Rok Mlakar

Role & Responsibilities

A versatile full stack developer and DevOps practitioner with experience across the entire software development lifecycle — from designing responsive frontends and robust backend APIs to managing infrastructure, deployments, and AI-powered features.

Frontend Web Application Development

Design and develop responsive, user-friendly web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frontend frameworks. Emphasis on clean UI/UX, component-based architecture, and performance optimization.

1. Build scalable, type-safe interfaces using React.js, TypeScript, and JSX
2. Apply component-driven architecture and modern state management patterns
3. Develop with Vue.js where appropriate, adapting to project requirements

Full Stack Web Development & DevOps

Build and maintain full stack applications using React (frontend), Python/FastAPI (backend), and PostgreSQL (database). Integrate APIs and manage backend services efficiently.

1. Develop backend services and REST APIs using Python and FastAPI
2. Containerize applications using Docker for consistent, portable environments
3. Implement CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions for automated testing and deployment
4. Manage self-hosted deployments and infrastructure using Coolify
5. Deploy and maintain services on AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda) ensuring reliability, security, and scalability
6. Utilize Node.js for tooling and scripting when required

Databases & Vector Search

Design, manage, and optimize relational and vector databases to support application and AI workloads.

1. Work with PostgreSQL for relational data modeling, migrations, and query optimization
2. Implement pgvector for storing and querying vector embeddings, enabling semantic search capabilities
3. Design schemas that support both structured data and AI-driven retrieval workflows

LLMs & AI-Powered Features

Integrate large language models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines into production applications.

1. Build RAG pipelines using Mistral AI for semantic search and intelligent document retrieval
2. Integrate Anthropic (Claude) APIs for conversational and generative AI features
3. Design embedding workflows and vector search strategies using pgvector

WordPress Web Development

Develop and customize WordPress websites, including theme and child theme creation, plugin integration, and performance optimization. Tailor solutions to meet specific client needs and ensure responsive, accessible designs.

Website Maintenance

Maintain websites to ensure they remain secure, up-to-date, and fully functional. Handle software updates, bug fixes, content management, and performance monitoring to provide reliable user experiences.

Backend Development: Main focus on backed development. Developed backend systems using Java and Jakarta EE, ensuring seamless server-side operations and business logic implementation.

Database Management: Worked with PostgreSQL for designing, implementing, and managing SQL databases to store and retrieve data efficiently.

API Development and Integration: Created and maintained RESTful APIs to facilitate communication between frontend and backend systems.

Server Requests Handling: Managed server requests and responses, optimizing server performance and ensuring reliability.

System Integration: Successfully integrated frontend applications with backend services, ensuring a cohesive and fully functional product.

Additional Backend Development: Implemented various backend functionalities including data processing, authentication, and authorization, enhancing the overall system architecture and performance.

Frontend Development: Utilized React.js and Node.js to create dynamic, responsive, and user-friendly web applications based off provided designs..

1. WooCommerce Online Shops Development: Designed, developed, and managed WooCommerce online stores, integration with WordPress.
2. SEO Optimization: Implemented on-page and off-page SEO strategies to improve website rankings on search engines, increasing organic traffic and visibility.
3. Google Analytics & Search Console Integration: Set up and configured Google Analytics and Search Console for websites, providing valuable insights and optimization strategies to enhance website performance.
4. Website Maintenance: Regularly updated and maintained websites to ensure they are secure, optimized, and up-to-date with the latest content and features.

1. Updating Computer Equipment: Ensured all computer hardware and software were up-to-date and functioning optimally.
2. Employee IT Support: Provided technical assistance to employees, resolving various IT-related issues.
3. Computer Repairs: Troubleshot and repaired computer hardware and software issues.
4. Network Management and Setup: Managed and established computer networks.
5. Cleaning Computer Hardware: Performed regular maintenance and cleaning of computer hardware.
6. Software Optimization: Optimized computer software to enhance performance and productivity.
7. System Security Optimization: Implemented and maintained system security measures.