Valdo ROMAO

As an independent web developer, I help businesses and individuals build a strong online presence through modern, functional, and visually coherent websites. I combine technical expertise in PHP and JavaScript with a creative approach to brand strategy and design. My work includes: - Developing custom websites and web applications using PHP and JS frameworks - Providing training and support to help clients understand and use digital tools effectively - Creating brand strategies and visual identities from the ground up, ensuring alignment between design, message, and user experience I enjoy working at the crossroads of technology, design, and communication, delivering solutions that are both technically sound and strategically meaningful.

Kiln is a B2B crypto staking-as-a-service company helping institutions securely stake their digital assets. I joined the team as a Full Stack Engineer to help build and enhance internal tools and APIs powering the staking dashboard. Working in a team of 5 developers, I contributed to both the backend (Laravel) and frontend (React + TypeScript). The dashboard integrated multiple blockchain protocols, each requiring custom logic and APIs for protocol-specific operations. Key achievements: - Implemented gRPC support for Substrate-based chains - Added “Revoke Restake” operation for Cosmos protocol - Developed the Ethereum export page for the dashboard - Improved transaction error handling across the API - Built TRX /operations endpoint for tracking transactions - Integrated BigQuery into Laravel Nova to sync custodians data from HubSpot - Revamped the Dashboard Settings page for better UX - Added 2FA reset passkey request flow During this role, I significantly expanded my understanding of Web3 concepts such as validators, delegators, staking, slashing, transaction flow, custodians, and protocol-level operations. This experience gave me a basic technical and conceptual foundation in the DeFi and blockchain ecosystem.

WorkAdventure is an open-source platform blending video conferencing with virtual spaces, designed to make remote collaboration more human and engaging. I contributed both as a developer and a virtual world designer, helping shape innovative digital experiences for teams around the world. Key contributions: - Developed features and tools using Laravel, Svelte, Vue.js, and TypeScript - Designed and built virtual offices and event spaces using pixel art, level design, and custom scripting APIs - Supported and trained users globally, improving both my English and soft skills - Engaged with the open-source community on Discord, assisting users and fostering collaboration - Explored Web3 concepts (NFT) and strengthened my technical understanding of decentralized technologies - Experienced the future of work first-hand through 100% remote collaboration and spontaneous virtual teamwork This role allowed me to combine technical development, creative design, and community engagement, reinforcing my belief that digital environments can be both productive and inspiring.

Founded and led TheCodingMachine Portugal, the company’s Portuguese subsidiary, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a particularly challenging context for launching and growing a new business. Despite this, I successfully established operations and built a foundation for long-term growth. Key responsibilities: - Oversaw financial management, budgeting, and reporting - Managed and supported a local development team, ensuring alignment with global standards - Defined and implemented strategic plans for market positioning and growth - Contributed to sales and business development, building relationships with clients and partners This experience reinforced my ability to lead through uncertainty, make strategic decisions under pressure, and build structure from the ground up, balancing business vision with a hands-on understanding of tech operations.

Worked as both Project Manager and Developer on diverse web projects, combining technical expertise with client-facing responsibilities. Ensured project delivery from concept to deployment while maintaining strong communication between clients and technical teams. Key responsibilities & achievements: - Led project management and maintained customer relations, ensuring transparency and alignment with client needs - Designed and maintained web architectures using Docker and Docker Compose - Developed backends with Symfony (v3 & v4), implementing CRON jobs, REST/SOAP APIs, and GraphQL integrations - Contributed to the PHP-VCR open-source project (added SOAP support) - Built frontends with Vue.js, Vuex, Nuxt, and Angular (v1 to v7) - Wrote technical blog articles to share expertise and best practices This position strengthened my ability to bridge technical and managerial roles, coordinate teams efficiently, and deliver robust, scalable web applications in close collaboration with clients.

- Server, front-end and back-end development - Technical documentation - Acceptance test design and development - Adapting to a fast-growing technical environment - Collaboration in English and Spanish

- Added functionalities to a Back-office - Functional and technical specifications - Demonstration and presentation of developments to the Board - PHP, Laravel, jQuery, Ajax

- Enhancement of custom back-office e-mailing tools - Use of Rich Snippets and Schema tools to tag data