Hi, I’m Tom Koukoulis, a highly analytical Java-focused backend developer with 10+ years of experience delivering robust APIs, microservices, and data modelling. I excel at translating complex requirements into clean, maintainable code and scalable architectures, using agile methods to deliver value in iterative sprints. Beyond coding, I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve hard problems, improving system clarity, and sharing knowledge to raise team capability. I also bring a passion for security-conscious design, evidenced by work on high-security CTI data stores and standards-driven data models (HQDM) that promote interoperability.

Tom Koukoulis

PRO

Hi, I’m Tom Koukoulis, a highly analytical Java-focused backend developer with 10+ years of experience delivering robust APIs, microservices, and data modelling. I excel at translating complex requirements into clean, maintainable code and scalable architectures, using agile methods to deliver value in iterative sprints. Beyond coding, I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve hard problems, improving system clarity, and sharing knowledge to raise team capability. I also bring a passion for security-conscious design, evidenced by work on high-security CTI data stores and standards-driven data models (HQDM) that promote interoperability.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Tom Koukoulis, a highly analytical Java-focused backend developer with 10+ years of experience delivering robust APIs, microservices, and data modelling. I excel at translating complex requirements into clean, maintainable code and scalable architectures, using agile methods to deliver value in iterative sprints.

Beyond coding, I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve hard problems, improving system clarity, and sharing knowledge to raise team capability. I also bring a passion for security-conscious design, evidenced by work on high-security CTI data stores and standards-driven data models (HQDM) that promote interoperability.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Java Developer at Elemendar
December 1, 2021 - April 1, 2025
Designed and developed a graph database for GCHQ to store CTI/STIX data, enabling data inference and new insights. Built secure RESTful microservices in core Java with Spring Boot to interact with the graph database, translating and storing table data into a rigorous linked-data model using HQDM. Leveraged MagmaCore and Apache Jena for RDF storage; collaborated with a GCHQ research lead to translate abstract ontological theory into practical Java components.
Freelance Software Developer at Self-Employed (PSP.gr, CityNow.gr)
September 1, 2019 - November 1, 2021
Independent backend developer delivering small-to-mid scale web platforms; optimized server-side rendering and front-end load times; designed architecture supporting content-driven layouts; advised on privacy, GDPR compliance, and accessibility; registered and configured news content for Google News integration to boost organic traffic.
Java Developer (contract) at BBC
October 1, 2017 - March 1, 2018
Developed microservices to connect to the BBC Wales video archiving system, effectively creating an API for content synchronization. Followed team conventions for test-driven development to ensure code quality and consistency with the existing codebase.
Lead Java Developer and Team Leader at PropX Ltd
March 1, 2017 - September 1, 2017
Designed and built an API for a commercial property search platform. Led infrastructure management on AWS (EC2, S3, Elastic Beanstalk) and analyzed traffic data for insights. Managed a small team, participated in interviews, and oversaw developer recruitment.
Java Developer at Shazam Entertainment Ltd
November 1, 2013 - February 1, 2015
Improved Java backend to enable song-tag syncing and built an internal incident management system. Implemented Google OAuth2.0 SSO to simplify intranet authentication for staff.
Java Developer / Freelance Software Engineer at Various (Earlier Career)
October 1, 2013 - October 1, 2013
Worked across startups, digital agencies, NGOs (e.g., Greenpeace UK) and EU institutions (e.g., EMA, Cedefop). Delivered backend systems, REST APIs, and web services with a focus on clean, maintainable code and robust architecture.

Education

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science (2:1 Hons) at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
November 30, 0002 - February 3, 2026
Subjects included programming, algorithm design, data structures, artificial intelligence (AI), and databases.
Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre Performance at Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
November 30, 0002 - February 3, 2026
Fostered creative thinking, adaptability, and innovative approaches to problem solving.
Certificate in Gamification and User Motivation (92.8%) at University of Pennsylvania (online)
November 30, 0002 - February 3, 2026
Apply motivational theory to enhance user engagement by recognising both the intrinsic motivation and the role of “fun”.

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Telecommunications