About Me
Software Team Lead passionate about building scalable data platforms and leading high-performing engineering teams
Hello! I'm Zuhal Didem Aytac, a Software Team Lead at Mindsite in London, where I lead a cross-functional team of engineers and designers building data platforms and APIs. With a Master's degree from Politecnico di Torino and a Computer Engineering background from Boğaziçi University, I've grown from hands-on development to leading teams that deliver impactful solutions.
My journey spans from developing core APIs and optimizing data systems to managing team capacity and career growth. I specialize in PostgreSQL, Python, Golang, GCP, and ClickHouse, with a focus on building scalable data products that enable real-time analytics and drive business decisions.
Beyond technology, I bridge the gap between technical and business teams, ensuring our solutions align with customer needs. When I'm not coding or leading teams, you'll find me painting, baking, or exploring new places - creative pursuits that bring fresh perspectives to my technical work.
Experience
My journey in software development and team leadership
Mindsite
Software Team Lead
Apr 2025 - PresentLeading a cross-functional team of 4 engineers and 1 designer within the Data Platform team
- Overseeing full development lifecycle from design to deployment, ensuring high code quality and scalability
- Acting as bridge between technical and business teams, gathering requirements and aligning product features
- Managing team capacity, career growth, and well-being through 1:1s, goal setting, and performance reviews
- Collaborating with stakeholders to define product vision and roadmap, prioritizing features based on customer impact
Senior Software Engineer
Nov 2023 - Mar 2025Spearheaded development of core APIs and data infrastructure
- Designed and optimized data APIs utilizing ClickHouse with CDC for efficient data aggregation and retrieval
- Developed and maintained core APIs using PostgreSQL, Python, Golang, GitLab CI/CD, and GCP
- Enabled real-time analytics through optimized data pipeline architecture
- Implemented efficient data streaming and change data capture (CDC) patterns
Software Engineer
Feb 2022 - Nov 2023Built and managed core APIs for data platform
- Refactored main data API, improving response time by a factor of 100
- Built, tested, and managed core APIs for product development team
- Contributed to data platform architecture and optimization
Software Developer & Product Manager
Sep 2020 - Feb 2022Part-time role planning and developing main product
- Planned new main product from start to finish, ensuring client needs were met
- Defined product vision and roadmap, working with development teams
- Balanced technical implementation with product requirements
Microsoft
Intern
Jul 2020 - Sep 2020Worked on Apps Domain Team projects
- Designed and coded frontend using ReactJS
- Developed backend with Flask web service and SQL database
- Worked on availability problems and technology change speed
QNB Finansbank
Intern
Jun 2019 - Aug 2020Part of newly established Advanced Analytics team
- Organized and interpreted statistical data for client insights
- Developed machine learning models to automate bank processes
- Worked in one of Turkey's leading banks
Projects
A collection of my work across web and mobile platforms
A creative playground featuring small interactive experiments, data toys, and games. Explore innovative web experiences, interactive data visualizations, and playful digital experiments that showcase the intersection of technology and creativity.
A mindful daily reflection journal app that helps you build a daily reflection habit, track your growth, and find clarity—one moment at a time.
Transform your photos into AR art! Draw, overlay, and create stunning visuals in augmented reality. Perfect for artists, photographers, and AR enthusiasts.
A comprehensive headache diary app to track and manage headache patterns, triggers, and symptoms. Helps users understand their condition better.
Art Gallery
Exploring creativity through painting and mixed media
Whispers of the Wild
Echoes of Presence
Silent Repose
Mystique
Skyward Dreams
Harmony in Motion
Education
My academic journey and achievements
Polytechnic University of Turin
Master's Degree, Computer Engineering
Currently pursuing advanced studies in computer engineering with focus on modern software development, algorithms, and emerging technologies.
Boğaziçi University
Bachelor's of Science, Computer Engineering
Comprehensive computer engineering program with focus on software development, algorithms, and computer systems. Graduated with honors and active participation in various academic and extracurricular activities.
Kadikoy Anadolu High School
High School Diploma
Excellence in academic performance with strong foundation in mathematics, sciences, and technology. Recognized for outstanding achievements and leadership.
Continuous learning through online courses and workshops
Get In Touch
Let's connect and discuss opportunities for collaboration
Let's Start a Conversation
I'm always interested in new opportunities, whether it's discussing potential collaborations, sharing insights about technology and art, or simply connecting with fellow professionals.
Locations
Istanbul, Turkey
Turin, Italy