Hari Challa

Seasoned Engineering Architect and Solution Architect with experience designing, governing, and evolving enterprise-scale technology platforms across financial services, AI/ML, and SaaS domains. Deep expertise in system and solution architecture, cloud-native design, and API-first microservices, with a strong ability to translate complex business requirements into secure, scalable, and resilient technical solutions. Proven at modernizing legacy ecosystems, defining architectural roadmaps, and establishing engineering standards aligned with performance, compliance, and long-term maintainability.

Adept at balancing strategic vision with hands-on technical depth, collaborating closely with stakeholders, engineering teams, and leadership to drive technology transformation, cost efficiency, and platform sustainability in high-impact environments. Recognized for clear communication, influencing without authority, mentoring engineering teams, and driving alignment between business objectives and technical execution.

Engineering Architect (Freelancer) - Smarttrak AI - Hyderabad

(2024-01)

• Implement real-time AI streaming in a chatbot using OpenAI APIs with ReactJS, TypeScript, and Python, enabling responsive and scalable conversational experiences.
• Define technical vision, create blueprints & select frameworks/tools that meet functionality, security, and performance goals.
• Bridge business needs with technical solutions, working with product managers to define project requirements.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve critical technical issues or bottlenecks in existing systems.
• Integrate Razorpay payment gateway into the Cosmic App, delivering secure, seamless, and reliable client payment workflows.
• Administer development, testing, and deployment, ensuring adherence to Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
• Work with data scientists, engineers, and stakeholders to identify AI opportunities and translate business problems into technical solutions.
• Design and develop AI/ML-based solar power forecasting models leveraging satellite and drone imagery with hybrid approaches to improve prediction accuracy and operational insights.

Senior Associate - BNY Mellon Technologies - Chennai

(2011-01 - 2023-12)

• Spearheaded the modernization of custody and repo trading platforms, enhancing scalability, stability, and system performance.
• Ensured seamless integration of AI solutions with existing IT systems and enforce data privacy, security, and governance standards.
• Executed the P95 Catalyst cloud cost optimization initiative, driving infrastructure efficiency and cost savings.
• Engineered and delivered API services for IMMS2GSP, CUE, and Pirum integrations, ensuring secure and reliable interoperability.
• Provided technical leadership and guidance to data scientists and AI engineers to foster a culture of best practices.
• Developed Triparty Repo Credit Monitoring and real-time B2B deal-matching APIs, strengthening risk controls and market efficiency.

Project Lead - BNY Mellon Technologies - Chennai

(2015-01 - 2023-12)

Senior Application Engineer - BNY Mellon Technologies - Chennai

(2011-01 - 2015-12)

Software Engineer - NetElixir - Hyderabad

(2010-01 - 2011-12)

• Built the centralized LXR100 platform to unify and manage advertising operations across Google, Bing, and Facebook.
• Automated campaign budget reallocation and A/B testing, improving optimization speed and marketing performance.
• Delivered the LXR100 platform with an integrated Analytics KPI engine, enabling real-time performance tracking and data-driven decision-making.

MCA - Osmania University (2004-01 - 2007-12)

Bachelor of Science - Statistics and Computer Science - Osmania University (2001-01 - 2004-12)