"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
— Benjamin Franklin
Copenhagen-Based Software Engineer | Real-time & Scalable Backends
Specializing in Python (Django/Flask) and JavaScript (SvelteKit), I build robust, automated systems and real-time solutions. Proven expertise in DevOps, Docker, and delivering high-quality software in complex environments.
About me
"Mastery lies on an infinite continuum, and as a result we will never reach the end. We can, however, see to it that we are as far along that continuum as our circumstance allows."
— Chris Matakas
Hej!
Welcome to my portfolio. I'm Faisal Akhlaq, a Software Engineer based in Copenhagen. My journey in software development is driven by a passion for crafting robust, user-friendly applications that adhere to best practices. I thrive on bridging the gap between complex technical challenges and clear project execution, ensuring high-quality software delivery.
I specialize in developing backend services and real-time systems, leveraging Python (Django, Flask) and JavaScript/TypeScript (SvelteKit, React). My experience includes building automated production systems with MQTT and WebSockets, designing intricate inventory tracking modules, and implementing sophisticated SVG processing workflows. I am also adept in DevOps practices, utilizing Docker and GitHub Actions for efficient continuous delivery in diverse environments.
Beyond the code, I enjoy exploring new technologies, following tech and business podcasts, and staying active with fitness and sports. I believe in continuous learning and applying new insights to deliver impactful software solutions. I'm always open to new challenges and collaborations.
Experience
- Software Engineer at "Rodinia Generation" - 2025
- Django-Python Developer (Part Time) at "Ticketbutler Copenhagen" - 2018
- Java Software Developer at "Korgix" - 2014
- Java Developer Intern at "Simus-Systems GmbH" - 2012
Languages
- English - Professional Proficiency
- Danish - Fluent in spoken and reading, Intermediate in writing
- Urdu - Native
- Punjabi - Fluent
Experience
Software Engineer
Rodinia Generation, Copenhagen
May 2021 - Sep 2025
- Developed backend services for automated production using Django, Celery, WebSockets, and MQTT, enabling real-time machine communication.
- Used SvelteKit (JavaScript/TypeScript) for frontend and SVG processing on the client side.
- Built a fabric/ink inventory tracking module, with real-time updates and transaction history.
- Processed incoming hardware data to update production object states and pushed real-time frontend updates via WebSockets.
- Built an SVG processing workflow validating, parsing, and extracting components with lxml in Celery tasks, coupled with real-time UI updates.
- Integrated an external Docker-based nesting algorithm for SVG placement based on user selections, with progress tracking via Django signals.
- Designed a message-driven architecture using Redis pub/sub and a Node.js service to coordinate secure token-based interactions and trigger SVG regeneration.
- Maintained a long-running MQTT listener service for real-time machine-to-server request-response messaging and production metadata lookup.
- Deployed and maintained system components on on-premises servers using a self-hosted GitHub Actions runner to support continuous delivery in air-gaped environments.
- Participated and facilitated sprint planning and fostered cross-functional collaboration to align on requirements and project goals.
Software Developer
Self Employed, Copenhagen
Jan 2020 – May 2021
- Contributed as a developer and project manager for Smart Developers project.
- Used Git, GitHub and project boards (e.g., Trello/Jira) for task tracking and collaboration.
- Freelance Software Developer (Projects: Smart Developers, mobiletilbud and few other smaller projects).
- Technologies: Python, Django, React, Celery, Web scraping.
Python/Django Developer (Part-Time)
Ticketbutler, Copenhagen
May 2018 – Dec 2018
- Developed Waiting list, SMS and email notifications feature among others.
- Worked with debugging, bug fixes and software maintenance.
- Worked across both backend (Django REST Framework, PostgreSQL) and frontend (React) code base.
Software Engineer & Project Coordinator
Korgix, Lahore
Mar 2014 – Aug 2014
- Delivered Java-based desktop and mobile applications for two small businesses.
- Communicated directly with clients to gather requirements and provide ongoing support.
- Planned and managed project tasks, timelines, and priorities.
- Supervised interns and reviewed their code contributions.
- Conducted training sessions for clients and end-users to ensure successful system adoption.
Java Developer (Intern)
Simus Systems GmbH, Karlsruhe
Aug 2011 – July 2012
- Worked on a Java desktop application using Java SE 6, Swing, and JDBC.
- Rapidly learned Java and contributed to production code.
- Gained hands-on experience with SIMUS Systems' data management and engineering optimization software (classmate).
- Developed new features, fixed bugs and improved software functionality.
- Collaborated with the development team to troubleshoot and debug technical issues.
Education
MSc Software Engineering & Management
Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden | Sep 2007 – Jun 2010
Recent Educational Activities & Courses
- Python3: Deep Dive
Udemy (2024)
- Rest API with Python & Django Advanced
Udemy (2023)
- Practical Web Development with Docker, Django, Nginx, Redis
Udemy (2022)
- Docker for beginners
Udemy (2022)
- Build an E-commerce website with Django and React
Udemy (2021)
- Web Scraping with Python
Udemy (2021)
- Scientific Computing with Python Certification
freecodecamp.org (2021)
- Python Mega Course: Build 10 Real World Application
Udemy (2020)
Publications
- Automatic Assembler Generator for NoGAP - IEEE
IEEE (Per Karlström, Faisal Akhlaq, Dake Liu, ...)
- Cycle Accurate Simulator Generator for NoGAP - IEEE
IEEE (Per Karlström, Faisal Akhlaq, Dake Liu, ...)
Projects
Skills
- Flask
- Database Interaction
- Web Scraping
- Pandas
- Bokeh
Python
- REST Framework API
- Celery
- ORM
- Internationalization (Translations)
- User Authentication
- Generic Views
- Unit & Functional Testing
Django
- TypeScript
- SvelteKit
JavaScript
- MQTT
- WebSockets
- Redis Pub/Sub
Real-time Systems
- Git
- GitHub Actions (Workflows)
- GitHub Action Runners
- HTML & CSS
- Databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
- Ubuntu
- Docker
- CI/CD
Intermediate Skills
- Node.js
- React
- Android
- IoT Concepts
- Node-RED
- Java
- C++
Basic Skills
- Project Management
- Technical Leadership
- Time Management
- Technical Writing
- Mentoring/Teaching
- Communication
- Goal Setting
- Positive Attitude
Non-Technical Skills
Get in Touch
I'm always eager to connect with fellow professionals, discuss new opportunities, or collaborate on exciting projects. Whether you have a question, a project idea, or just want to say hello, please don't hesitate to reach out.