Professional Overview
Engineering Leader & Solutions Architect with 15+ years of experience in Network Intelligence, Cloud Architecture, and Cyber Security. RFC1925-compatible developer (Truth #11: Every old idea will be proposed again with a different name and a different presentation, regardless of whether it works).
- Currently leading engineering teams at DNI Dubai, focusing on Network Intelligence and Cyber Security solutions using DPDK, AI/ML, and Cloud technologies
- Extensive experience in DPI, Network Analytics, and Cloud Solutions with proven track record at Sandvine and PLUMgrid (acquired by VMware)
- Strong background in Cloud Architecture with triple AWS certifications and expertise in DevSecOps, MLOps, and Infrastructure as Code
- Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and establishing Centers of Excellence
- Technical expertise: Cloud Architecture, Network Security, DPDK, Kubernetes, AI/ML, DevSecOps, Terraform/OpenTofu
- Global work experience across UAE, KSA, USA, Sweden, and Pakistan in both startup and enterprise environments
Experience
Head of Engineering | Dynamic Network Intelligence (DNI)
Dubai, UAE (Hybrid) | October 2023 - Present
- Leading multiple engineering teams including FullStack, DPDK, AI/ML, and DevSecOps in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Overseeing the development of Network Intelligence and Cyber Security solutions.
- Managing and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance networking solutions.
- Implementing AI/ML driven network analysis and security monitoring systems.
- Establishing DevSecOps practices and security-first development workflows.
- Architecting high-performance network solutions using DPDK for optimized packet processing.
Solutions Engineer | Sandvine
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | November 2017 - October 2023
- Led implementation of large-scale network intelligence and analytics solutions using Sandvine's DPI, PCRF, NFV technologies for major telecom operators in the Middle East
- Architected and deployed complex network solutions integrating regulatory compliance, traffic management, and analytics systems serving 30M+ subscribers
- Developed High-Level and Low-Level Designs (HLD/LLD) for critical deployments and migration projects, ensuring minimal service disruption
- Established and led the Centre of Excellence for Traffic Classification, managing a team of 5 engineers for signature development
- Created an automated packet capture analysis portal integrating CDN and AS information, improving troubleshooting efficiency by 60%
- Implemented ML-based traffic classification models, achieving 95% accuracy in identifying encrypted applications
- Designed custom data models and signatures for network traffic analysis using proprietary languages and tools
- Set up CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and Docker, reducing deployment time by 70% and improving code quality
- Provided technical leadership in pre-sales activities, contributing to successful deals worth $10M+
- Mentored junior engineers and conducted technical training sessions for customers and internal teams
Manager Professional Services | SNSKIES
Islamabad, Pakistan | May 2017 - October 2017
- Led a team of 5 engineers, driving successful project delivery for customers.
- Achieved an average project completion rate of 90% within agreed timeline and budget.
- Maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 90% based on feedback surveys.
- Collaborated with industry partners including Cisco, Sandvine, and Sangfour.
Country Manager / FullStack Engineer | Simplus Innovation
Islamabad, Pakistan | April 2017 - October 2017
- Collaborated with product management to deliver tailored analytics solutions.
- Implemented Agile methodologies for efficient project management.
- Established the Pakistan office and led a team of engineers.
- Utilized React, TypeScript, MongoDB, Redux, Pesapal, and AWS.
Co-Founder & Chief Architect | Vincere Systems
Islamabad, Pakistan | June 2016 - September 2017
- Founded a company specializing in custom solutions for telecom and ISP domain.
- Delivered a customized ACS product to wi-tribe Pakistan.
- Facilitated smooth migration to a new frequency spectrum across the country.
Head of Networks | Zigron Inc.
Islamabad, Pakistan | March 2017 - May 2017
- Led technical teams in DPI, IoT, Analytics, Cloud, and VNF domains.
- Developed and executed the company's technical strategic goals.
- Implemented efficient processes for large-scale enterprise projects.
Manager Digital Services - Cloud | PTCL
Islamabad, Pakistan | January 2017 - March 2017
- Managed Cloud Digital Products & Service Development.
- Oversaw product management, pre-sales, and relationship management for corporate segment.
- Drove 60% increase in sales and customer adoption of cloud services.
Principal Design Engineer | PLUMgrid Inc. (Acquired by VMware)
Santa Clara, California | May 2014 - January 2017
- Architected and implemented security policy VNF features enabling microsegmentation and zero-trust networking for OpenStack environments
- Designed and developed L2 VTEP service supporting VXLAN overlay networks, improving network scalability for multi-tenant cloud deployments
- Spearheaded development of PLUMgrid Object Model API using Node.js, creating a unified interface for network service configuration
- Built and maintained automated testing infrastructure (PITA) reducing regression testing time by 60% and improving release quality
- Contributed to core platform development including network function virtualization (VNF), infrastructure automation, and web services
- Collaborated with product management to define technical roadmap and feature prioritization for cloud networking products
- Mentored junior engineers and led knowledge sharing sessions on cloud networking technologies and best practices
- Participated in customer-facing technical discussions and provided solutions for complex networking requirements
- Authored technical documentation and design specifications for platform features and APIs
Software Engineer, SCRUM Master | Seamless Payments AB
Stockholm, Sweden | November 2013 - April 2014
- Led Agile transformation as SCRUM Master for a team of 8 developers, improving sprint velocity by 40% within 3 months
- Architected and implemented real-time transaction processing system handling 100K+ daily mobile payments
- Developed high-performance REST APIs using Java Spring Framework for mobile money transfer services
- Implemented automated CI/CD pipelines reducing deployment time from days to hours
- Established code review practices and quality metrics improving overall code quality by 50%
- Conducted daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospective meetings to ensure team alignment and continuous improvement
System Engineer | Seamless Payments AB
Stockholm, Sweden | September 2011 - November 2013
- Designed and implemented core payment processing modules for SEQR mobile payment platform using Java and Spring Framework
- Built scalable backend services processing 50K+ concurrent transactions with sub-second response time
- Developed integration modules for major banks and payment providers across Europe
- Created automated testing framework reducing regression testing time by 70%
- Implemented monitoring and alerting systems using ELK stack for real-time transaction tracking
- Optimized database queries and cache implementations improving system performance by 60%
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams across Sweden, Pakistan, and Ghana for feature delivery
- Participated in 24/7 on-call support rotation ensuring 99.99% system availability
- Mentored junior developers and conducted technical training sessions on payment systems
Executive Technical | wi-tribe
Islamabad, Pakistan | December 2008 - August 2011
- Led network operations and service delivery for 100K+ broadband subscribers across multiple regions
- Designed and implemented automated network monitoring system reducing MTTR by 65% and improving customer satisfaction
- Spearheaded migration from legacy billing system to convergent billing platform for 50K+ subscribers with zero service interruption
- Developed custom Python scripts for network performance analysis and automated reporting, saving 20+ man-hours weekly
- Implemented QoS policies and traffic shaping rules improving network performance by 40% during peak hours
- Managed relationships with vendors including Cisco, Juniper, and Huawei for network equipment and services
- Created comprehensive network documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for technical teams
- Led technical training programs for new hires and existing staff on networking fundamentals and troubleshooting
- Participated in 24/7 escalation team ensuring 99.9% network availability across all regions
Internee | wi-tribe
Islamabad, Pakistan | September 2008 - November 2008
- Assisted in network deployment and configuration for WiMAX broadband services
- Developed monitoring scripts using Python and Shell for automated health checks of network elements
- Contributed to documentation of network topology and technical procedures
- Participated in troubleshooting customer connectivity issues and network performance optimization
- Collaborated with senior engineers in implementing QoS policies for different service packages
- Gained hands-on experience with WiMAX technology, network monitoring tools, and Linux systems
Certifications & Courses
- Unsupervised Machine Learning, Recommenders, Reinforcement Learning | Stanford University | 2024
- Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms | Stanford University | 2024
- Supervised Machine Learning, Regression and Classification | Stanford University | 2023
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | 2024
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | 2023
- HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate | HashiCorp | 2024
- AWS Learning: Serverless | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | 2024
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | 2024
- AWS Learning: Architecting | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | 2023
- EdX Verified Certificate for Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies | edX | 2022
Education
Bachelors of Electrical Engineering | Computer | University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila | Islamabad, Pakistan | 2009
Involvement
Qasmia Welfare Trust | Islamabad, Pakistan
IT Consultant | July 2018 - Present
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive finance tracking system using Next.js, TypeScript, Material UI, and Tailwind.
- Utilized AWS Amplify for backend infrastructure to ensure scalability and reliability.
- Enabled field operatives to efficiently manage donations and expenses during campaigns.
- Integrated invoicing capabilities and audit data storage for compliance and transparency.
- Created dynamic reporting dashboards with react-charts for real-time data visualization.
- Transitioned legacy Android-based application from Google Firebase to AWS Amplify.