Backend Developer
Muslim Shah
I build what powers the product, not what people see.
Senior Backend Developer with two years of professional experience, from API design to production architecture decisions. Open to remote roles.
Available for work
About
I've been doing backend development professionally for about two years, mostly with Node.js and Express. The database depends on the project, usually MongoDB, sometimes MySQL. Most of what I do is fairly standard backend work: building and maintaining REST APIs, setting up authentication, and designing the schema around whatever the product actually needs.
Some projects have needed more than basic CRUD. I've used Redis for caching, BullMQ for background jobs, and Socket.io for real-time features like chat and live notifications. A few projects have also involved Stripe for payments, including webhook handling for things like refunds and payment confirmations.
I'm currently a backend developer at EncoderBytes, where I also spent a short stretch teaching Node.js and Express to a group of students. Before that I was at Createex for about a year, working across several client projects that ranged from ERP systems to real-time chat platforms.
Backend Architecture
I build REST APIs with Node.js and Express, usually split into routes, controllers, and a service layer so the codebase stays manageable as a project grows.
Database Engineering
Most of my work is with MongoDB, sometimes MySQL. Schema design and indexing take up a fair amount of time once a project starts dealing with more data or more complex queries.
Authentication & Access Control
I set up authentication with JWT and add role-based access when an app needs different permission levels, like separating admins, staff, and regular users.
Real-Time Features
For anything that needs live updates, chat, or notifications, I use Socket.io or plain WebSockets depending on what the project already has in place.
System Structure
On bigger projects I try to keep things modular, keeping concerns separated so one part of the system doesn't end up tightly coupled to another.
Caching & Background Jobs
I use Redis for caching where it makes sense, and BullMQ for anything that shouldn't run inside the request cycle, like sending emails or processing something in the background.
Skills
Backend
Most of my code is written in Node.js with Express, and REST APIs are the default way I expose functionality to a frontend or mobile app.
Databases
MongoDB is what I reach for on most projects. I've also worked with MySQL and PostgreSQL on projects that needed relational data instead of a document store.
Caching & Background Jobs
Redis for caching, BullMQ for anything that shouldn't run inside the request cycle, like emails or longer background tasks.
Real-time
Socket.io and plain WebSockets, mainly for chat and live notification features.
Authentication
JWT for auth, with role-based access control added when an app needs different permission levels for different types of users.
Payments
Stripe, including Connect for marketplace-style payouts and webhook handling for things like refunds and payment confirmations.
DevOps
Git for version control, and basic CI/CD pipelines for deployment.
Other
Firebase Cloud Messaging for push notifications on mobile apps.
Projects
Restaurant ERP System
E-Labour App Backend
Yoopii App - Social Commerce Platform
Fox Training App Backend
Todo Project - Service Provider Platform
LMK Event Management Platform
Chat Prism - Community Chat App
E-commerce REST API
Experience
Work Experience
Senior Backend Developer
EncoderBytes
Dec 2025 to PresentFull-Time
- Leading backend architecture and implementation using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB
- Building and scaling REST APIs for production workloads
- Making the calls on data modeling, system boundaries, and API contracts
- Code reviews and refactoring to keep things maintainable as the codebase grows
- Working with product and frontend teams to turn requirements into actual backend systems
Backend Instructor
EncoderBytes
Nov 2025 to Dec 2025Contract
- Led sessions on production-grade Node.js, Express, and MongoDB
- Reviewed student implementations against real-world backend standards
- Advised on API design, code structure, and maintainability
Backend Developer
Createex (Lahore)
Aug 2024 to Nov 2025Full-Time
- Designing and developing APIs using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB for different client applications
- Working with cross-functional teams to keep backend integration and performance on track
Frontend Developer
Libra Pharmaceuticals
Aug 2023 to Dec 2023Contract
- Built frontend features in Nuxt.js and integrated backend APIs
- Contributed to improving the UI of internal applications
Education
B.S. Computer Science
University of Peshawar
2020 to 2024GPA 3.51
Intermediate, Computer Science
Govt PG Jahanzeb College, Saidu Sharif Swat
2018 to 202084%
Certifications
Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express
IBM
Node.js Tutorial and Project Course
Udemy
Getting Started with Git and GitHub
IBM
IT Certificate in Web, Software, Mobile App Development
NAVTTC
Contact
Open to backend roles and freelance work. Remote-friendly.