Hi, my name is
Kolawole Balogun.
Senior Backend Engineer.
US-based backend engineer with 20+ years of experience working on government systems, telecom platforms, and SaaS products. Currently at Focus Consulting.
About Me

I'm a backend engineer with 20+ years of experience. Most of my work has been on Python and Java systems - government platforms, messaging infrastructure, and SaaS products. I like building things that are reliable and straightforward.

Outside of work, I'm into fitness, cooking, music and home improvement.

Core Skills
  • Python
  • Java
  • PHP
  • PostgreSQL
  • AWS
  • Redis
  • RabbitMQ
  • Docker
  • Flask
  • Django
  • REST APIs
I also have experience with:
  • FastAPI
  • SQLAlchemy
  • Pydantic
  • Spring Boot
  • SMPP
  • TypeScript
  • React
  • Next.js
  • Kubernetes
  • Terraform
  • Elasticsearch
  • MongoDB
  • MySQL
  • OAuth 2.0
  • OpenAPI
Experience
Senior Backend Engineer Focus Consulting
March 2022 - Present

Building and maintaining Massachusetts' Paid Family & Medical Leave system, a state government benefits platform serving millions of residents.

Part of the Employers and Accounts team - we own the employer portal, leave administrator verification, employer review of leave applications, and tax documents like the IRS Daily Sick Pay Report. Python, Flask, PostgreSQL, AWS.

Principal Engineer Simpu
January 2020 - April 2023
Built the technical infrastructure for a multi-tenant SaaS platform for business communications and marketing automation.

Built SMS engine capable of sending 3,000+ messages per second using Java, SMPP, and RabbitMQ

Architected backend API using Python (Django), MySQL, and RabbitMQ

Built email delivery system with bounce rate monitoring and sender reputation management.

Senior Software Engineer DevCenter
September 2016 - December 2018
Built backend systems for Sub-Saharan Africa's largest developer community platform.

Built project management API with Stripe payment integration and Pusher real-time chat

Developed Slack bot for automated job application processing using Python (Flask) and Node.js

Fullstack Engineer Starfish Mobile
August 2014 - March 2016

Built SMS application integrating with telecom SMPP servers for two-way messaging and mobile airtime billing

Developed trivia, surveys, lottery, and reward systems using PHP, Laravel, and MySQL

Projects
 
Simpu

Transactional messaging for SMS and email - OTPs, notifications, alerts. Built to handle high volume with delivery tracking and analytics.

Marketing campaigns across SMS and email. Audience segmentation, scheduling, A/B testing, and deliverability monitoring to keep bounce rates low.

Omnichannel inbox for customer conversations - WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Messenger, and SMS in one place. Plus CRM tools for managing contacts and automating workflows.

  • Django
  • Flask
  • Java
  • SMPP
  • RabbitMQ
  • Redis
  • AWS
  • Web Sockets
Communication Tool

Two-way SMS platform for running interactive services - instant win games, polls, voting, and subscription content. Built for telcos and content providers.

Integrates with carrier billing systems for monetization. Supports MT/MO billing and third-party direct billing platforms.

This was the precursor to Simpu's messaging infrastructure. Same core engine that later became the 3,000+ msg/sec system.

  • Java
  • Python(Django)
  • PHP
  • SMPP
  • RabbitMQ
  • MongoDB
  • PGP Encryption
 
 
Communication Tool

Two-way SMS platform for running interactive services - instant win games, polls, voting, and subscription content. Built for telcos and content providers.

Integrates with carrier billing systems for monetization. Supports MT/MO billing and third-party direct billing platforms.

This was the precursor to Simpu's messaging infrastructure. Same core engine that later became the 3,000+ msg/sec system.

  • Java
  • Python(Django)
  • PHP
  • SMPP
  • RabbitMQ
  • MongoDB
  • PGP Encryption
 
Shopdirect Nigeria

Cross-border e-commerce API enabling African consumers to purchase products from US retailers.

Backend handles product catalog management, order processing, and shipping logistics coordination.

Built with Python, Flask, and PostgreSQL. Integrated AI features for product data enrichment.

  • Python
  • Flask
  • SQLAlchemy
  • PostgreSQL
  • Redis
  • AWS
Contact
Feel free to say hi. I am more than happy to answer any questions.