image upload and optimization
- Built a public-facing website in Next.js with custom UI components, dynamic gallery, article management (listing, single article), and newsletter subscription functionality
- Applied Docker for local development and deployment consistency, and AWS for cloud infrastructure hosting
A Place For Mom, Full Stack Developer (Backend focus)
Feb 2021 - Nov 2024
- TypeScript
- Node.js
- Next.js
- GraphQL
- MongoDB
- Wordpress
- Docker
- jQuery
- MySQL
- React
- PHP
- JIRA
- Reorganized database to improve SEM landing page administration to reuse the same designs in different URLs
- Specialized in backend development while also contributing to frontend tasks
- Adapted rapidly to new technologies being introduced for the first time
- Acquired knowledge of well-organized project structures and best practices
COX4, Full Stack Developer
Sep 2019 - Jul 2020
- C#
- .NET Core
- TypeScript
- Angular
- Developed software for German companies as an outsourced consultant
- Took the opportunity to coach younger colleagues
- Contributed to internal project development of xTend by the development of the admin panel
Freelancer
Jun 2015 - Feb 2021
Freelancer - self employed
- PHP
- Wordpress
- MySQL
- Laravel
- Docker
- JavaScript
- B2C
- B2B
- Travel
- Marketplace
- Education
- Sales
- Gain experience in communication and technologies as a young freelancer
- Completed over 60 websites for 15+ clients in the 6 years
- Skilled in defining, developing, selling, and maintaining WordPress websites
- Proficient in phpMyAdmin, cPanel, domain registration platforms, Photoshop, SEO, and performance optimization
Education
FESB - Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture
Sep 2016 - Jul 2019
School description
- Bachelors degree
- Computer science
- Laboratory demonstrator at programming and object-oriented programming courses for 3 semesters
- Final thesis at the university: Student enrollment web application. Developed in Laravel.
Spoken Languages
- English | Croatian