# Derak Kilgo
**Sr. Web Developer | PHP & Backend Systems | Legacy Modernization Expert**  
Austin, TX • me@derakkilgo.com • (512) 961-6448 • [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/derak-k-182aa24/)  

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## Summary
Creative and dependable technical professional with 22+ years of experience designing, modernizing, and sustaining complex web and backend systems. Proven ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams, lead integrations between diverse platforms, and deliver stable, maintainable solutions. Adept at troubleshooting, mentoring, and translating customer needs into actionable solutions. Seeking to apply deep technical knowledge and customer focus as a **Technical Support Engineer** helping companies integrate and optimize product adoption.

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## Core Competencies
- **Integration & API Development** – REST, SOAP, XML-RPC, LMS, eCommerce
- **Programming & Backend Systems** – PHP (19 years), MySQL, JavaScript, Linux Admin
- **Legacy System Modernization** – Migrating, refactoring, and sustaining large codebases
- **Customer Support & Enablement** – Troubleshooting, onboarding, accessibility remediation
- **Technical Leadership** – Mentoring, best practices, DevOps workflows, version control
- **Infrastructure** – Apache admin, Docker Compose, Vagrant, VirtualBox, Lando

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## Professional Experience

### **Education Service Center Region 13 – Austin, TX**  
**Project Coordinator – Web Application Development**  
*Jul 2020 – Present*  
- Lead development and support of ESC13’s flagship product.  
- Manage database, application, and server infrastructure for backend systems.  
- Assist IT staff with incident management and resolution.  
- Build development environments using Vagrant, VirtualBox, Docker Compose, and Lando.  
- Mentor and onboard development team members; guide adoption of emerging tech.  
- Modernize legacy applications and ensure accessibility compliance.

**Web Developer II**  
*Sep 2009 – Jul 2020*  
- Led development for 17 of 26 major projects, including reporting systems, payment platforms, and system integrations.  
- Designed and implemented custom APIs for LMS, Magento, Shopify, and third-party services.  
- Created integrations to sync accounts, enrollment, and grades between proprietary LMS and Canvas LMS.  
- Developed Magento and Texas.gov payment gateway modules.  
- Established web and database server configuration best practices still in use today.  
- Employee of the Quarter, March 2020.

**Website Engineer**  
*Sep 2006 – Sep 2009*  
- Developed data-driven PHP web applications for internal and external stakeholders.  
- Maintained and supported web infrastructure including servers and repositories.  
- Built CRUD generator using Yahoo UI Library; implemented Magento-based store.  
- Employee of the Quarter, 2007.

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### **Precision Micrographics – Austin, TX**  
**Product Development & Support**  
*2001 – 2006*  
- Provided technical support for industrial imaging hardware and software.  
- Administered servers, maintained security, and developed client/server applications.  
- Built web applications and installers; created user documentation.

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### **Prism Imaging, Inc. – Austin, TX**  
**Special Projects**  
*1999 – 2001*  
- Performed document scanning, sorting, quality control, and full imaging process support.

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## Education
**Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming**  
Austin Community College, Austin, TX – 2002  

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## Technical Skills
**Languages:** PHP, JavaScript, SQL, HTML5, CSS, jQuery, .NET, XML  
**Frameworks:** Zend Framework, Slim  
**Databases:** MySQL (Admin & Dev)  
**Tools:** Git, Docker Compose, Vagrant, VirtualBox, Lando  
**Servers:** Apache (Admin), Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS)  
**Other:** API Development, Payment Gateway Integration, LMS Integration, Accessibility Remediation

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## Community & Leadership
- **Assistant Organizer**, Austin PHP Meetup (2004 – Present)  
- **Volunteer**, Longhorn PHP Conference (2018 – Present)  

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## Strengths
Learner • Harmony • Restorative • Responsibility • Deliberative