Zakaria (Ali) Osman

Principle Software Engineer

Ruiru, Kenya

Experience

Jun 2021 - Apr 2023
1 year 11 months
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Developer Manager

Waafi

  • Led a high-performing engineering team in the comprehensive renovation of critical backend systems, including robust Money transfer services and real-time chatting functionalities.
  • Played a pivotal role in architectural decision-making, resulting in significant improvements to system performance, stability, and maintainability.

Freelance Web Developer & Project Lead

  • Independently designed, developed, and launched multiple full-stack web applications, including an Islamic content platform and a dynamic news portal, showcasing early expertise in diverse web solutions.
  • Conceived and built the 'Aqoonyahan' project, an integrated online learning platform combined with a job posting site, managing all aspects from ideation to deployment.
Nairobi, Kenya

Consultant

Faras

  • Spearheaded a team in the strategic rebuilding and optimization of core rider-facing systems, focusing on highly performant and scalable location synchronization and intelligent trip assignment for a critical real-time platform.
  • Contributed to enhancing operational efficiency and platform resilience through architectural guidance and technical leadership.
Mogadishu, Somalia

Software Engineer

Safarifone

  • Contributed to the full software development lifecycle for key enterprise systems, including a Contacts Backup System, the Beco Smart Meter, and the Waafi E-commerce platform.
  • Trained and mentored 8 junior software engineers, significantly contributing to team capability development and code quality standards.
Nairobi, Kenya

Consultant

Salaam Bank

  • Currently leading the end-to-end development of SalaamPay, an innovative fintech application encompassing advanced mobile wallet features and core banking functionalities.
  • Guiding architectural and technical decisions for a secure, scalable, and compliant digital banking solution, aligning with strategic business objectives.

Core Founder/CEO

Seeto

  • Currently leading the vision, strategy, and technical architecture as Founder & CEO of Seeto, an innovative exchange platform designed to connect service providers and customers in a dynamic, real-time marketplace model.
  • Driving product roadmap definition, technology stack selection, and cultivating a high-growth startup culture aimed at disrupting traditional service delivery.
  • Focusing on scalability, user experience, and robust backend infrastructure for seamless interactions.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Principal Engineer

Taaj

  • Hired, mentored, and led a full team of 5 software engineers in the architecting and development of Taaj Online (Paysii), a groundbreaking payment processing platform.
  • Achieved a rapid launch of the core application to production within a challenging 4-month timeframe, demonstrating exceptional product delivery management and team leadership in a high-growth environment.
  • Designed, developed, and implemented a highly complex and sophisticated fraud detection and prevention system, ensuring full compliance with stringent industry regulations (e.g., PCI-DSS readiness, AML/KYC principles).
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Thahabi Project

  • Conceived, designed, and developed an online Islamic book library, currently hosting over 29,000 books, providing comprehensive and accessible literary resources to a global community.
  • Managed full project lifecycle, including content management, database design, and platform maintenance.
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Turath

  • Built and maintain Turath, a digital platform dedicated to hosting lectures from prominent Somali Islamic scholars, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of cultural and religious knowledge.
  • Focuses on robust content delivery for audio lectures.

Summary

Highly accomplished and results-driven Principle Engineer with 10+ years of progressive experience, including 5+ years leading high-performing technical teams and proven success as a Founder & CEO in dynamic FinTech and startup environments. Demonstrated expertise in defining and executing IT strategy, driving architectural decisions for scalable core banking, remittance platforms, and innovative marketplace systems. Deep understanding of PCI-DSS, AML/KYC, and data protection standards, combined with extensive experience in microservices, cloud technologies (e.g., Kubernates, Docker, AWS, GCP, and Oracle Cloud), and complex fraud prevention systems. Adept at fostering cross-functional collaboration, ensuring robust security, overseeing the full SDLC, and empowering teams to deliver innovative, impactful financial solutions.

Languages

Arabic
Advanced
English
Advanced

Education

Jobkey University

Bachelor of Computer Science · Computer Science