About Me
I'm Salvatore Orlando, a Senior Full-Stack Engineer and System Integration Architect based in Sicily, Italy. For over 13 years, I've been building web platforms, modernizing legacy systems, and architecting complex integrations that connect enterprise systems and drive business value.
I'm currently Head of Development at Digitouch, where I lead a team of 5 engineers and serve as technical architect for enterprise projects. My work spans from hands-on coding to coordinating multi-vendor integrations and implementing AI-augmented development workflows.
My Journey
2012-2016: Learning the Fundamentals
Started at Neuron Web Agency, building websites and web applications for major international brands across
automotive, financial, and consumer goods sectors. This is where I learned database design, performance
optimization, and how to communicate with clients effectively. Built everything from interactive social media
campaigns to data-intensive business applications.
2016-2018: Going Independent
Worked as a freelance developer, delivering projects for multiple web agencies. Diversified into e-commerce
platforms, mobile applications, and custom business management solutions. Learned to manage client expectations,
scope projects, and deliver on tight deadlines.
2018-2019: First Leadership Role
Technical coordinator at AmicoPay, leading a team of 6 developers building a complete payment gateway solution
from scratch. Designed system architecture supporting multiple payment methods, third-party integrations.
First real taste of technical leadership and the challenges of coordinating a team.
2019-2021: Business Automation Focus
At CDS, specialized in building business automation tools. Developed automated tender management systems,
inventory control panels, and pricing engines. Learned how to reduce manual work through thoughtful automation,
achieving results like 80% reduction in manual data entry.
2022-Present: Head of Development
Leading development at Digitouch. My role evolved from pure hands-on development to a hybrid of technical
architecture, team leadership, and strategic decision-making. Architecting enterprise integrations connecting
systems like SAP, Amazon Business, and payment gateways. Recently implementing AI-augmented development
initiatives to boost team productivity.
What I Do Best
Legacy System Modernization
I specialize in transforming aging monoliths into modern, scalable architectures. This means reverse-engineering old systems, understanding business logic buried in decades-old code, and migrating to modern stacks without data loss. I've transformed 10+ year old systems with 250+ table databases into streamlined architectures, handling complex data migration strategies while maintaining zero downtime.
System Integration Architecture
I design and implement integration layers that connect multiple enterprise systems—ERPs, CMSs, payment gateways, fulfillment platforms. This involves coordinating stakeholders across different organizations, designing API contracts, managing data flows, and building resilient architectures that handle failure gracefully. I've architected integrations connecting 6+ external systems for enterprise clients.
Technical Leadership
I mentor developers through quarterly goal-setting, regular 1:1s, and code reviews. I balance technical debt against feature velocity, make architectural decisions that consider both technical excellence and business constraints, and foster a culture of continuous learning. I lead by example—staying hands-on with code while providing strategic direction.
My Approach
Understand the problem deeply before writing code. I spend time with stakeholders to understand the real business problem, not just the stated technical requirement.
Choose the right tool for the job, not the trendy one. Docker Swarm over Kubernetes when it makes sense. Boring, proven technology over the latest JavaScript framework.
Pragmatic over perfect. Ship working solutions that solve real problems. Refactor when needed, not when it feels good.
Own the solution end-to-end. From initial architecture to production deployment to monitoring and optimization. I take responsibility for outcomes, not just code.
Focus on measurable business impact. Every technical decision should connect to business value. Faster deployment cycles, reduced manual errors, improved conversion rates—these are the metrics that matter.
What I'm Looking For
I'm seeking remote Senior/Lead Engineer or Solutions Architect opportunities in product-focused companies where:
- Technical depth and architectural thinking drive meaningful impact
- Continuous learning is valued and encouraged
- Team collaboration is prioritized over individual heroics
- Pragmatic problem-solving outweighs dogmatic adherence to methodologies
- Business context informs technical decisions
I thrive in environments where I can balance hands-on technical work with strategic architectural decisions, where I can mentor other developers while continuing to grow my own skills, and where technical excellence serves clear business objectives.
Outside of Work
When I'm not coding, you'll find me:
- Gaming (Chess or PC/Console)
- Tinkering with hardware setups—mechanical keyboards, IoT projects, workstation optimization
- Home Lab & IT Infrastructure (self-hosted services, network/server management)
- Following Formula 1 (tifoso at heart)
- Full-time companion to an energetic Weimaraner.
- Balancing the digital with the physical through seasonal maintenance and manual harvesting of olives and nuts.
I believe the best engineers are curious about everything, not just code. These interests keep me creative, teach me patience and attention to detail, and remind me that solving complex problems can also be fun.
Get in Touch
Interested in working together or just want to chat about technology, legacy modernization, or mechanical keyboards? I'd love to hear from you.