Ziga Drev — Full Stack Software Engineer

Expertise in Full Stack Web (10.5 yr.), Back-End Web, Front-End Web, React Developer.

Last verified on June, 2026

Core Skills

Django REST framework

3 yr.

Bio Summary

Full Stack Engineer with 10+ years of experience delivering scalable SaaS platforms and cloud-native systems using React, TypeScript, Python, FastAPI, Django, Node.js, PostgreSQL, Redis, and AWS.
Proven expertise in legacy system modernization, reducing API response times from 3s to under 1.8s by migrating C#/.NET services to modern microservices architectures.
Strong background in system design, distributed systems, event-driven workflows with Kafka, Celery, and Redis, improving performance and reducing blocked API requests by 40%.
Skilled in cross-platform development with React Native and Expo, cutting duplicated implementation by 25% while maintaining consistent UX across web and mobile.

Technical Skills

Programming Languages	JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, VBA
JavaScript Frameworks	Angular, Express, Ext JS, NestJS, React
.NET Platform	ASP.NET Core Framework, Entity Framework, VBA
C++ Libraries and Tools	C/C++/C#
Python Frameworks	Django REST framework, FastAPI, Flask
JavaScript Libraries and Tools	Expo, p5.js, React Context, React Hooks, React Query, Redux-Saga
AI & Machine Learning	OpenAI, RAG
Python Libraries and Tools	pytest
Salesforce Ecosystem	SalesForce Workflow
Data Analysis and Visualization Technologies	Presto S3
Databases & Management Systems / ORM	Firebase Realtime Database, HDFS, MongoDB, MySQL, Sphinx
UI Frameworks, Libraries, and Browsers	Ant Design, CSS3, HTML5, Material UI, Semantic UI, Storybook, Tailwind CSS
Cloud Platforms, Services & Computing	GCP
Amazon Web Services	AWS API Gateway, AWS Cloudformation, AWS EC2, AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), AWS Lambda
Azure Cloud Services	Azure VM
Google Cloud Platform	Firebase Realtime Database
Industry Domain Experience	Embedded
UI/UX/Wireframing	3D Modelling
Methodologies, Paradigms and Patterns	Agile, microservices, microservices architecture, Scrum, SDLC, Solution Architecture Design, TDD
SDK / API and Integrations	API, AWS API Gateway, FastAPI, GraphQL, JWT, OAuth, RESTful API
Deployment, CI/CD & Administration	CD DevOps pipelines, Helm, Jenkins
Message/Queue/Task Brokers	Celery, Kafka
QA, Test Automation, Security	Code Review, Cypress, End 2 end testing, Jest, pytest, QA Automation, Unit Testing, Usability tests
Virtualization, Containers and Orchestration	Docker, Kubernetes
Version Control	Github Actions
Mail / Network Protocols / Data transfer	JWT, WebRTC, WebSockets
Blockchain and Decentralized Software	Optimism
Platforms	Quadient Automation
Operating Systems	Unix
Other Technical Skills	Caching, Legacy Application, Monitoring, RDS, Teamwork

Work Experience

Senior Software Engineer - Pagepro (SaaS platforms and customer-facing applications delivery)

Duration: Mar 2021 - Present
Summary:

Delivered SaaS platforms, customer-facing web applications, internal portals, and mobile products for clients across FinTech, HealthTech, MarTech, e-commerce, and digital product environments
The projects involved building scalable backend services, modern frontend applications, and cloud-native product delivery on AWS, improving performance and maintainability

Responsibilities:

Built scalable backend services with Python and FastAPI for various workflows including payment, healthcare scheduling, analytics dashboards, and third-party integrations.
Developed modern frontend applications using React, Next.js, TypeScript, and GraphQL with reusable components and improved state management.
Redesigned APIs, workflows, and frontend experiences in collaboration with engineering leads, product owners, and stakeholders.
Optimized high-traffic React applications to reduce page load times and improve rendering logic.
Improved real-time analytics and operational dashboards using React, FastAPI, Redis, PostgreSQL, and WebSocket updates.
Developed cross-platform features using React Native and Expo, reusing business logic across web and mobile.
Built and maintained REST and GraphQL APIs supporting various business tools and workflows.
Supported cloud-native product delivery on AWS with Docker, Kubernetes, ECS, Lambda, API Gateway, RDS, S3, GitHub Actions, and CI/CD pipelines.
Built AI-supported recommendation, semantic search, content discovery, and automation features using Python services and embeddings.
Maintained unit, integration, and end-to-end tests using Pytest, Jest, and Cypress.
Reviewed pull requests and supported less experienced engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Technologies: React, Next.js, TypeScript, Python, FastAPI, Node.js, PostgreSQL, Redis, AWS (Lambda, ECS, EC2, API Gateway, RDS, S3), Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, GraphQL, React Native, Expo, Pytest, Jest, Cypress

Full Stack Engineer - Madwise (MarTech and B2B SaaS platforms modernization and development)

Duration: Oct 2018 - Feb 2021
Summary:

Helped build and scale MarTech and B2B SaaS platforms supporting lead generation, campaign management, CRM workflows, customer segmentation, marketing automation, reporting, and analytics
Modernized legacy C#/
NET systems by migrating business-critical services into modern microservices and improved performance and automation

Responsibilities:

Modernized legacy C#/.NET systems by migrating services into Python, FastAPI, Flask, Django, and NestJS microservices.
Built backend services for campaign orchestration, automation workflows, analytics processing, CRM synchronization, and reporting.
Developed customer-facing dashboards and internal tools using React, Next.js, TypeScript, and reusable UI components.
Planned phased modernization approach addressing gaps between legacy architecture and business needs.
Replaced synchronous workflows with Celery workers, Redis queues, and background processing pipelines.
Optimized PostgreSQL queries, indexes, and reporting structures to improve dashboard response times.
Integrated CRM platforms, advertising tools, email marketing systems, analytics providers, and external APIs.
Contributed to AI-assisted lead scoring, campaign optimization, and recommendation features.
Worked across frontend, backend, cloud infrastructure, production support, and product discussions.

Technologies: C#/.NET, Python, FastAPI, Flask, Django, NestJS, Node.js, React, Next.js, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Redis, Celery, REST APIs

Back End Developer - Cosylab (Scientific, medical, industrial, and enterprise engineering systems development)

Duration: Oct 2015 - Sep 2018
Summary:

Developed software for scientific, medical, industrial, and enterprise engineering systems requiring reliability, precision, data consistency, and maintainability
Built backend services and APIs for distributed engineering platforms and internal tools, supporting telemetry workflows and real-time operational software

Responsibilities:

Built backend services using C#/.NET, ASP.NET, Entity Framework, SQL Server, and REST APIs for distributed engineering platforms and enterprise systems.
Collaborated with senior engineers, operators, and domain experts to adapt to specialized domains.
Designed and maintained APIs and data models connecting backend services, frontend tools, device components, and enterprise integrations.
Implemented event-driven processing with Kafka for telemetry workflows and real-time data movement.
Optimized SQL Server queries, indexes, and transaction handling to improve database performance.
Developed Angular-based internal interfaces and operational tools for engineering teams.
Participated in modernization initiatives involving Docker deployments, automated build pipelines, and service-oriented architecture.
Investigated production and integration issues, performed root-cause analysis, and implemented long-term fixes.

Technologies: C#/.NET, ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework, SQL Server, REST APIs, Kafka, Angular, Docker

Education

Bachelor of Computer Science
University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
Oct 2012 – Oct 2015

How to hire with Upstaff

1

Talk to Our Talent Expert

Our journey starts with a 30-min discovery call to explore your project challenges, technical needs and team diversity.

2

Meet Carefully Matched Talents

Within 1-3 days, we’ll share profiles and connect you with the right talents for your project. Schedule a call to meet engineers in person.

3

Validate Your Choice

Bring new talent on board with a trial period to confirm you hire the right one. There are no termination fees or hidden costs.

Why Upstaff

Upstaff is a technology partner with expertise in AI, Web3, Software, and Data. We help businesses gain competitive edge by optimizing existing systems and utilizing modern technology to fuel business growth.

Real-time project team launch

<24h

Interview First Engineers

Upstaff's network enables clients to access specialists within hours & days, streamlining the hiring process to 24-48 hours, start ASAP.

x10

Faster Talent Acquisition

Upstaff's network & platform enables clients to scale up and down blazing fast. Every hire typically is 10x faster comparing to regular recruitement workflow.

Vetted and Trusted Engineers

100%

Security And Vetting-First

AI tools and expert human reviewers in the vetting process is combined with track record & historically collected feedbacks from clients and teammates.

~50h

Save Time For Deep Vetting

In average, we save over 50 hours of client team to interview candidates for each job position. We are fueled by a passion for tech expertise, drawn from our deep understanding of the industry.

Flexible Engagement Models

Custom Engagement Models

Flexible staffing solutions, accommodating both short-term projects and longer-term engagements, full-time & part-time

Unique Talent Ecosystem

Candidate Staffing Platform stores data about past and present candidates, enables fast work and scalability, providing clients with valuable insights into their talent pipeline.

Transparent

$0

No Hidden Costs

Price quoted is the total price to you. No hidden or unexpected cost for for candidate placement.

x1

One Consolidated Invoice

No matter how many engineers you employ, there is only one monthly consolidated invoice.

Ready to hire Ziga Drev
or someone with similar Skills?

Book a call with Ziga Drev

Start Hiring