Göksel Kaan KARAY

Full-stack developer focused on Java (Struts2), Kendo UI, and cloud/self-hosted deployments. I ship scalable, reliable web apps (legal tech at scale) and practical side projects (FastAPI + PostgreSQL, homelab automation). GitHub: @kaankaray | LinkedIn: goksel-kaan-karay

Education

Bachelor's degree

Software Engineering
National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute"
(Sep 2018 - Jun 2022)

EPAM Java Autumn Program (Nov 2020 - Feb 2021)

Languages

Turkish (Native)
English (Advanced)
Russian (Intermediate)
Ukrainian (Beginner)

Technical Skills

Core: Java 8-11, Struts2, Python C/C++, Swift 5, Kendo UI, HTML/CSS/JS, SQL
Backend/Infra: FastAPI, PostgreSQL, SQLAlchemy, Nginx, systemd, GCP
Also used: Go, Docker, rclone
Homelab apps: Jellyfin, OpenMediaVault, HomeAssistant, Tailscale, Telegram Bot, Pi-hole, Vaultwarden, authentik

Experience

ILG Technologies - Full Stack Developer. (Dec 2022 - Ongoing)

Web applications that power infrastructure, UI, and day-to-day workflows for bar admission offices across 20+ U.S. states.

  • Designed and maintained Java services on GCP (batch jobs, API integrations) used by 20+ U.S. jurisdictions.
  • Built Struts2 MVC features (interceptors/taglibs) to streamline reusable UI flows and reduce boilerplate.
  • Delivered Kendo UI/Bootstrap data grids and tooling that improved back-office throughput.

"Ciro" iOS Application, Freelance (June 2017 - Ongoing)

Financial Management and Analysis application developed as a mobile application for managing and analyzing financial data, including cash flow, card transactions, and expenses.

  • iOS financial tracking app (Swift 5) with interactive charts and calendar views.
  • Phone-number authentication (Firebase) and push notifications (OneSignal).
  • Dynamic event creation/validation; CocoaPods for third-party integrations.

"mark-my-words.xyz" - Personal Project (2025 - Ongoing)

Self-hosted micro-app to create shareable, passcode-unlockable notes with an audit trail.

  • Backend with FastAPI + SQLAlchemy; PostgreSQL datastore.
  • Responsive UI in HTML/CSS/JS/Bootstrap; Firebase Authentication (SMS), Facebook and X login.
  • Deployed on GCP using Docker; later migrated to Raspberry Pi with Nginx and native Python (venv) for full self-hosting and cost efficiency.
  • Implemented phased roadmap (security logging of IP/attempt/message IDs; password unlocking) and structured DB design for reliability.

Homelab Projects - Personal Projects (2024 - Ongoing)

  • Built a NAS with Google Drive integration and rsync caching to optimize Jellyfin streaming.
  • Configured Nginx reverse proxy with SSL; automated services via systemd timers and custom scripts (rclone sync, watchdog, backups).
  • Deployed Home Assistant for smart-home automation and monitoring.
  • Developed a Telegram bot for notifications, automation, and remote control.

"Lottery" Automated Blockchain Lottery System, Finishing Project (June 2022)

Developed an automated lottery system integrating with multiple Ethereum-compatible blockchains.

  • Implemented using Python, leveraging Web3.py for blockchain interaction.
  • Utilized APScheduler for task scheduling and automation.
  • Designed a SQLite database to store and manage lottery winners.
  • Integrated random seed generation for unique Ethereum account creation.
  • Comprehensive logging and error handling for robust operation.