Backend Engineering — Madrid

I build backend systems that scale — and don't fall apart under pressure.

Senior backend engineer with 7+ years across fintech, aerospace, and telecom — working mainly in Java, Python, and Go, with deep experience in PostgreSQL and distributed systems. I currently build backend and security architecture for a banking platform, including authentication systems increasingly augmented by AI. Alongside that, I take on a small number of consulting and mentoring engagements.

Vazgen Smbatyan
Senior Backend Engineer
Madrid, Spain
Focus areas
Backend Architecture Databases & PostgreSQL Distributed Systems AuthN / AuthZ
Stack
Java Python Go PostgreSQL Docker
Issued 2026 ● Active
7+ years Fintech & Banking Aerospace Telecom Distributed Systems
What I offer

Two ways to work with me

I split my time between hands-on engineering consulting and mentoring engineers who want to grow faster than a standard career path allows.

Consulting

Backend & Systems Engineering Consulting

For teams building backend systems that need to scale cleanly and hold up under real-world load — with security treated as a core requirement, not an afterthought. I come in for architecture reviews, database work, or hands-on build work.

  • Backend architecture and system design, in Java, Python, or Go
  • Database design, PostgreSQL performance, and data modeling
  • Distributed systems and infrastructure work
  • Authentication, authorization, and security reviews where it matters most
Discuss a project →
Mentoring

1:1 Engineering Mentorship

For engineers who want a second opinion from someone who has shipped in fintech, aerospace, and consulting — and who is currently on the other side of technical interviews and career decisions.

  • Career strategy: choosing specializations, roles, and moves
  • Technical growth: system design, security fundamentals, review habits
  • Interview preparation grounded in real system-design problems
  • Direct, structured feedback — not generic advice
Book a mentoring session →
Background

Where this experience comes from

Seven years, four industries, one thread running through all of it: systems that can't afford to fail quietly.

Now

Senior Software Engineer — Backend & Security, Fintech/Banking

Building backend and security architecture for a banking platform — authentication systems, data infrastructure, and increasingly, AI-integrated tooling.

Before

Cybersecurity Engineering

Built security alerting systems and led large-scale data migration work.

Before

Telecommunications & Aerospace

Backend systems in telecom; telemetry systems in aerospace, where a bug isn't just a support ticket.

Throughout

Consulting — NTT Data/Everis, Accenture, Capgemini

Fintech, aerospace, and data-platform engagements across some of the largest consulting firms in the industry.

Education

M.Sc. in Information Security

Thesis on forensic data collection, graded 10/10.

Approach

How I work

"Boring technology, used well."

The best backend systems are the least exciting ones. I'd rather run a proven database well than a trendy one poorly.

"Security is part of the design, not an afterthought."

Most incidents come from architecture, not a missed patch. I build it in early, not after something goes wrong.

"AI is a lever, not a shortcut."

I use it to move faster on code and analysis — never to skip understanding the system I'm responsible for.

Get in touch

Let's talk

Whether it's a project, an audit, or a mentoring conversation — reach out and tell me what you're working on.