Work with George Khananaev
Full Stack Engineer · Tech Lead · Fractional CTO
Ten years of building production software across Python, TypeScript, and Swift. Most recently, I led engineering at Moon Holidays, where I designed and built the core platform that supports the company's product line. Before that, backend work on multi-platform ecommerce systems and Python automation. I'm usually most helpful when tackling end-to-end challenges like multi-tenant platforms, AI and LLM integration, real-time systems, and platform rescues.
If any of that lines up with what you're working on, I'd like to hear about it. The more detail you can share about the specific problem and the outcome you're after, the easier it is for me to give you a thoughtful response. I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right person for the job. If I'm not, I probably know someone who is.
How I work
Where I add the most value
Selected engagements across architecture, delivery, and technical leadership. Most clients start with a specific problem and expand into a retainer from there.
System Architecture & Technical Design
Designing scalable, secure, multi-tenant systems from the ground up. Database schemas, API contracts, event-driven pipelines, and build-vs-buy decisions tuned for your actual scale, team, and budget.
Senior Full Stack Development
Shipping demanding features end-to-end across Python / FastAPI, TypeScript / Next.js, React, and Swift. Production code with real tests, observability, CI/CD, and runbooks. Not just a working demo.
AI & LLM Integration
Production-grade LLM features with Claude, OpenAI, and self-hosted Ollama. RAG pipelines, agent workflows, prompt engineering, evaluations, and token-cost controls. Systems your customers actually rely on.
Workflow Automation & Integrations
Replacing manual busywork with reliable automations. Python scripts, n8n flows, third-party API integrations (Stripe, Twilio, Google, Slack), web scraping, ETL pipelines, and custom business logic that saves hours every week and scales without breaking.
Performance, Cost & Scale Optimization
Cutting cloud bills, eliminating slow queries, and removing the bottlenecks that limit growth. Database tuning, caching strategies, infrastructure right-sizing, and code-level profiling that pay for themselves.
DevOps & Cloud Infrastructure
Production infrastructure built to operate and scale. Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, GCP, and Oracle Cloud, with CI/CD pipelines, observability through Prometheus and Grafana, and deployments behind Traefik, Nginx, and Cloudflare.
Security & Compliance Engineering
Secure by default. JWT and OAuth flows, encryption in transit and at rest, rate limiting, bot protection, dependency auditing, strict security headers (CSP, HSTS), and preparing codebases for SOC2 and GDPR reviews.
Engineering Leadership & Fractional CTO
Hands-on Tech Lead, Engineering Manager, or fractional CTO. Hiring, mentoring, code-review culture, sprint cadence, roadmap planning, and the hard calls that keep teams shipping on time.
Legacy Modernization & Rescue Engagements
Untangling legacy codebases, leading framework and cloud migrations, running technical due diligence, and turning around stuck projects. Bring me in when the stakes are high and the deadline is real.
Tech stack
Tools I reach for
The stack behind every case study in the portfolio, grouped by category.
Languages
Runtimes & Servers
Frameworks & Libraries
AI & LLMs
Databases & Messaging
Cloud Platforms
Containers & Orchestration
DevOps & Infrastructure
Operating Systems & Shells
External Services & Security
Testing
Editors & Tooling
What clients say
Trusted by founders and operators
Unedited feedback from people I've worked with over the last decade.
Without doubt one of the most talented programmers out there. I always go back to George when I'm out of my depth and he's never failed to deliver what I ask for. Smart, trustworthy and professional.
Hanan Hananaev
I've known George for many years now, he's a very smart and talented guy. He always strives for the best in what he does, and you can be certain that he will not let you down.
Tzuriel Nimni
Any problem, malfunction or other hardware or software related issue that so called experts can't find or refuse to handle with hundred of excuses such as: not worth it, impossible. George probably will do quickly and hassle free. Very glad that I've met him and always able to direct to him some of my challenges. For sure, one of the most talented guys I've ever met.
Marina Rapaport
George is a true leader and an exceptionally talented developer who consistently thinks outside the box. He approaches every challenge with creativity and delivers results that exceed expectations. His drive for performance and excellence sets him apart.
Zahi Bella
One of the most talented and dedicated people I've ever worked with. George brings a rare combination of deep technical skill and genuine commitment to every project. He doesn't just write code, he solves problems and makes sure everything works flawlessly.
Lior R.
Get in touch
Think we're a fit?
Send a brief describing the problem, the rough timeline, and the outcome you want. Inquiries that fit get a reply within a day.
Not the right fit yet? Browse the portfolio for context on how I work, or read the Travel Panel case study to see a platform I designed and built from zero.