Vlad Bortnik

Vlad Bortnik

Software Engineer with 3+ years of hands-on experience building and deploying production web applications across the full stack. Independently developed 5 live applications demonstrating expertise in React 19, Python/Flask, Docker, and cloud infrastructure. Achieved significant performance optimizations (INP improvements of 93%), implemented SSL A-rated security, and maintained production systems with comprehensive monitoring. Self-directed learner passionate about writing clean, maintainable code and committed to continuous learning through hands-on project development. All projects feature live demonstrations, comprehensive documentation, and are publicly available on GitHub.

Languages & Frameworks

• Python
• JavaScript
• React 19
• Flask
• HTML5 / CSS3
• Bootstrap / Tailwind CSS
• Jinja2

Databases & APIs

• PostgreSQL
• SQLite
• SQLAlchemy
• RESTful APIs
• Azure Computer Vision
• Spoonacular API

DevOps & Tools

• Docker / Docker Compose
• Nginx
• Git / GitHub
• Vite / Vercel
• PWA / Service Workers
• Linux / DigitalOcean

SOFTWARE ENGINEER  |  Independent Projects  |  New York, NY

Architected and deployed production-grade web applications with focus on performance optimization, security,
and modern full-stack development. Demonstrated expertise across frontend, backend, and cloud infrastructure.

• Engineered high-performance Progressive Web App achieving 93% INP improvement (710ms → 47ms) through React virtualization, serving 500+ Unix/Linux commands with sub-150ms search response times and Lighthouse scores of 95+/100 across all categories
• Architected load-balanced multi-application infrastructure with Docker and Nginx handling 18+ concurrent requests, achieving SSL Labs A rating, Security Headers A+, and cost-optimized deployment ($12/month). Implemented comprehensive security with Fail2ban, UFW firewall, and automated SSL certificate renewal
• Developed full-stack applications integrating Azure Computer Vision and Spoonacular APIs (1M+ recipes), implementing OAuth 2.0 authentication and secure session management with Bcrypt and CSRF protection
• Configured automated CI/CD pipelines with Vercel Edge Network deployment, network-segregated Docker architectures, and comprehensive security implementations (SSL A rating, Fail2ban, UFW firewall, automated certificate renewal)

PRODUCTION-GRADE MULTI-APPLICATION SERVER

Production server infrastructure hosting 3 web applications with comprehensive security, load balancing, and containerization.

• Deployed production infrastructure on DigitalOcean achieving SSL Labs A rating, HTTP Observatory A+, and Security Headers A+ scores with robust security configuration including Fail2ban intrusion prevention, UFW firewall rules, and automated SSL certificate management
• Architected Docker network segregation isolating databases from internet access, implementing comprehensive security with Security Headers A+, UFW firewall, Fail2ban, and Let's Encrypt SSL, plus resource limits (384MB/container)
• Implemented cost-effective infrastructure ($12/month) while maintaining <200ms response times for dynamic content and efficient resource utilization (65% RAM, 40% CPU usage under load). Configured resource limits and monitoring for optimal performance
• Configured Nginx reverse proxy managing 3 applications across multiple subdomains with automated SSL renewal, load balancing, and containerized Flask applications with PostgreSQL/MySQL databases

TL;DRx - INTERACTIVE UNIX/LINUX COMMAND REFERENCE

High-performance Progressive Web App delivering instant Unix/Linux command lookup with sub-50ms response times and intelligent fuzzy search.

• Achieved 93.4% performance improvement (INP: 710ms → 47ms) through React Virtuoso virtual scrolling, reducing DOM elements by 97% (500 → ~15 rendered cards)
• Exceeded all 2025 Core Web Vitals targets by 40-80%, attaining Lighthouse scores of 95+ Performance, 100/100 Accessibility, Best Practices, SEO, and PWA categories
• Built scalable 4-tier fuzzy search algorithm serving 500+ Unix/Linux commands across 11 categories with sub-150ms search response time and full offline functionality
• Deployed production-grade PWA on Vercel Edge Network with automated CI/CD, Sentry performance monitoring, and Workbox service workers for offline-first architecture

RECIPE HUB - AI-POWERED RECIPE DISCOVERY PLATFORM

Full-stack web application transforming ingredient photos into personalized recipe recommendations using AI and computer vision.

• Integrated Azure Computer Vision API for ingredient recognition and Spoonacular API providing access to 1M+ recipes, implementing intelligent matching algorithm based on available ingredients
• Architected load-balanced deployment with 3 Gunicorn instances handling 18+ concurrent requests, achieving <500ms average response times. Configured Nginx reverse proxy with health checks and automatic failover for reliability
• Implemented dual authentication system (OAuth 2.0 Google Sign-In + traditional email/password) streamlining user onboarding, with Bcrypt password hashing (12 rounds) and comprehensive CSRF protection across all forms
• Containerized full stack with Docker Compose orchestrating Flask backend, PostgreSQL database, and Nginx load balancer with network segregation preventing direct database access

STUDENT BOOK EXCHANGE PLATFORM

Full-stack peer-to-peer textbook marketplace connecting college students to eliminate expensive third-party resellers.

• Architected RESTful API with 12 endpoints handling complete CRUD operations for book listings and user management, supporting 100+ potential concurrent users with <200ms average response time
• Implemented 7-layer security architecture including Bcrypt password hashing, CSRF protection, role-based access control, input validation, and SQL injection prevention across 100% of endpoints
• Containerized application with Docker and configured production deployment using Gunicorn (4 workers) and Nginx reverse proxy, achieving 99.9% uptime and 100% mobile responsiveness
• Designed database schema with SQLAlchemy ORM managing user and post relationships, with automated migrations and comprehensive SEO optimization (meta tags, sitemaps, structured data)

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO WEBSITE

Adapted professional HTML template to create personalized portfolio website.

• Architected single-page application with hash-based routing and smooth section transitions, integrating 7+ vendor libraries (Swiper, AOS, PureCounter, Waypoints, Isotope, GLightbox) into cohesive user experience
• Built complete blog system with RSS feed, post navigation, and custom styling. Implemented serverless contact form with Cloudflare Worker backend supporting file attachments, Honeypot anti-spam, and Turnstile bot protection
• Created dedicated server-setup.html project page (2000+ lines) with unique custom design, interactive code snippets, and fullscreen image galleries. Developed modular SCSS architecture (6 partials) following separation of concerns
• Implemented comprehensive SEO optimization (structured data, sitemaps, meta tags, canonical URLs) and mobile-first responsive design across 4 breakpoints. Custom development: 75% HTML, 80% CSS, 65% JavaScript

BROOKLYN COLLEGE  |  City University of New York

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science  |  GPA:  3.87 / 4.00