Mike Krejci

Software Engineer (PHP, APIs, Data Systems) • PHP • MySQL • REST APIs • AWS • Docker • Linux

Software Engineer with 20+ years of experience designing and developing PHP-based applications, data systems, and REST APIs. Extensive background in MySQL database architecture, data processing workflows, and scalable backend systems.

Extensive experience building and maintaining full-stack web applications using PHP, JavaScript, and Linux-based environments, with working knowledge of modern frameworks such as Laravel and API-driven architectures, familiar with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), containerization (Docker), and version control (Git).

Skilled in complex system analysis, database design, and data modeling, with experience modernizing legacy systems and delivering end-to-end solutions. Effective in remote, self-directed environments, with strong stakeholder communication.

Expert at working effectively in both agile and traditional development environments, including fully remote teams. Known for rapidly understanding complex systems, modernizing legacy codebases, and delivering reliable, maintainable solutions.

Skills / Technologies

Languages: PHP (30+ years), JavaScript, SQL, Bash, Python (familiar), PowerShell (familiar), Java (working knowledge)
Backend & APIs: REST API design and development, API integrations, SOAP, JSON/XML, data processing workflows
Frameworks: Fat-Free Framework (extensive hands-on), Laravel (working knowledge), MVC architecture
Frontend: JavaScript, jQuery, responsive web development (mobile-first)
Databases: MySQL, MariaDB (extensive), Microsoft SQL Server (familiar), MongoDB (familiar), relational database design and optimization
DevOps & Cloud: Docker (familiar), AWS/Azure (familiar), Linux server administration (extensive)
Tools & Practices: Git (version control), CI/CD pipelines (familiar), Agile and Waterfall development, PHPUnit (working knowledge), Jasmine (working knowledge)
Systems & Architecture: API integrations, legacy system modernization, full-stack application development, multi-tier systems

Key Accomplishments

Designed and developed a configurable integration platform enabling connections to multiple external data sources and APIs without requiring custom code
Built and managed large-scale relational database systems supporting millions of records across multiple applications
Developed a public-facing data platform for the California Secretary of State, enabling access to state-level campaign finance records
Designed and implemented a REST API management system supporting JSON/XML, with authentication, permissions, and rate limiting
Created multiple internal data management tools that significantly reduced manual workload and improved operational efficiency
Develop and maintain web-based platforms for historical weather data analysis and forecasting (weather-reporter.com, weathersigma.com)
Built custom web applications for specialized use cases, including user account systems, search functionality, and real-time data display interfaces
Developed a private, user-focused platform for managing and sharing family and ancestry data (itsyourkin.com)
Led the evolution of internal data systems into a full-featured public web platform, enabling large-scale access to structured data
Developed a membership and donation management system supporting approximately 50,000 users
Contributed to organizational and technical strategy as a member of the Executive Committee

Experience

Readyworks, Full Stack Developer (Remote); 03/2022 - 12/2025

Enhanced the Digital Conductor automation platform by developing API integrations, improving data processing workflows, and modernizing core backend components.

Built and maintained integrations with external systems using REST APIs and custom data ingestion pipelines
Designed and optimized MySQL database schemas and backend data workflows for performance and scalability
Developed full-stack features across PHP-based backend systems and JavaScript frontend components
Refactored and modernized legacy code, improving system reliability and maintainability
Delivered new platform features in a highly self-directed, remote development environment

SOCi, Inc, Senior Full Stack Software Engineer (Remote); 08/2018 - 07/2021

Developed and maintained components of a marketing SaaS platform, contributing to full-stack feature development, database optimization, and collaborative engineering workflows.

Developed full-stack features using PHP-based systems, custom frameworks, and JavaScript frontend components
Built and maintained frontend functionality using Backbone.js
Designed and optimized MySQL queries and database structures within a large-scale production environment
Collaborated with product management to define technical requirements and assess feasibility of new features
Participated in a mob programming team, contributing to shared design, implementation, and problem-solving
Delivered features in iterative agile development cycles within a fully remote, distributed team

MapLight, Systems and Database Administrator, Developer (Remote); 05/2011 - 06/2018

Designed, developed, and maintained data-driven applications and database systems, supporting large-scale datasets, internal workflows, and public-facing platforms.

Designed and implemented an internal platform enabling researchers to manage multiple databases, generate reports, and automate data processing workflows
Developed a public-facing PHP/MySQL web application for the State of California to search and access millions of campaign finance records
Designed and optimized relational database schemas to efficiently manage and query large-scale datasets
Built internal tools to streamline software development workflows, reducing deployment bottlenecks and improving team productivity
Analyzed large datasets and implemented data processing solutions to support reporting and research needs
Collaborated on technical and user-facing specifications for internal systems and applications

National Institute on Money in State Politics, IT Director, Developer (Remote); 12/2000 - 04/2011

Led development and maintenance of data-driven applications and systems supporting large-scale, multi-state campaign finance datasets and public-facing platforms.

Designed and implemented a MySQL relational database managing tens of millions of records, with ongoing high-volume data ingestion and updates
Built internal web-based tools enabling researchers to efficiently manage, group, and edit large datasets across multiple platforms
Developed dynamic components of the organization’s public website using PHP and SQL, integrating with externally designed frontend assets
Designed and implemented public REST APIs with authentication, rate limiting, and user management capabilities

Project Vote Smart, IT Director, Developer; 02/1992 - 11/2000

Designed and developed early data-driven applications and systems, evolving internal tools into a full-featured web platform supporting large-scale public data access.

Built an internal data management platform enabling volunteers to maintain and manage a nationwide database of political information across all 50 states
Led the transition from internal systems to a public-facing website, establishing the organization’s online presence
Developed a membership and donation tracking system supporting approximately 50,000 users
Served on the Executive Committee (Board Member), contributing to organizational and technical strategy

Testimonials

“The ETL engine that you have built was no small feat, with all its inbound, outbound, and orchestration abilities. We truly appreciate all the effort you’ve put into the product.” -- Michal Jaworek, CTO, ReadyWorks (2025)
“Appreciate your passion for always finding the best solution for technical issues that arise and your ability to juggle multiple tasks.” -- Leon Smith, Technical Director, MapLight (2017)
“It would not be possible for me to overstate both Project Vote Smart's dependence on, or admiration and respect for Mr. Krejci's abilities. Mr. Krejci comes to you with my highest recommendation.” -- Richard Kimball, President, Project Vote Smart (2000)