Fahad Murtaza
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Development Developer
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Toptal member since October 30, 2019
Fahad is a software engineer with 23+ years of experience, specializing in delivering scalable, secure, and maintainable solutions. He is proficient in PHP, Python, Go, WordPress Plugins and themes, various technologies, and AI-assisted development tools (Cursor, Claude Code, and ChatGPT). With extensive expertise in payments and sectors like martech, proptech, fintech, edtech, and healthtech, Fahad tackles projects from quick fixes to complex builds with a pragmatic, collaborative spirit.
Portfolio
Experience
- JavaScript - 20 years
- Software Development - 20 years
- Python - 20 years
- Docker - 15 years
- SQL - 12 years
- Node.js - 10 years
- WooCommerce - 10 years
- Go - 9 years
Preferred Environment
iOS, WordPress, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Machine Learning, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Symfony, Full-stack, Django, PostgreSQL, Airtable, ECMAScript (ES6), Genesis Framework, PHP, WordPress Plugins, MySQL, API Integration, Architecture, Custom Post Types, SMTP, HubSpot API, Modern JavaScript, Content Management Systems (CMS), Performance Optimization, Headless WordPress, WP Engine, User Experience (UX), Back-end, GraphQL, Tailwind CSS, AI Integration, Python 3, Debugging, Technical Documentation, API Development, Third-party APIs, Webhooks, Web Services, Payment Gateways, Linux, ACF PRO
The most amazing...
...thing was leading end-to-end development of Stanfield Real Estate’s core PropTech platform, supporting launch and helping secure $500,000 in Series A funding.
Work Experience
Software Engineer
iSuperCoder
- Developed new features and optimized existing ones with a focus on quality and robust testing. Wrote tests that directly helped clients grow the business.
- Built full-stack applications with MEAN/MERN stacks, developed iOS apps with JavaScript technologies, and created cross-platform Flutter apps, delivering highly responsive, user-friendly solutions.
- Successfully completed 700+ projects spanning software development and testing, delivering high-quality, reliable solutions.
- Drove business growth using a data-driven approach, implementing A/B, split, and multivariate tests to optimize outcomes.
- Delivered complex WordPress solutions, including custom plugins, multi-language setups, and integrations with external APIs, helping agencies and eCommerce businesses scale efficiently.
- Led cross-functional teams and projects, mentoring developers, reviewing code, and establishing best practices that balanced speed, quality, and business goals.
- Translated complex client requirements into actionable technical solutions, maintaining strong communication, delivering on time, and helping clients grow revenue and operational efficiency.
- Combined software engineering expertise with product strategy to deliver future-ready platforms, contributing to successful startups, SaaS products, and high-value client launches.
WordPress Developer
Tech Therapy Ltd
- Replaced an old, clunky payment system with new Stripe-based payments.
- Fixed bugs and added new functionality to the custom code regarding payments in a WordPress plugin.
- Made payments reliable and smooth for recurring subscriptions.
Back-end PHP 7 and Symphony Developer
RSD Innovations Limited
- Developed robust back-end systems using PHP 7, Symfony 4, and Doctrine, improving application performance and scalability for online business mentoring services.
- Designed and implemented REST APIs for seamless integration with third-party services and internal tools, enhancing platform interoperability.
- Optimized database queries and schema with MySQL, reducing load times and improving overall system responsiveness by measurable margins.
- Built and maintained dynamic Twig templates for a modular, reusable front-end structure, improving content rendering speed and developer efficiency.
- Collaborated with product and business teams to translate requirements into scalable technical solutions, directly supporting client business goals.
- Streamlined development workflows with Git, improving version control, branch management, and deployment reliability across multiple projects.
Software Engineer
Senseye
- Engaged as a full-stack engineer developing software with Golang, Node.js, and Angular.
- Contributed to the microservice-based architecture comprised of many services.
- Developed with Angular and other front-end technologies.
- Migrated some of the code from AngularJS to newer versions.
- Developed the new features following biweekly sprints. Worked as a full-stack software engineer working on a distributed architecture supported by microservices.
Software Engineer
Property Finder
- Refactored the legacy code and cleaned up the old interfaces to create modern and responsive ones. Designed a new blog for all countries.
- Developed the back office with Zend and a number of front-end technologies.
- Removed the old legacy code for all countries, took the lead on two of them and migrated from v2 legacy to a standard v3 code.
- Collaborated with DevOps to make the development better and improved the new developer onboarding experience.
- Developed the front end for the back office single-handedly based on visual help from the graphic designer.
- Integrated the front end with the back end code and APIs on multiple countries' websites.
- Created Property Finder's blog with a new design used to date.
Software Engineer
RD LABS Muscat Oman
- Developed apps on LAMP architecture. Architected web solutions using Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Bash, and Python.
- Worked with different platforms and CMS systems, delivering customers CRMs and CMS.
- Contributed to various client websites based on the ideas around information architecture.
- Contributed to Brand Oman's CMS, which allowed them to manage different brand identities to be used as standards throughout the country.
- Worked with Drupal CMS and Expression Engine for various clients, namely Brand Oman.
- Converted PSD graphics into working apps. Both web and mobile.
Experience
Stanfield Real Estate
https://www.stanfieldrealestate.comWordPress Hooks Explorer
https://fahdmurtaza.com/wp-hooks-explorer/New York Real Estate Website with Full Business Processes and Lead Generation
https://www.prereal.com/I worked as the lead engineer on the PREREAL website, responsible for both the technical architecture and the implementation. The goal was to build a fast, scalable, and easy-to-manage platform tailored for a real estate–focused business.
I designed a clean WordPress architecture, avoiding bloated themes and unnecessary plugins, and developed custom components aligned with PREREAL’s content and business needs. This included custom content structures, reusable layouts, and an editor-friendly back end that allowed the team to manage content independently.
Performance and maintainability were key priorities. I optimized page load times, streamlined database queries, and ensured the site remained stable under real-world usage. I also focused on UX consistency, cross-device compatibility, and long-term extensibility.
The result was a reliable, high-performance website that supports PREREAL’s growth while remaining simple to operate for non-technical users.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Machine Learning
Stanford University - Stanford Main Quad, CA, USA
Bachelor's Degree in Artificial Intelligence
Stanford University - Stanford Main Quad, CA, USA
Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering
Comsats Institute of Information Technology - Pakistan
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Node.js, React, jQuery, Google Maps, Google Maps API, Google Geocoding API, Google Maps JavaScript API 3, Google Places API, YouTube API, WordPress API, REST APIs, Stripe, Stripe API, QuickBooks API, Twilio API, HubSpot API, Vue 3, Vue, API Development, Facebook API, Facebook Ads API, Facebook Login, Shopify API, Stripe Connect, Stripe Connect API, Google Civic API, Vulkan, jQuery DataTables, Amazon API, Django ORM, PyTorch, Google Maps Premium Roads API, MooTools, jQuery UI, jQuery Mobile, jQuery SVG, Doctrine
Tools
WebStorm, Optimizely, MAMP, NPM, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Stripe Checkout, Figma to HTML, Git, LearnDash, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), Zapier, GoLand, PhpBB, Docker Compose, Composer, Docker Swarm, AWS SDK, Let's Encrypt, ChatGPT, ACF PRO, PostCSS, Vitest, Adobe Illustrator, WPML, Figma, Shopify Plus, n8n, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Figma Plugins, PhpStorm, PyCharm, Zend Debugger, Photoshop 2018, DataTables, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), AWS ELB, GCP Security, SQL Plus, SQLyog, Multiple Listing Services (MLS)
Languages
JavaScript, CSS, HTML, PHP, Python, BigMachines Query Language (BMQL), TypeScript, HTML5, Python 3, Modern JavaScript, PHP 7, ECMAScript (ES6), GraphQL, XML, SQL, C++, Rust, Java, Pascal, Go, PyPy
Frameworks
Angular, Symfony, Zend Framework, Symfony 3, Flutter, Bootstrap, Jinja, Next.js 14, Twig, Laravel 5, Laravel 8, Laravel 11, Genesis Framework, Tailwind CSS, Fastify, Django, Divi, React Native, Next.js, Flask, React VR, Symfony 4
Paradigms
Automation, Responsive Web Design (RWD), DRY, KISS, DevOps, Web Architecture, Database Design, Clean Code, Refactoring, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Mobile Development, Testing
Platforms
Android, Docker, Pantheon, LAMP, WordPress, Drupal 8, WordPress Theme Design, WooCommerce, Shopify, Webflow, Twilio, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Kubernetes, AWS IoT, Linux, Vercel, JVM, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), iOS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Firebase, HubSpot, Netlify, Microsoft Power Automate, MacOS, Azure, Django CMS, WordPress VIP
Storage
MySQL, MongoDB, Google Cloud, PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, WP Engine, DB, SQLite, SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2016, SQL Server 7
Industry Expertise
E-learning, Web Design
Other
WordPress Plugins, WordPress Themes, Software Development, WordPress Design, Gravity Forms, Software Engineering, API Integration, Custom Themes, Shopify Customizations, Communication, API Applications, CI/CD Pipelines, APIs, eCommerce, Custom Shopify Apps, Plugins, Architecture, Back-end Development, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Web Development, Amazon MQ, Cursor AI, Elementor, WordPress SEO, Figma to Shopify, Software Architecture, Integration, Data Management, Data Analysis, Apps, Discord Bots, Full-stack, Full-stack Development, Custom WordPress, Squarespace, Privacy, FastAPI, WordPress Cron, Email, AWS DevOps, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technical SEO, Framer, Custom Post Types, SMTP, Content Management Systems (CMS), Performance Optimization, Plugin Interactions, Headless WordPress, Kinsta, Caching, Marketplaces, Portals, User Experience (UX), Workflow Diagrams, Back-end, Domain Name System (DNS), AI Integration, RESTFul APIs, SEO Tools, Debugging, Technical Documentation, AI Agents, AI Chatbots, Scheduling, Third-party APIs, Webhooks, Web Services, User Interface (UI), GitHub Actions, Google, Migration, Payment Gateways, LangChain, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), Elementor Pro, AI Automation, Agentic AI, Prompt Engineering, Feature Flags, Vercel Analytics, Vite, AI Model Training, AI Research, Large Language Models (LLMs), Front-end, Google BigQuery, Cross-platform App Development, Mobile Apps, Mobile App Development, Machine Learning, Technical Leadership, Data Engineering, Airtable, React Native Bridge, Supabase, Supabase Auth, Stripe Terminal, OpenAI, Security, Google Play Store, SOLID Principles, GraalVM, Zustand, Regular Expressions, Static Site Generators, GCP DevOps, Embedded Rust, Chrome Extensions, RETS, Self-driving Cars, Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), Quarkus
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