Full-Stack Software Engineer

Cloud Architecture • .NET & Node.js

Building scalable backend systems and cloud infrastructure that power real-world applications. Based in Chicago, IL.

About Me

I'm a software engineer based in Chicago with a passion for building robust, scalable systems. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics, and even spent a semester studying entrepreneurship in Berlin, Germany.

Over the past four years, I've worked across the full stack—from designing database schemas and implementing secure authentication systems to orchestrating cloud infrastructure and building CI/CD pipelines. I've had the opportunity to work with both Azure and AWS, manage high-volume production environments, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that directly impact users and businesses.

What drives me is the challenge of solving complex problems and the satisfaction of seeing systems work reliably at scale. Whether it's reducing deployment times from 4 minutes to 25 seconds, processing 15,000 applications in under a week with Python automation, or building serverless ETL solutions that handle large data volumes—I'm always looking for ways to make things better, faster, and more efficient.

These days, I'm working with .NET and Azure at PMCS while exploring modern web technologies like Next.js, TypeScript, and TanStack Query through freelance projects. I believe the best engineers stay curious and adaptable, always learning and evolving with the technology landscape.

Skills & Expertise

Backend Development

Building robust APIs, microservices, and server-side applications that power modern web and mobile experiences.

Technologies:

.NET Core • Node.js • Express.js • ASP.NET • Entity Framework • REST APIs

Cloud Architecture & DevOps

Designing and managing cloud infrastructure across Azure and AWS. From serverless solutions to container orchestration.

Technologies:

Azure • AWS • Docker • CI/CD • Infrastructure as Code

Frontend Development

Creating responsive, user-friendly interfaces with modern frameworks and tools. Focused on component-driven development.

Technologies:

React • Next.js • TypeScript • Tailwind CSS • Shadcn/ui

Professional Experience Highlights

Engineering at Scale

At Shoppinggives, I managed a fleet of 80+ production servers supporting a high-uptime, high-volume environment. This included building CI/CD pipelines, implementing secrets management, and maintaining on-call status for rapid incident response.

Performance Optimization

Reduced Next.js deployment times by 94%—from 4 minutes to 25 seconds—through strategic NPM module optimization. These kinds of improvements compound over time, saving development hours and enabling faster iteration.

Rapid Automation

Wrote Python scripts that processed and verified 15,000 GRFP applications in under a week—a task that would have taken the team significantly longer manually. Automation that delivers real business value.

Learning Projects

Exploring the digital universe, one commit at a time 🚀

cs-academia

A work in progress; documenting my academia => There are NO DEMOS yet, just the code

📅 August 6, 2020

tailwinds

A sample article suggestion website for learning to configure and use Tailwind CSS

📅 September 12, 2020

TicTacWhoa

React Native Implementation of a tic-tac-toe game; features React Native for Web, so it can run in the browser as well.

📅 March 15, 2021

TonyMakis.github.io

This is my main portfolio site built on Nextjs with ShadCN - Neobrutalism style components.

📅 June 1, 2020

Freelance Work

Recent Client Projects

GDL Cleaning Services

August 2025

Built a modern Progressive Web App (PWA) on Jamstack architecture, creating a lightweight and maintainable codebase from scratch. The project achieved a 100% cost reduction by migrating from self-hosting at $115/month to Netlify, while simultaneously improving site performance and reliability.

Tech Stack:

Next.js • TypeScript • JavaScript • Tailwind CSS • Netlify

Key Achievements:

  • • Eliminated monthly hosting costs entirely while improving performance
  • • Built responsive, mobile-first design for service business
  • • Implemented PWA features for better user experience
  • • Delivered maintainable codebase for future updates
View Live Site

MyVista Real Estate

July 2025

Created a custom, branded website with integrated real estate data and a custom search tool. Worked directly with the client through consultations to design logos, color palette, and complete theme resources that aligned with their brand vision.

Tech Stack:

Next.js • TypeScript • React • Shadcn/ui • Zod • Tailwind CSS • Google API • Node.js

Key Achievements:

  • • Designed complete brand identity from scratch based on client needs
  • • Integrated real estate data APIs for live property search functionality
  • • Built custom search tool for enhanced user experience
  • • Delivered modern, performant website with strong visual identity
View Live Site

Why I Freelance

Freelance work allows me to:

  • • Stay current with the latest web technologies and frameworks
  • • Wear multiple hats as engineer, designer, and consultant
  • • Solve diverse problems across different industries and use cases
  • • Help local businesses establish their digital presence
  • • Experiment freely with new tools and approaches

Modern Web Stack Exploration

Through freelance projects, I've been diving deep into the modern web development ecosystem—Next.js with TypeScript, modern state management patterns with Zustand and TanStack Query, component libraries like Shadcn/ui, and schema validation with Zod. This exploration keeps me sharp and brings fresh perspectives to my professional work.

Check out my GitHub for various projects and experiments. I believe in learning in public and sharing knowledge with the developer community.

Professional Values

Better Than Yesterday

I'm committed to continuous improvement—whether that's refactoring legacy code, learning new technologies, or finding more efficient solutions to old problems.

An Eye for Saving Money

I'm always looking for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Whether it's eliminating $115/month hosting fees, reducing deployment times by 94%, or automating manual processes—I believe good engineering should deliver both technical excellence and business value.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

I believe in planning and architecture upfront, but I'm also pragmatic enough to know when to start building and iterate. Good engineering is about judgment as much as skill.

Ship It

At the end of the day, code needs to run in production and deliver value. I focus on building things that actually work and solving real problems for real users.

Let's Work Together

I'm always interested in challenging projects, whether that's building scalable cloud infrastructure, developing modern web applications, or solving complex technical problems.

Currently open to:

  • • Full-time software engineering opportunities in Chicago
  • • Freelance web development projects
  • • Technical consulting
  • • Interesting side projects and collaborations

Chicago, IL | Open to hybrid/remote opportunities