Radoslav Popov

B2B | JavaScript | React | Front-End Architecture

B2B Contractor, 2021 - Ongoing

Collaborating with international clients to set up front-end architecture using React. Responsible for establishing and maintaining best practices, creating reusable components across multiple applications, and developing UI libraries that reflect corporate identity. Expertise in pixel-perfect, responsive implementation. Conduct technical interviews for front-end developers and mentor less experienced team members. Experienced as a founding engineer in tech start-ups.

References available from CEOs and founders upon request.

  • Senior JavaScript Developer, Founding Engineer at WisdomAI
    Via Toptal
    • Started the front-end application and GraphQL server from scratch, establishing the initial architecture and receiving positive feedback from stakeholders.
    • Enabled the client to secure their first paying customers within six months of establishing the initial application architecture.
    • Successfully transferred platform knowledge and maintenance responsibilities to newly hired full-time employees at the end of the 14-month contract.
    Background: Hired by WisdomAI before any front-end codebase existed, I quickly established the infrastructure using Next.js and a GraphQL server. I was the first to create a PR after the CTO and gradually built the chat interface for their AI business intelligence software — a ChatGPT-like UI capable of responding to user queries with charts and tables, in addition to simple text.
  • Senior JavaScript Developer, Founding Engineer (Norwegian Crypto Start-Up)
    Via Toptal
    • Built the front-end application from scratch and connected it to a headless CMS via a GraphQL API (Contentful).
    • Enabled the research team to publish articles visible on a custom-built research platform.
    • Developed a reusable React library with Storybook, collaborating closely with the UX expert to ensure a unified design across all applications.
    Background: As part of a tech team initiative to modernize research publication, I was hired to create a user-friendly, custom-built web platform utilizing a headless CMS. The CTO appreciated my proposed solution, based on Next.js, Firebase for authentication, and Contentful.
  • Senior React Front-End Engineer (Remote Vehicle Management Project, US-Based Enterprise)
    Via Toptal
    • Built the front-end application from scratch, utilizing Material UI components, and successfully connected it to rest APIs.
    Background: A major enterprise client in the scooter rental business needed a new internal UI to manage their vehicles remotely. Lacking UX and front-end expertise, they sought a quick, modern, and stable solution. I developed a React-based UI powered by Material UI components and deployed it in AWS, delivering the solution promptly.

Full-Time Software Engineer,2007 - 2021

  • Senior JavaScript Developer at FourthDec 2018 - Feb 2021
    • Led the setup of the front-end architecture and initiated a comprehensive rewrite of one of the organization's flagship web/native products—an employee engagement social network. Leveraged a tech stack including React, React Native, Redux, Redux-saga, Webpack, and Jest to deliver a modern, scalable, and high-performing solution.
    • Played a pivotal role in shaping the corporate strategy to migrate legacy products to cutting-edge technologies such as React and React Native. Led the establishment of best practices and robust architectural frameworks to ensure seamless transition.
    • Mentored and coached fellow front-end developers in React and software engineering best practices, driving professional growth (references upon request).
    Background: The company had previously faced challenges due to suboptimal engineering decisions, resulting in hard-to-maintain legacy products. I was brought on as the first Senior Engineer with deep React expertise to initiate a transition to modern, robust solutions. By the end of my tenure, team velocity had increased by 2 to 3 times.
  • JavaScript Developer at Urbanise.comJun 2016 - Jan 2018
    • Initiated the establishment of a robust vanilla JavaScript architecture and successfully led the development of a custom web application tailored for drawing office layouts incorporating IoT devices.
    • Served as an integral member of a cross-functional team dedicated to the development of a React application for property management in an Agile environment.
  • JavaScript Developer at Milestone SystemsApr 2012 - Jun 2016
    • Being the inaugural team member of the newly formed web development team, pioneered the development of the web client for a sophisticated video surveillance software, enabling seamless rendering of live and playback video directly in the browser.
    • Leveraged cutting-edge browser technologies for that era, such as Canvas, WebSockets, History API, File API, and CSS3 animations and transitions to drive the success of the web client, delivering a highly interactive and immersive user experience.
    • Played an important role in the hiring process, assuming responsibility for leading and conducting over 40 technical interviews specifically focused on JavaScript-related roles. Demonstrated expertise in evaluating and selecting top talent, ensuring the acquisition of skilled professionals who aligned with organizational requirements and goals.
    Background: The year was 2012 and SPA frameworks were not yet popular. The company had a bold ambition to build a live and playback video surveillance software in the browser—a feat that was uncertain at the time. Leveraging emerging HTML5 APIs and the new browser capabilities, I managed to set-up and later extend a custom JavaScript MVC framework, leading to the release of the Milestone Web Client. This product became a signature offering in the company's portfolio.
  • Java Developer at CSC (now DXC Technology)Jul 2009 - Apr 2012
  • [Part-time] Java Intern at SAP Labs BulgariaAug 2008 - Feb 2009
  • [Part-time] Front-end developer / PHP developer at StangaMar 2007 - Mar 2008

Education

  • Master's Degree in General Psychology in English, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski2015 - 2017
  • Bachelor's Degree in Informatics, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski2006 - 2010

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