Serkan Kalem
Staten Island,NY
Summary
Resourceful full-stack engineer with experience driving product development from concept to launch at a fast-moving tech startup. Strong background in designing and building scalable web applications across frontend and backend systems, with hands-on expertise in JavaScript, React, and modern web architectures. Adept at leading teams, solving complex technical problems, and establishing engineering best practices that improve code quality, performance, and security. Communicates clearly across disciplines, translating product requirements into effective technical solutions. Combines deep technical expertise with coaching and instructional experience from Jiu-Jitsu, bringing a balanced approach to leadership, empathy, and teamwork.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Product/Lead Software Engineer
brokr
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Led the end-to-end development of Brokr’s dataroom platform, overseeing architecture, implementation, and delivery in a fast-moving startup environment. Managed and mentored a cross-functional engineering team, establishing coding standards, development workflows, and best practices that improved code quality and development efficiency.
- Contributed extensively to both frontend and backend development using JavaScript, React, HTML, CSS and supporting backend technologies, building scalable features and reusable components.
- Designed and implemented key platform functionality, including user authentication, secure file handling, permission systems, and real-time updates, enhancing reliability and user experience.
- Collaborated directly with founders, product managers, and designers to shape the product roadmap, define technical requirements, and influence strategic decisions around platform functionality and scalability.
- Led architectural planning efforts, including API design, database structure, integration points, and long-term platform scalability considerations.
- Drove the transition from early MVP to a stable production-ready application, optimizing performance, improving security, and reducing technical debt. Played a key role in cross-team communication, translating product needs into technical solutions and ensuring alignment between engineering and business goals.
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
10th Planet NYC
12.2022 - Current
- Teach structured Jiu-Jitsu classes for students of all experience levels—from beginners to advanced—building strong communication skills by clearly explaining techniques, concepts, and training principles.
- Developed lesson plans and progressions tailored to varied skill levels, creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
- Work closely with fellow instructors to coordinate class structure, share teaching strategies, and maintain consistency across training sessions, strengthening team collaboration.
- Provided individualized coaching and real-time feedback to help students refine technique and improve performance while fostering trust and effective communication.
- Fostered a positive, inclusive team culture on the mats, promoting discipline, confidence, respect, and continuous improvement within the student community.
Education
Bachelors - Computer Science
College of Staten Island
Staten Island05.2024
No Degree - Business, Biology
St. Francis College
Brooklyn08.2021
Skills
- JavaScript
- HTML, CSS, React/ React Native
- Python, SQL
- Code debugging
- Frontend/Backend Engineering
- API Design & Integration
- Database Structure & Architecture
- Team Leadership & Mentorship Technical Decision-Making
- Team building expertise
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-Solving Critical Thinking
- Software design
- Design thinking
- Mobile app development
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Native or Bilingual
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Adventure Travel
- Chess
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
Timeline
Head of Product/Lead Software Engineer
brokr
07.2024 - 07.2025
Jiu Jitsu Instructor
10th Planet NYC
12.2022 - Current
Bachelors - Computer Science
College of Staten Island
No Degree - Business, Biology
St. Francis College