Meet Francisco José García Navarro
Francisco José García Navarro is co-founder of AtalayaSoft and Senior iOS Architect with over 25 years in software development and 11+ years specialised in native iOS. He has worked embedded in product teams at Zara/Inditex (app with 218 million users), Banco Santander (15.5 million digital users across Europe), AXA, Juegos ONCE and El País, among others.
His experience spans banking, retail, insurance, media, gaming, cybersecurity and digital identity, with apps used by hundreds of millions of users.
An early passion for programming
Francisco wrote his first lines of code at age 13, on an Amstrad CPC 6128 with a disk drive. He started building videogames in BASIC, Pascal and C in the 90s, when programming at home still meant typing code listings from magazines and waiting several minutes for a cassette to load.
From there he moved into professional web development in the early 2000s (PHP, ActionScript, JavaScript), and in 2014 he made the definitive jump into the Apple ecosystem: native iOS with Objective-C first, Swift later, and since then exclusively Apple platforms. Over a decade building apps for banking, retail, insurance, media and cybersecurity — from early-stage startups to enterprise teams of dozens of developers and apps with hundreds of millions of users.
That passion from age 13 remains the same today: what has changed are the languages, the tools and the scale.
Cherrytel Comunicaciones
La Nevera Roja
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Destinia
Clients
Francisco has worked both as senior iOS developer and team lead for some of the most relevant companies in Spain and Europe.
The work he does and who he helps
How Francisco likes to work
Francisco prefers to work with native Apple technologies, clean architecture and minimal third-party dependencies, because that's what guarantees the best performance, the best user experience and the highest long-term maintainability. He adapts, of course, to the technologies and methodologies each client prefers.
- Swift and SwiftUI Building modern, declarative, high-performance apps with Swift 6 and SwiftUI. Incremental migration from UIKit to SwiftUI in projects that require it.
- Clean architecture and SOLID principles Clean Architecture with clear layer separation (domain, data, presentation), dependency injection and decoupled modules. Code that can be scaled, tested and maintained.
- Swift Concurrency async/await, Actors and Sendable. Migration from GCD and completion handlers, targeting Swift 6 and strict concurrency checking.
- Real testing (TDD and BDD) Unit tests, integration tests, UI tests and snapshot tests. XCTest, Quick/Nimble. Testing as part of the development flow, not as an afterthought.
- Modularisation with Swift Package Manager Distribution of internal frameworks and dependencies via SPM. Reduced build times and clear contracts between modules.
- Minimal use of third-party libraries Prioritisation of native frameworks like URLSession over external dependencies like Alamofire. Fewer dependencies, less technical debt.
- Accessibility (VoiceOver, Dynamic Type) Compliance with Apple accessibility standards and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Direct experience building accessible apps for visually impaired users at Juegos ONCE.
- CI/CD and iOS DevOps Xcode Cloud, Fastlane, GitHub Actions, Jenkins. Automated builds, tests and deployments. Management of App Store Connect accounts (Enterprise and standard), TestFlight and security audits.
- Agile methodologies Scrum, Kanban. Full participation in client dailies, plannings and retros, as one more member of the team.
- Review of iOS code generated by AI Professional audit of the code that assistants like Cursor, Copilot or Claude Code leave in your repository. Validation of architecture, security and maintainability before going into production.
Tech stack
Modern 2026 stack
- Swift 6
- Swift Concurrency
- SwiftUI
- Observation
- SwiftData
- Foundation Models / Apple Intelligence
- Core ML
Solid base for production apps
- UIKit
- Combine
- Core Data
- CloudKit
- StoreKit
- Swift Package Manager
Architecture and quality
- Clean Architecture
- SOLID
- MVVM
- VIPER
- Coordinator
- Repository Pattern
Testing, security and accessibility
- TDD
- BDD
- XCTest
- Snapshot Testing
- Encryption
- NFC
- Bluetooth
- VoiceOver
- Dynamic Type
- EAA
CI/CD and operations
- Xcode Cloud
- Fastlane
- GitHub Actions
- Jenkins
- TestFlight
- App Store Connect (Enterprise + Standard)
Collaboration
- Git
- Gitflow
- Jira
- Slack
- Confluence
While this is how Francisco prefers to work, he is adaptable and fits into the technologies and methodologies each client has already established.
Career milestones
Over 25 years of experience in software development, with apps used by hundreds of millions of people. Some numbers that summarise the scale of Francisco's work:
218 million users. The retail app with the most active users in the world.
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15.5M
users on Banco Santander OneApp Europe (UK, ES, PT, PL). 4.8★ on App Store Spain.
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25+
years in software development, since 2001 (web) and since 2014 in native iOS.
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11+
years of exclusive specialisation in native iOS and the Apple ecosystem.
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30+
companies: startups, product companies, IT consultancies, cybersecurity.
Industries covered: Banking, retail, insurance, media, gaming, cybersecurity, digital identity, public administration, culture, telecommunications, travel, e-commerce.
Roles performed: Senior iOS Architect, Senior iOS Developer, Tech Lead, Startup CTO, Co-founder.
Company types:
- Startups (10+): HuaShengTong, Destinia, Packlink, Biocryptology (B-FY), Colada, La Nevera Roja, AlienVault, BeMuseums, ACPOL EB, among others.
- Cybersecurity companies (4): AlienVault, Indra, B-FY, Wise Security.
- Product companies (16+): Banco Santander, AXA, Zara/Inditex, B-FY, Destinia, Packlink, Fundación Colección Thyssen-Bornemisza, La Nevera Roja, among others.
- IT consultancies (13+): Indra, atSistemas, Vector Software, Softtek, Plexus Tech, QUADRAM Mobile Solutions, Entorno Digital de Comunicación, Acilia Internet, among others.
Recognition
Francisco's prestige on Malt
Malt is the European platform that connects companies with top-tier freelance tech professionals through a client validation and rating system. On his profile, Francisco has achieved:
- Super Malter: recognition for consistently completing projects with excellent ratings and complying with the freelance code of conduct.
- Malt Linker: trust indicator awarded for client reputation and strong project management.
- Over 18 positive client reviews for quality of delivery and sustained satisfaction.
Featured in Forbes
Francisco was interviewed by Forbes as a reference in the Spanish freelance tech ecosystem, in the piece "Freelance Voices: Spanish Freelancers Describe Why They've Chosen The Freelance Life" (2022).
KeepCoding webinar
KeepCoding invited Francisco to deliver the webinar "How to be a digital nomad as a mobile programmer", in which he shared his experience working as an iOS freelancer from different parts of the world.
Experience
Francisco's professional path as an iOS developer from 2015 to today. For his previous experience in web development, visit his LinkedIn profile
Previous stage — Web development (2001–2015)
Before specialising in iOS, Francisco worked for over 13 years as senior web developer, Technology Director and Creative Director in various companies and agencies, including AlienVault, La Nevera Roja (CTO), Packlink, Fundación Colección Thyssen-Bornemisza, Acilia Internet, Destinia and Carintia Comunicación.
Education
Formal education
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Design, Organisation and Evaluation of Videogames and Gamification
(2014) - Universidad Europea
Intensive course (6 weeks) on videogame design and development and gamification, focused on design fundamentals and digital simulations.
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Higher Technician in Multi-platform Application Development (DAM) · Programming
(2011–2014) - Instituto FOC - FP Informática Online
Practical training in programming, databases, application development and best practices of software engineering. Focused on multi-platform development, data modelling and architecture fundamentals.
Accredited certifications
- Claude AI — (Mar 2026) - Platzi
- Swift for iOS Apps — (May 2025) - Platzi
- Swift Unit Testing — (Apr 2025) - Platzi
- Secure iOS Development with Swift — (Oct 2018) - Udemy
- iOS 10 and Swift 3: Learn by building 9 Real-World apps — (Jun 2017) - Udemy
- Mobile App Development — (Feb 2017) - Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- How to integrate In-App Purchases in iOS with Swift — (Sep 2016) - Udemy
- Integrate Facebook into your App or Game — (Aug 2016) - Udemy
- Advanced iOS Programming: From Padawan to Jedi! — (Dec 2015) - Udemy
- iOS Programming for iPhone and iPad — (Aug 2015) - Udemy
- iOS 9 and Swift 2 Complete: Learn by building 15 Real-World apps — (Aug 2015) - Udemy
- Introduction to Objective-C & iOS — (Mar 2015) - Udemy
Continuous learning
Beyond accredited certifications, Francisco maintains an active continuous learning practice on platforms like Apple Coding Academy, KeepCoding, FunctionalHub, Udemy and Platzi, covering areas like native iOS development, Swift, SwiftUI, Objective-C, TDD, Git, CI/CD, modern architectures, Swift Concurrency and Apple Intelligence.
Testimonials
“ I am very pleased to recommend Francisco for any position in software development, especially in the iOS field. I have been fortunate to work closely with him during his time on our development team and the various new connections we have had in the workplace, where he has proven to be an exceptional professional.
He distinguishes himself by his thoroughness and commitment to quality in every task he undertakes. His work is based on Clean Architecture and SOLID principles, which is reflected in the clarity, efficiency and maintainability of his code. These practices not only ensure the quality of the final product, but also facilitate collaboration within the team and the scalability of projects.
In addition to his technical skills, Francisco has a remarkable ability to communicate his ideas clearly and concisely. This has been particularly valuable in presenting solutions and defending his proposals, always with well-founded arguments based on industry best practices.
During his time in our team, he has proven to be an invaluable asset, not only for his talent and knowledge, but also for his positive attitude and willingness to help his colleagues. His ability to lead and collaborate has contributed significantly to the success of our projects.
In summary, I consider Francisco to be an outstanding professional who will bring value to any organisation lucky enough to have him. I am sure he will continue to be a positive influence and a driver of innovation in his next job challenge. ”
Ricardo Gallo
Technology Manager for OneApp Europe | Banco Santander“ It is a pleasure to recommend Fran, who is a key member of the team at B-FY, serving as the lead for iOS development in Biocryptology. He is responsible for app programming and security libraries, showcasing profound technical knowledge and an admirable ability to deliver results of the highest quality.
He stands out for his diligence and responsibility, consistently meeting established deadlines. His work, both in implementing new features and enhancing security, is always aligned with the product goals and meticulously planned, enabling him to meet sprint objectives without fail.
When the iOS team expanded within the company, Fran took on the challenge of coordinating the team, leading both functional development and code migrations to Swift. His leadership has been crucial in maintaining the quality and cohesion of the product during a period of significant technological change. He consistently demonstrates a proactive and problem-solving attitude, offering innovative solutions and ensuring the team achieves collective success.
His work is impeccable, and his commitment to excellence is evident in every project. Beyond his technical skills, his approach fosters a collaborative and respectful team environment. I am confident that his analytical ability, meticulousness, and team leadership skills are a valuable asset to any company he chooses to join. ”
Manuel Losada Rodríguez
Head of Product | B-FY“ Francisco is a great professional, and this is evident in his more than 11 years of experience in the internet sector.
This extensive experience, along with his continuous desire for learning and training, makes Francisco a highly qualified professional for software development and the internet sector. The work with multiple technologies that he has done over all these years of experience broadens the range of challenges that Francisco can successfully tackle.
Additionally, on a human level, Francisco has an open character, is capable of delegating and sharing, skills that make him very capable of working in a team. Another remarkable aspect of Francisco is his initiative in sharing knowledge and learning from others, which fosters the learning of the entire group.
During the almost three years I worked with Francisco, he was a true reference for me, as well as the person who introduced me to the sector and trained me during that time. ”
Alberto Ramírez
Principal Engineer | N26“ I have been working with Fran as an Acilia resource for a couple of years, and his best qualities are his proactivity, his interest in continuous learning and staying up-to-date with web and app technologies, and his ability to work in a team, collaborating with various profiles to carry out developments. ”
Ana Álvarez Lacambra
Head of Web and New Media | Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum“ Francisco José is a great professional and very hardworking with high motivation and a positive spirit. I appreciate that he is very calm and creates a good atmosphere within the team. ”
Raul Fernandez Fraile
CTO | Packlink.com“ Fran is a well-trained and experienced worker, always learning new things. Very methodical in everything he does and with very clear ideas. Always willing to share his knowledge with the group. And as a person, he is an excellent guy! ”
Pablo Vargas Osorio
UI Engineer | AT&T“ Fran is a highly experienced professional who is not only contributing to our iOS app development but also to many other key areas essential for the growth of a start-up. ”
Iban Garcia
CEO and Co-Founder | Colada“ Francisco José is highly skilled in iOS development, and it’s evident that he is truly passionate about it. He has all the necessary hardware resources and is well-versed in agile methodologies. In our case, we worked with Trello and Excel. Communication with him is seamless, which makes it easy to resolve any questions that arise during development. I would definitely recommend him. ”
Xabier Moraza Larreta
Project Engineer | ALCAD Electronics“ An example of order, seriousness, and immense love for his work. Factors that not only affect his productivity and performance but also translate into a close relationship with his colleagues, being attentive and willing to listen, debate, teach, share… undoubtedly, his desire to progress will take him wherever he wants. ”
Jesus Mescua Roman
Art Director | Carintia Comunicación
Hobbies and interests
Beyond the code, Francisco keeps six hobbies he has cultivated for years, all of them as much a part of his life as programming. These are:
Building his own apps
In his free time he keeps an endless list of app ideas for iPhone, iPad and Mac that he wants to build someday: personal experiments, small utilities he misses using, projects for the pure joy of making them. The idea notebook keeps growing.
Asian culture, travel and gastronomy
He's passionate about Asian culture: its travel, history, cinema and especially its gastronomy. An interest he has cultivated for years, fed by every trip, every discovery and every new restaurant.
Videogames and retro consoles
Classic console collector and regular player. From the earliest cartridges of the 80s and 90s to current consoles, videogames have been part of his personal story since childhood and still keep him company today.
Manga and comics
A regular manga and comic reader for over two decades. His personal collection mixes Japanese classics, cult series and recent publications. A habit he keeps up week after week.
Airsoft and shooting range
An airsoft and shooting sports enthusiast. Activities where precision, strategy and teamwork come together, enjoyed far from the computer and in good company.
Martial arts
He has practised Krav Maga, Kick Boxing and Iaijutsu. He's drawn to the discipline, consistency and focus that martial training demands, and keeps the intention to return to the mat when his schedule allows.
Follow me on Instagram
Family, friends, travel, events, food, hobbies and also work. Instagram is where there's less code and more everyday life.
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Shall we talk?
If you're thinking about strengthening your iOS team with a senior, or if you simply want to know whether I fit what you need before taking any step, I'm just one message away.
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