Abdul Rafay

Final-year Computer Science student (8th semester) and results-driven Software Developer with demonstrated expertise in building production-grade SaaS platforms, e-commerce systems, logistics solutions, travel management portals, and AI/ML-powered applications. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams from initial architecture through to live deployment — covering backend engineering, REST API design, database schema modeling, system architecture, DevOps pipelines, cloud infrastructure (AWS), Docker orchestration, Nginx configuration, and SSL provisioning. Recognized NASA Space Apps Hackathon participant for an AI/ML exoplanet-detection system.

Passionate about crafting scalable, secure, and maintainable software that solves real business problems.

Lead Backend Developer | System Architect | DevOps Lead - SocialKnocks A multi-tenant SaaS platform enabling businesses to manage their online stores, websites, AI-generated content, marketing campaigns, and customer portals.

• Architected and implemented a scalable multi-tenant SaaS backend using FastAPI and MongoDB.
• Designed comprehensive database schemas covering workspaces, users, stores, templates, products, and business settings.
• Built and integrated AI-powered content generation and creative tooling.
• Implemented custom domain support, enabling white-label storefronts for clients.
• Orchestrated full-stack deployment via Docker, Nginx reverse proxy, SSL certificates, and Ubuntu VPS.
• Led end-to-end project planning, sprint management, logic architecture, and technical execution.

Project Lead | Backend Architect | System Designer - Courier Walay A comprehensive courier and logistics management system handling parcel booking, real-time tracking, delivery workflows, customer management, and admin operations.

• Designed core system architecture and data models for end-to-end courier operations.
• Built backend APIs powering parcel booking, tracking, delivery status updates, and admin dashboards.
• Modeled database schemas for users, parcels, orders, payments, and delivery lifecycles.
• Managed server-side configuration, deployment planning, and infrastructure setup.
• Led technical decision-making, sprint coordination, and team execution.

Project Lead | Backend Developer | DevOps Engineer - Travel Agency Management System An enterprise-level travel agency platform serving organizations, branches, agencies, and employees — featuring flight search, bookings, payments, vouchers, accounting, HR, and multi-portal access.

• Designed and led development of a multi-portal system with role-based access for organization, branch, agency, and area-agency tiers.
• Integrated live flight search APIs and end-to-end payment workflows including voucher systems and direct bank transfers.
• Architected backend APIs, database schemas, and business logic for 10+ functional modules.
• Deployed the platform on cloud infrastructure using Docker, Nginx, SSL, and Linux server management.
• Translated complex client business requirements into well-structured, maintainable technical solutions.

Full-Stack Developer | Backend Lead - E-Commerce Platform Development

Designed and built multiple e-commerce solutions with full product catalogues, cart/checkout flows, order management, admin dashboards, and payment processing.

• Developed product catalog, category management, cart, checkout, and order fulfillment modules.
• Built feature-rich admin panels for product, inventory, and order management.
• Designed database schemas for products, customers, orders, payments, and inventory tracking.
• Delivered responsive, modern UIs using React and Tailwind CSS.
• Managed production deployment, domain configuration, and server setup.

AI/ML Developer | Computer Vision Engineer - Facial Recognition & Face Detection Systems

Developed AI-powered facial recognition systems for attendance automation, access control, and identity verification use cases.

• Built complete face detection and recognition pipelines using Python, OpenCV, and ML models.
• Implemented real-time identity detection with automated attendance and access-control logic.
• Stored detected face data with associated timestamps, IDs, and metadata in a structured backend.
• Optimized detection performance through model tuning and processing pipeline improvements.

AI/ML Developer | Hackathon Winner / Certified Participant - NASA Space Apps Hackathon

(2024 - 2024)

Developed an AI/ML system to assist astronomers in detecting exoplanets by processing pixelated stellar datasets and generating analyzable light curves for classification.

• Engineered a data pipeline to convert raw pixelated astronomical datasets into structured light curve data.
• Trained and evaluated machine learning models — including XGBoost — for exoplanet transit signal classification.
• Focused on improving prediction accuracy and model reliability across varying data qualities.
• Contributed to research, technical implementation, and final project presentation.
• Achievement: Recognized as NASA Space Apps Hackathon Winner / Certified Participant.

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science (BSCS) - Government College University Hyderabad (GCUH) (2023 - 2026)