Adrees Taj

Software Architect

 

About Me

Adrees Taj

Software Architect and Technical Leader with over a decade of experience driving enterprise product development across Telecom, E-commerce, Education and Travel domains. Skilled at leading globally distributed, cross-functional teams to deliver scalable digital solutions. Adept at building cloud-native architectures, streamlining complex systems, and leveraging no-code platforms like Retool to accelerate internal tooling and business automation.

Top Rated Plus Freelancer on Upwork with 100% Job Success Score, known for aligning technology with business goals and delivering scalable, impactful solutions in complex environments.

Name: Adrees Taj
Email: Adrees85@gmail.com
Phone: +971542845013
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9+
Years of Experience
5000+
Freelance Hours
30+
Projects Completed
★★★★★
Upwork Profile

Services

Full Stack Development

Expert in full-stack development with modern frontend and backend technologies i.e. Java, Spring, JavaScript, React, Angular

Java JavaScript React Angular Spring Boot Microservices Hibernate
Learn More

Low-Code/Retool Development

Rapid application development using No-Code platforms and Retool for efficient business solutions.

Retool No-Code Low-Code
Learn More

Cloud Architecture

Design and implementation of cloud-native solutions using AWS, Kubernetes, and Docker for optimal performance.

AWS Azure Kubernetes Docker
Learn More

Big Data Solutions

Building efficient data pipelines using Kafka, RabbitMQ, and Hevo for real-time analytics and data processing.

Kafka RabbitMQ Hevo
Learn More

API Development

Design and implementation of RESTful APIs with Kong API Gateway for secure, scalable communication.

REST Kong API Gateway Swagger
Learn More

Technical Consultation

Expert technical consultation and architecture review to optimize your existing systems.

Architecture Tech Stack Best Practices
Learn More

Projects

AI-Powered Intelligent News Insight Engine

A Node.js and Spring Boot–based AI system that scrapes, filters, and summarizes hyper-relevant data from news, web, and social media to empower analysts with real-time, decision-ready insights.

AI Java AWS NodeJs OpenAI Api's
Learn More

Scalable Microservices Architecture

Designed and implemented a scalable microservices architecture for a Online PBX platform, handling millions of requests per day.

Java 11 Spring Boot Spring Cloud AWS Docker/Docker-Swarm Kong API Gateway MySQL Redis RabbitMQ
Learn More

Cloud Archiving Engine for ShareArchiver

Developed a scalable, multithreaded Java Spring Boot application to efficiently transfer data from SMB servers to cloud storage platforms like Amazon S3 and Azure Blob, powering enterprise-grade archiving for ShareArchiver clients.

Java 11 Spring Boot AWS Multithreading SMB Cloud Storage Azure
Learn More

Automated Data Ingestion Utility

Engineered a Node.js-based scheduled ETL utility to parse and normalize structured data from remote JSON and Excel files, intelligently detect data patterns, and persist results into a database every 12 hours.

Node.js Scheduled ETL Data Normalization Data Persistence
Learn More

Big Data Analytics Pipeline

Built a data pipeline using Kafka and Hevo to transfer data from MySQL to Redshift for advanced analytics.

Kafka Hevo MySQL Redshift
Learn More

Distributed Messaging System

Implemented a distributed messaging system using RabbitMQ for reliable communication between microservices.

Java Spring Boot RabbitMQ Microservices
Learn More

Kiosk Application

Developed a full-stack kiosk application for UAE telecom services using Angular and Spring MVC.

Angular Spring MVC Java REST API
Learn More

Education Management System

Contributed to an enterprise solution for education, managing Student Registration, Admission, and Results modules.

Java Spring MVC AngularJs Oracle
Learn More

Upwork Management Intelligence Platform (via Upwork's TIP)

Developed a high-impact internal platform under Upwork's Talent Innovation Program, delivering interactive dashboards for leadership to track engineering, revenue, performance, and people metrics through Retool with deep REST API integrations.

Retool REST APIs Tool Integrations Internal Dashboards Upwork's TIP(Talent Innovation Program)
Learn More

Content Moderation Platform using Retool

Architected and led development of Glassdoor's enterprise-scale content moderation platform spanning multiple Retool instances. Implemented sophisticated queue mechanisms, fine-grained role-based access controls for hundreds of users, real-time content processing with advanced filtering algorithms, and customized dashboard analytics. The system successfully processes thousands of moderation decisions daily while maintaining 99.9% uptime across all environments.

Retool Dropwizard REST APIs Queue Management User Access Control PostgreSQL CI/CD Okta
Learn More

Automated Order Fulfillment Solution using Retool

Developed a tailor-made Retool solution to automate Jurata.ch order fulfillment process, enabling seamless document requests, payment tracking, and workflow management for efficient client onboarding.

Retool REST APIs Tool Integrations Internal Dashboards
Learn More

Internal Analytics Dashboard for AI-Powered Support System

Built Retool dashboards for Thena to visualize AI-extracted ticket data and business stats from Slack and other systems, with real-time MongoDB integration and dynamic charts and tables.

Retool MongoDB Slack Integrations Real-Time Data Dynamic Charts Internal Dashboards
Learn More

Professional Experience

Technical Lead

Almosafer 09/2022 - Present | Dubai, UAE
  • Led a team of engineers in creating a scalable, high-performance backend architecture, handling both senior and junior roles.
  • Efficiently managed multiple microservices using Java 8 & 11, Spring Boot, Node.js, and PHP, with a focus on system design, optimization, and observability to boost reliability and performance.
  • Implemented Kong API Gateway and leveraged Kubernetes for container orchestration, alongside ELK Stack for comprehensive logging and monitoring and RabbitMQ for distributed Messaging.
  • Applied Test-Driven Development (TDD) practices to uphold code quality.
  • Recognized as Best Performer in 2023 & 2024 for significant contributions in software design and architecture.
Java 8 & 11 Spring Boot Node.js PHP Kong API Gateway Kubernetes ELK Stack RabbitMQ TDD

Technical Lead

Glassdoor 02/2024 - Present | Remote
  • Leading cross-functional teams for Glassdoor's Content Moderation platform across frontend, backend, and DevOps.
  • Managing production Retool instances with fine-grained access control for hundreds of users.
  • Architecting complex moderation tools with advanced filters, batch processing, and performance tuning.
  • Built robust queue systems with real-time tracking and priority handling, integrated within Retool.
  • Supporting end-to-end DevOps for Retool, including Okta-based user provisioning and CI/CD workflows.
  • Collaborating with Product, Design, and Customer Success to align features with business goals.
  • Mentoring junior developers, leading code reviews, and cultivating a culture of continuous learning.
Retool JavaScript GraphQL Postgres Integerations

Senior Full Stack Engineer

Upwork 09/2022 - 05/2023 | Remote
  • Led development of internal analytics platforms for Upwork's Talent Innovation Program, delivering BI tools for executive leadership.
  • Built Retool dashboards integrating diverse data sources to surface key engineering, financial, and operational insights.
  • Developed secure backend services using Dropwizard for API integration, data aggregation, and authentication.
  • Created custom reporting solutions with optimized data pipelines and seamless API integrations.
  • Partnered with PMs and execs to define KPIs and design intuitive dashboards for strategic decision-making.
  • Enforced security best practices, implementing access controls and protecting sensitive business data.
Java 8 & 11 JavaScript Dropwizard Retool Postgres Integerations

Senior Software Development Engineer

Voxloud 05/2021 - 10/2022 | Italy (Remote)
  • Enhanced microservices with Spring Boot and Cloud, improving scalability and robustness.
  • Implemented TDD for unit tests, enhancing code quality and bug reduction.
  • Integrated Kafka for efficient, reliable messaging, optimizing system performance.
  • Built Hevo pipelines to transfer data from MySQL to Redshift for advanced analytics.
  • Delivered solutions on time using Java, Spring, Hibernate, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and more, ensuring high-quality output and task accuracy.
Spring Boot Spring Cloud TDD Kafka Hevo MySQL Redshift Java Hibernate AWS Docker Kubernetes

Senior Java Software Engineer

Contour Software 11/2020 - 07/2021 | Lahore, Pakistan
  • Developed and enhanced microservices within the Java ecosystem to streamline processes for vendors and stakeholders.
  • Led the creation of microservices to facilitate seamless communication and integration with partners.
  • Implemented comprehensive unit tests using Test-Driven Development (TDD) principles to ensure high code quality.
  • Established an asynchronous communication environment for distributed systems using Azure Service Bus, Netflix Conductor for orchestration, and Spring Cloud.
  • Utilized a diverse tech stack (Java 8 & 11, Spring Boot, Spring Security, JWT, Hibernate, Gradle, Docker, IntelliJ, Tomcat) to efficiently meet project goals.
Java 8 & 11 Microservices TDD Azure Service Bus Netflix Conductor Spring Cloud Spring Boot Spring Security JWT Hibernate Gradle Docker

Senior Full Stack Java Developer

Etisalat (e& UAE) 12/2018 - 11/2020 | Dubai, UAE
  • Led a team of 3 as Senior Full Stack Java Developer for Etisalat.ae's B2C Solution, overseeing development from conception to production.
  • Built full-stack applications for UAE kiosks using Angular and Spring MVC for key features.
  • Implemented Jenkins CI/CD pipelines and managed tasks with Jira.
  • Utilized Java, Spring Boot, and AngularJs to deliver robust solutions.
Java Spring Boot AngularJs Angular Spring MVC Jenkins CI/CD

Full Stack Java Developer

Abacus 01/2016 - 12/2018 | Lahore, Pakistan
  • Contributed as Full Stack Software Engineer to an enterprise solution for education, managing Student Registration, Admission, and Results modules.
  • Developed frontend and backend APIs using AngularJs and Spring Framework.
  • Led requirement gathering and SRS creation, aligning with client needs.
  • Conducted client demos to gather feedback before UAT, boosting engagement.
  • Leveraged Java, Spring MVC, and AngularJs to deliver efficient, robust solutions.
Java Spring MVC AngularJs Oracle REST APIs

Android Application Developer

Game Studio Pvt Ltd 09/2015 – 01/2016 | Lahore, Pakistan
  • Launched career as an Android Application Developer, building mobile solutions.
  • Developed medium-scale applications using Java to deliver effective software.
Android Java Mobile Development

Skills

Programming Languages

Java
JavaScript
PHP

Frameworks & Tools

Spring Boot
Retool
React
Angular
Node.js
Dropwizard
Kong API Gateway

Cloud & DevOps

AWS
Azure
Redis
Kubernetes
Docker
Jenkins
Data Pipelines (Hevo)

Databases & Messaging

MySQL
Oracle
PostgreSQL
MySQL
MongoDB
RabbitMQ
Netflix Conductor

My Process

How I Work

My streamlined workflow ensures efficient delivery of high-quality solutions tailored to your specific needs.

1

Discovery

Understanding your business needs, goals, and technical requirements to create a tailored solution.

2

Planning

Creating a detailed roadmap with architecture design, technology stack, and implementation timeline.

3

Development

Implementing the solution using best practices, test-driven development, and continuous integration.

4

Delivery

Deploying the solution, providing documentation, and ensuring a smooth transition to production.

Past Clients

I've had the privilege of working with amazing clients across various industries. Here are some of the organizations I've collaborated with to deliver exceptional solutions.

Testimonials

Working with Adrees was an absolute pleasure, Adrees dug deep into the software code at an architectural level and understood the challenges we were having, he well and truly got his hands dirty as they say! he was swift to understand our requirements and more importantly the challenges, he was quick to identify problem areas and made an incredible contribution to the project addressing the majority of the issues. He is honest, and dedicated and his communication is great! always available and willing to help and advise to the best of his knowledge. Thank you Adrees, I hope to work together again! as it was very productive and a pleasure! Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Mazhar Lateef

Founder, ShareArchiver

Adrees worked on some internal tooling for us, and always executed his work to a high standard, delivering high-quality results. He has a great understanding of end-to-end software development and the ins-and-outs of building with Retool. He was able to have a significant impact for our company, and we are re-hiring him under a new contract.

Mike Cialowicz

Vice President, Software Engineering, Glassdoor

Adrees delivered high quality work during this contract. His availability, responsiveness and communication skills were of a high standard while he was also comfortable working out problems on his own with limited supervision. Highly recommended and I hope to work with him again.

Fraser Bomford

Founder, Lode.Ai

Adrees is great! Very professional, honest, and transparent. Excellent communications and advisement

Mitchell

Project Manager, Tepia Co

Adrees is helping us replatform our legacy admin tools onto Retool. He is doing good work, and his communication is clear. This specific contract closed with our fiscal year end, but Adrees is continuing to work with us under a new contract.

Nick Boeka

Engineering Director, Glassdoor

Contact Me

Location

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

WhatsApp

+971 54 284 5013