Shahen is available for hire
Hire ShahenShahen Hovhannisyan
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Developer
Yerevan, Armenia
Toptal member since April 6, 2020
Bio
Shahen is a senior software engineer with over 10 years of experience. He has a proven ability to deliver results, whether by extending and improving an existing project or developing one from scratch. He's a great team player and mentor, with the mentality of a leader. Shahen moves easily between technologies. He is equally comfortable developing for iOS, Android, and the web, and is proficient in applications, system architecture, and solutions that require extensive detail.
Portfolio
Fortuna Management FZCO
JavaScript, CSS, React Native, Flutter, Architecture, Mobile Architecture...
Cart Aid
Software Architecture, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AIOps...
Peerly Inc
React Native, Flutter, MacOS, Zoom, Slack, Jira
Experience
- Go - 6 years
- Technical Leadership - 5 years
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) - 4 years
- CTO - 3 years
- Vector Databases - 3 years
- Large Language Models (LLMs) - 3 years
- Microservices - 3 years
- Terraform - 3 years
Preferred Environment
Zoom, DataGrip, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Jira, Slack, Linux, MacOS
The most amazing...
...application I've developed was for a mentoring platform called MentorcliQ. It is used by large companies such as Sony, Bacardi, and American Airlines.
Work Experience
Solutions Architect
2025 - 2026
Fortuna Management FZCO
- Designed and engineered a high-throughput, fault-tolerant system for real-time cryptocurrency portfolio tracking, achieving 99.99% uptime while processing high-velocity market data feeds with sub-second latency.
- Built and scaled a high-performing engineering team from the ground up, implementing agile methodologies and mentorship frameworks that accelerated feature delivery cycles by 30%.
- Optimized cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines, reducing hosting costs by 25% while cutting deployment times from hours to minutes.
Technologies: JavaScript, CSS, React Native, Flutter, Architecture, Mobile Architecture, Technical Leadership, Software Architecture
Tech Consultant
2025 - 2025
Cart Aid
- Advised clients on the best technology stack for their project, providing a detailed comparison of pros and cons to ensure scalability, maintainability, and cost-efficiency.
- Assessed development company decisions, project deadlines, and potential risks, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with long-term business goals.
- Identified inefficiencies in the development process, recommended improvements, and ensured best practices were followed to enhance product quality and team productivity.
Technologies: Software Architecture, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AIOps, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Consulting, Architecture, OpenAI, Hugging Face, Large Language Models (LLMs), Vector Databases, Amazon OpenSearch, OpenAI API, Hugging Face Transformers, Elasticsearch, Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Zoom, Slack, Jira
React Native and Flutter Consultant
2024 - 2024
Peerly Inc
- Guided the client in selecting mobile frameworks (React Native, Flutter, and Ionic) with tailored pros and cons, ensuring informed decisions.
- Implemented cost-effective mobile solutions, optimizing development timelines and expenses through careful technology selection.
- Empowered the client with innovative mobile technologies, enhancing their competitive edge and market differentiation.
Technologies: React Native, Flutter, MacOS, Zoom, Slack, Jira
Chief Technology Officer
2023 - 2024
Rhome Exchange Inc
- Collaborated closely with the CEO, product managers, and stakeholders to deliver critical product milestones while balancing scope, time, and budget constraints.
- Leveraged a modern tech stack with TypeScript, Rust, and Go, enhancing performance and maintainability.
- Introduced CI/CD pipelines integrated with GitHub Actions for Docker builds, ECR pushes, and automated infrastructure deployments.
- Led the development of Rhome.ai. Managed cross-team collaboration to integrate the AI-powered features seamlessly into the existing product ecosystem.
- Developed a clear technical strategy and roadmap, aligning engineering efforts with business objectives to drive growth and product delivery.
- Ensured secure access and reduced vulnerabilities through best practices in AWS and Kubernetes configurations.
- Collaborated with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to align technology initiatives with company goals.
- Delivered the product roadmap on a tight budget, completing development milestones in line with timelines.
- Built and managed a cross-functional engineering team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
- Implemented Agile methodologies and sprint planning, improving team productivity and delivering milestones on time.
Technologies: Architecture, CTO, React, Node.js, TypeScript, MongoDB, Fractional CTO, Full-stack, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Terraform, Go, PostgreSQL, GraphQL, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Kubernetes, Redis, NestJS, Firebase, Technical Leadership, Rust, OpenAI API, Hugging Face Transformers, Elasticsearch, Large Language Models (LLMs), Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Support and Scalability Consultant
2023 - 2023
Croney
- Identified and mitigated critical bottlenecks in the existing codebase, significantly improving system performance and responsiveness.
- Spearheaded the review process of the project's codebase, implementing best practices and coding standards to enhance overall code quality and maintainability.
- Played a pivotal role in the project's long-term success by providing strategic insights and actionable recommendations, contributing to its scalability and robustness for future development phases.
- Collaborated closely with the client, refining review documentation and tailoring suggestions to align with their specific goals, resulting in a more customized and effective approach to optimizing the project's codebase.
Technologies: JavaScript, React Native, Node.js, TypeScript, Document Design, Documentation, Full-stack Development, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Fractional CTO
2022 - 2023
Realconnex Holdings Inc
- Led a comprehensive review of the project's codebase in my role as CTO, identifying and resolving critical bottlenecks, substantially enhancing the system's overall performance and reliability.
- Strategically suggested and implemented next steps to optimize the development process, contributing to increased efficiency and a more seamless workflow within the team.
- Proactively planned and recommended cutting-edge technologies, ensuring the project stayed ahead of industry trends and remained technologically competitive.
- Conducted successful meetings with vendors, fostering valuable partnerships and securing resources critical to the project's success, ultimately contributing to its growth and sustainability.
- Effectively managed a diverse development team of 20 members, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, leading to timely project delivery and high team morale.
Technologies: JavaScript, CTO, AWS Cloud Architecture, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS Certified Solution Architect, AWS Certified Developer, React, Node.js, NestJS, Kubernetes, Terraform, Terragrunt, PostgreSQL, GraphQL, Fractional CTO, Elasticsearch, Vector Databases, Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Senior React Native Engineer
2022 - 2022
William Christopher Rittmeyer
- Created a module that allows users to edit video tracks, trim, crop, and create boomerang effects on both platforms.
- Enhanced the performance of the app by moving some heavy computations to the native side and using lightweight threads.
- Refactored existing codebase to enhance maintainability and performance.
Technologies: React Native, JavaScript, Swift, Java, Video Processing, Video Streaming, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Senior Software Engineer
2019 - 2022
PLT4M
- Worked on the mobile part of the product and implemented new features that allowed two types of users to get a better user experience, manage their workout sessions, and get detailed information about the result.
- Refactored existing codebase and enhanced readability and maintainability. Fixed bugs, dealt with versioning issues, and set up public and internal release automation processes.
- Added ability to log in through social networks on all platforms, including Android, iOS, and the web. Developed new features on the web application and enhanced the dashboard, allowing admins to create workout information much more straightforwardly.
Technologies: JavaScript, TypeScript, Mobile App Development, Angular, React, Firebase, iOS, Android, NativeScript, Full-stack Development, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Lead Engineer
2016 - 2021
Simply Technologies
- Developed five projects, some of which included a mentoring platform, a social network, and a bank loan management tool for San Francisco.
- Utilized JavaScript as the primary language for software development.
- Participated in the interview process for mid and senior-level engineering roles.
- Built an application with over 20,000 downloads and is used by notable companies like Sony and Bacardi.
- Scheduled the training sessions for the technical team to help improve team skills.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Redis, React Native, React, Node.js, JavaScript, Redux, Microservices, Go, PostgreSQL, GraphQL, Heroku, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Kubernetes, Technical Leadership, Express.js, CTO, NestJS, Terraform, Terragrunt, Elasticsearch, Large Language Models (LLMs), Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Senior Full-stack Engineer
2020 - 2020
Riess Group LLC
- Worked on the web app, supported the mobile view, and worked with Web Components without using any library or framework.
- Collaborated on the back-end APIs to provide the required functionality for image upload. Added caching on the front end to reduce the back-end load.
- Used a custom layout inflating system to draw a beautiful UI.
Technologies: Docker, Node.js, JavaScript, Web Components, Terraform, Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Senior Flutter Engineer
2020 - 2020
Crowdservice, Inc.
- Created the application structure and separated key concepts of the logic to make it easy to refactor in the future.
- Used Material Design concepts, implemented BloC as a state management pattern, and created a custom navigation mechanism for complex routing.
- Configured Play Market and App Store accounts and deployed the apps to test environments.
Technologies: Video Processing, Android, iOS, Dart, Flutter, Hasura, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Co-founder and CTO
2017 - 2020
Polguard
- Developed smart solutions for our country. The idea was to have one hub where it was possible to connect 1000+ devices from various brands.
- Designed and architected the smart hub that acts as the brain for the smart systems.
- Developed monorepo web application using Vue.js and React.
- Created a desktop application using Electron.js, the dashboard from where our clients could see all information and control a home.
- Completed 50+ homes and over ten offices. These numbers continue to grow.
Technologies: ESP8266, Internet of Things (IoT), Flask, Python, Node.js, JavaScript, Angular, Microservices, PostgreSQL, Technical Leadership, Express.js, CTO, Electron, Kubernetes, Terraform, Terragrunt, Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Slack, Jira
CTO
2016 - 2017
Friendhub, LLC
- Built an application to help users find people with the same interests for their activities.
- Prototyped the application within one month in Ionic for Android.
- Released the Android version after 1.5 months resulting in 1000+ downloads.
- Managed the development process from idea to launch of Android, iOS.
- Scheduled weekly meetings for knowledge sharing between team members.
- Interviewed new candidates for the developer and project management roles.
Technologies: Angular, Node.js, JavaScript, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Technical Leadership, CTO, Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Full-stack Software Engineer
2015 - 2016
BeeWeb, LLC.
- Developed a shop application for a client's private network.
- Delivered the application within three months. Hosted servers in AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
- Operated on a mobile application in React Native. Released alpha versions to both platforms, Android and iOS.
- Redesigned the back-end architecture and moved to Serverless using AWS Lambdas and API Gateway.
Technologies: MongoDB, Angular, Node.js, JavaScript, Redux, Express.js, Full-stack Development, Linux, MacOS, Slack, Jira
Experience
Application for Time.am
I developed this project from scratch for the largest watch shop in our region. The application is based on Angular and Node.js. The filtering portion was the most challenging because watches have many parameters to filter. The goal was to share filtered results with other users by simply copying the link address.
HelloSIM Applications
I developed applications for three platforms using Android, iOS, and web for HelloSIM, LLC. I used React Native as a cross-platform solution for mobile and combined iOS and Android platforms into one codebase. For a web application, I chose Angular, which is a good choice for fast development and was a requirement of the client.
React Native Video Processing
https://github.com/shahen94/react-native-video-processingI built a library for React Native, which allows developers to manipulate video frames. It works on both platforms Android and iOS. I used Swift for the iOS portion and Java for Android. The library was warmly received by the community and awarded many stars.
React Native: Debugging Like a God (Article)
This is an article written for my company about the debugging process in React Native. In this article, I'll show how we can debug and monitor almost every change in the application, especially transfers between two realms.
Flutter: Farewell React Native
This is an article about the pros and cons of React Native and Flutter.
Flutter is very young and growing much faster than we can expect. This made me wonder what we'll use in the future for cross-platform apps: Flutter or React Native.
Flutter is very young and growing much faster than we can expect. This made me wonder what we'll use in the future for cross-platform apps: Flutter or React Native.
React Native: Dark Art of Native APIs
This article describes how React Native works behind the scenes. Many developers working with React Native have experience only on the JavaScript side, where React Native provides a lot of functionality on the platform. This article will guide you through working with the platform and creating a bridge between platform languages and JavaScript.
React Native Performance Tips
https://www.simplytechnologies.net/blog/2017/6/6/6-tips-you-want-to-know-about-react-native-performanceThis article covers the main performance bottlenecks that can occur in the React Native applications and solutions to overcome them. We'll talk about how React Native works under the hood and how the overall ecosystem flows.
Medline Health App
A platform that allows people to keep in touch with doctors without visiting clinics.
The cross-platform mobile app was developed in Flutter for iOS and Android. The ap had text messaging and video conversation using Agora.io.
The cross-platform mobile app was developed in Flutter for iOS and Android. The ap had text messaging and video conversation using Agora.io.
Marketing App
Redesigned existing software. Created a modern UI based on the example provided by the client. Refactored the codebase to get maximum performance there. Converted fewer files to SCSS, using a modern version of React, got rid of class components, and used a composition of hooks for state management.
Craft: A Lightning-fast Node.js Package Manager Replacement Built in Rust
https://github.com/shahen94/craftCraft's core strength lies in its blazing-fast performance, outpacing npm by up to five times in terms of installation and dependency resolution speeds. Leveraging the power and reliability of Rust, Craft ensures lightning-quick downloads and installations, making it an ideal choice for developers seeking to optimize their workflow and reduce downtime.
KEY FEATURES
• Unmatched speed: Craft is engineered for speed, providing rapid package installation and dependency resolution to keep development workflows smooth and efficient.
• Minimal resource consumption: With its lightweight design and efficient resource utilization, Craft minimizes CPU and memory usage, allowing developers to focus on writing code rather than waiting for installations.
• Intuitive command-line interface: Craft offers a user-friendly CLI interface, making it easy for developers to navigate and manage their projects with simple, intuitive commands.
• Dependency management: Craft streamlines the process of managing project dependencies, automatically resolving conflicts and ensuring compatibility to prevent issues during installation.
KEY FEATURES
• Unmatched speed: Craft is engineered for speed, providing rapid package installation and dependency resolution to keep development workflows smooth and efficient.
• Minimal resource consumption: With its lightweight design and efficient resource utilization, Craft minimizes CPU and memory usage, allowing developers to focus on writing code rather than waiting for installations.
• Intuitive command-line interface: Craft offers a user-friendly CLI interface, making it easy for developers to navigate and manage their projects with simple, intuitive commands.
• Dependency management: Craft streamlines the process of managing project dependencies, automatically resolving conflicts and ensuring compatibility to prevent issues during installation.
Famcache | Fast, Lightweight In-memory Caching and Messaging Server
https://github.com/Famcache/famcacheFamcache is a lightweight and efficient in-memory cache/messaging server written in Go. Designed for high performance and simplicity, it is ideal for developers needing a quick caching solution without the overhead of more complex systems.
KEY FEATURES
• High performance: Built with Go, ensuring fast execution and low latency.
• Simplicity: Easy to set up and use, perfect for development and small-scale production environments.
• Dockerized: Easily deployable via Docker, allowing quick integration into your CI/CD pipelines and containerized environments.
KEY FEATURES
• High performance: Built with Go, ensuring fast execution and low latency.
• Simplicity: Easy to set up and use, perfect for development and small-scale production environments.
• Dockerized: Easily deployable via Docker, allowing quick integration into your CI/CD pipelines and containerized environments.
Famcache | Rust Client
https://github.com/Famcache/famcache-rsFamcache-rs is a Rust client for Famcache, a caching server written in Go. This client provides a simple interface for connecting to Famcache and performing basic cache operations like setting, getting, and deleting values.
Education
2012 - 2016
Master's Degree in Computer Science
National Polytechnic University of Armenia - Yerevan, Armenia
Certifications
OCTOBER 2024 - OCTOBER 2026
HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
HashiCorp
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Node.js, React, Terragrunt, OpenAI API, Hugging Face Transformers, Asyncio
Tools
Jira, Terraform, Amazon OpenSearch, Slack, Zoom, Agora, Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)
Languages
JavaScript, Go, GraphQL, TypeScript, HTML, Python, Rust, Dart, Java, Swift, Objective-C, C++, CSS
Frameworks
React Native, Express.js, Flutter, Redux, NestJS, Angular, Electron, Flask, NativeScript
Paradigms
Microservices
Platforms
Docker, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kubernetes, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Heroku, Firebase, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Storage
Redis, PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, MongoDB, MySQL, Hasura
Other
Web Components, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Fractional CTO, Full-stack Development, OpenAI, Vector Databases, Internet of Things (IoT), ESP8266, Video Processing, CTO, System Architecture, AIOps, Hugging Face, Large Language Models (LLMs), Mobile App Development, Mathematical Analysis, Computer Science, Computer Security, Cisco Networking, Video Streaming, AWS Cloud Architecture, AWS Certified Solution Architect, AWS Certified Developer, Document Design, Documentation, System Programming, Multithreading, Japan, Networks, Distributed Caches, Pub/Sub, Cargo, Terraform Cloud, Architecture, Full-stack, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Consulting, Mobile Architecture
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