Mubashar Khokhar

PHP/Python Backend Engineer, Generative AI Specialist

Mubashar Khokhar

Skills

  • PHP7/8 (Laravel, Symfony, Yii2) - Web Apps
  • RESTful API Development
  • Frontend Development – VueJS, ReactJS, NuxtJS, InertiaJS
  • API Integration – REST, GraphQL, Webhooks
  • Databases – PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis
  • Linux Server Administration & Shell Scripting
  • Async Task Processing – Celery, Redis Queue
  • Containerization – Docker, Docker Compose, Terraform
  • API Documentation – OpenAPI / Swagger / Postman
  • Technical Writing & Requirement Analysis
  • Test automation using Selenium and Cucumber
  • Scrum, Agile / Scrum Methodologies
  • Python 3.x (FastAPI, Flask)
  • Microservices Architecture & Scalable System Design
  • Generative AI Integration (OpenAI, Ollama, LLaMA, Local Models)
  • AI Agent Development & Workflow Automation
  • LLM Fine-tuning, RAG Pipelines, Vector Databases
  • Prompt Engineering & Structured JSON Outputs
  • CI/CD Pipelines – GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Code Deploy
  • Test Automation – PHPUnit, Pytest, Selenium, Cucumber
  • Shell scripting, Linux Server Administration & Git
  • Cloud Infrastructure – AWS (EC2, Lambda, S3, RDS, VPC, CloudFormation, Terraform)
  • Experience in team management, code reviewing and mentoring

Languages

English (Fluent / Professional)
Deutsch (B2 / Verhandlungssicher)

PHP, Python & AI Expertise

  • PHP Backend Development: 10+ years building scalable web applications and REST APIs using Laravel, Symfony, and Yii2; strong in database design and modular architecture.
  • Python Backend Development: 3+ years with FastAPI and Flask for asynchronous APIs, OCR pipelines, and AI-driven automation workflows.
  • Generative AI Integration: Integrated ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Ollama3 for document automation, intelligent classification, and RAG-based retrieval.
  • LLM Training & Fine-tuning: Hands-on with Ollama3, LoRA, and prompt engineering to enhance model accuracy and contextual response quality.
  • Database & Caching: Proficient in PostgreSQL, Redis, and MongoDB, optimized for AI and high-load environments.
  • Microservices Architecture: Designed and deployed Dockerized microservices on AWS (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda) using GitLab CI/CD and Terraform.
  • Microservices: Architected a complete microservices ecosystem by decomposing a monolithic system into distributed, scalable services.

Experience

Senior Software Entwickler

ProofIT GmbH / Berlinux Solutions GmbH

Jul 2024 - Present

  • Developing Deutsche Bahn–collaborated projects using PHP, Joomla, AWS, Docker, MongoDB, and shell scripting.
  • Implementing CI/CD pipelines in GitLab to streamline deployments and improve release cycles.
  • Creating and optimizing Docker-based development and production workflows to enhance performance and maintainability.
  • Designed and deployed AI agents using MCP, prompt engineering, and JSON schema outputs.
  • Applied LLM fine-tuning and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for knowledge-driven automation.
  • Automated customer ordering processes and streamlined workflows for greater efficiency.
  • Integrated vector databases for intelligent search and knowledge retrieval.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally to deliver end-to-end AI-powered solutions.
  • Tech stack: PHP/Joomla, MariaDB, AWS, Dockers, Shell, MongoDB, Python3

External Consultant & Developer

Docunout GmbH & Belegebox (Part-Time/Remote)

May 2024 - Aug 2025

  • Generative AI Integration & Agent Development: Built a Laravel-based document processing platform integrating multiple AI models (ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Ollama) for automated document analysis and categorization. Developed intelligent AI agents that autonomously process documents, categorize content, and assign tasks to relevant users. Implemented dynamic prompt engineering with custom AI prompt configuration, RESTful APIs for document upload/OCR processing, and comprehensive user management with external service integration. Created automated workflows where AI agents handle end-to-end document processing with minimal human intervention.
  • RESTful API Development: Built high-performance OCR API using Python FastAPI with PostgreSQL, implementing JWT authentication, batch processing with queuing systems, and webhook integrations for real-time updates.
  • Cloud Infrastructure: Deployed and managed cloud-based file storage solutions using AWS S3 and MinIO, ensuring scalable and reliable data storage for AI processing pipelines.
  • AI Agent Architecture: Designed microservices architecture for PDF optimization and image processing, implementing security best practices and monitoring for production AI workloads. Developed intelligent agent orchestration system that coordinates multiple AI models for complex document processing workflows, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance for AI-driven automation.
  • Tech stack: Python3/FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Redis, Ollama3, Open WebUI, Linux/Docker, AWS S3/MinIO, PHP/Laravel, ChatGPT API, DeepSeek API

PHP Backend Developer

AlsterSpree Verlag GmbH, Berlin - Germany

Oct 2022 - Jan 2024

  • Backend System Development: Crafted a robust multisite CMS platform tailored for companies within the insurance industry, implementing scalable backend services with proper API design and database optimization.
  • Performance Optimization: Implemented backend optimization techniques, improving website speed by 40% and reducing bounce rate by 25%, resulting in a 15% increase in online sales revenue through efficient database queries and caching strategies.
  • Tech stack: PHP/Laravel, MySQL, VueJS/NuxtJS, Linux/Docker, AWS S3.

Senior Software Engineer

Gastfreund GmbH, Berlin - Germany

Apr 2018 - Sep 2022

  • Microservices Architecture: Successfully decoupled a large monolithic application into smaller independent microservices, leveraging expertise in backend development to build robust APIs using Yii2 and Laravel frameworks.
  • Backend System Design: Designed and implemented scalable backend services with proper API documentation, database optimization, and caching strategies for high-traffic applications. Integrated AI-powered automation for user workflows and content management.
  • Team Leadership: Mentored 2-3 junior developers and shared expertise in coding best practices, code reviews, and engineering standards to help them grow their skills.
  • Tech stack: PHP/Laravel/Symfony/Yii2, MySQL, NodeJs/MongoDB, Linux/Docker, AWS S3.

Software Engineer

Move24 Group GmbH, Berlin - Germany

Nov 2016 - Mar 2018

  • Platform Development: Led the development of a user-friendly platform enabling B2C customers to access affordable moving services across multiple European countries, resulting in a successful launch that streamlined the moving process and provided customers with reliable and cost effective services.
  • RESTful API Development: Designed and built 2 production-ready APIs for PDF report generation and invoicing, implementing SSO features for user authorization and authentication, and developing a comprehensive order management admin portal with proper API documentation. Integrated AI-powered automation for report generation and customer service workflows.
  • Tech stack: PHP/Laravel/Symfony, MySQL, Linux/Vagrant, Selenium + Cucumber.

Master Thesis Student (Technical Lead)

NETVAI UG, Kiel Germany

Feb 2015 - Oct 2016

  • Conceptualized and engineered the comprehensive system architecture using Drupal7 framework and JQuery.
  • Strategize a business model and wrote a business plan leveraging the robust Business Model Canvas framework as the cornerstone for my thesis and master project.
  • Demonstrated advanced proficiency in strategic planning, meticulously documenting intricate technical details, and orchestrating cohesive system designs, reflecting a mastery of both theoretical and practical aspects of software engineering and strategic planning.
  • Tech stack: PHP/Drupal7/Laravel, MySQL, Linux/Vagrant/Shell, Selinium/Cucumber

Key Achievement:

  • Won the German Association of Movers and Logistics (AMO) e.V., MoLo award for "Product Innovations for the Industry", which was a great achievement for the company. (https://moelo.de/en/#program)

PHP Developer

naymspace software GmbH, Kiel - Germany

Mar 2014 - Jul 2014

  • Crafted WordPress plugins adhering to XLIFF standards, ensuring seamless integration and internationalization capabilities.
  • Orchestrated PHP and Symfony framework integration with Node.js to develop a robust e-commerce platform; optimized backend processes, resulting in a 40% increase in site speed and a 25% reduction in bounce rate.

Senior Software Engineer

Folio3 Pvt. Ltd, Karachi - Pakistan

May 2012 - Sept 2013

  • Designed and developed a social networking platform for executives and CEOs, combining the functionality of Facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Implemented features such as social login, user profiles, newsfeed, messaging, groups, and events.
  • Tech stack: PHP/Drupal7, MySQL, Linux/Shell.

Web Developer

Game Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Karachi - Pakistan

Oct 2010 - Mar 2012

  • Designed and developed an analytics tool using PHP and MongoDB for a high volume game & integrated social platform components. Integrated the analytics tool with the game server for real-time data collection and analysis.
  • Engineered a system to monitor application performance and alert stakeholders of any potential issues.
  • Tech stack: PHP/CodeIgnitor, MySQL/MongoDB, Linux/Shell

Web Developer

Parse Ten Inc., Karachi - Pakistan

Mar 2009 - Oct 2010

  • Refactored legacy code to improve reliability, scalability and maintainability. Developed a content management system for a media company that reduced maintenance costs by 35%.
  • Tech stack: PHP, MySQL, Facebook API, Google APIs.

Projects

Certifications

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

Education

Masters Information Technology

Fachhochschule Kiel, Kiel Germany

Oct 2013 - Feb 2017

  • Master Thesis Topic: VisLog | Providing a platform for umbrella organisations for moving companies and developing a long-term business strategy for the portal.
  • CGPA: 1.7

BS Computer Science

University of Karachi, Karachi - Pakistan

Jan 2006 - Dec 2010

  • CGPA: 2.55

Mubashar Khokhar — PHP/Python Backend Engineer & Generative AI Specialist — m.khokhar@social-gizmo.com — (+49) 0162 961 3981