TAREK GACEM
Algiers
Summary
Dynamic software engineer with over four years of experience specializing in backend systems using Node.js, Nest.js, and Python for data manipulation and AI, as well as full-stack development with Angular and React. Demonstrated expertise in migrating legacy systems to modern architectures, achieving a 50% performance improvement and significant reductions in operational costs. Delivered more than eight production applications across diverse sectors, including government, and oil & gas. Currently pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence with a focus on Computer Vision, supported by five peer-reviewed publications and extensive experience in early-stage startups, scale-ups (over $150M funded), and enterprise environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Software Engineer
SMARTEST ALGERIA
Algiers, Algeria
05.2023 - Current
- Engineered a full-stack government application replacing manual processes, improving operational efficiency by 60% and reducing workload from 3 employees to 1.
- Migrated and cleaned 10,000+ legacy records using Python, designed MongoDB schema, implemented RESTful APIs with NestJS, and created responsive UI with Angular 17 and PrimeNG.
- Led a team of 2 developers, managing client communications and translating requirements into 15+ user stories delivered across 3 sprints.
- Architected a company-wide UI Components Library with Angular 17 and Carbon Design, now integrated into 4+ production projects across the organization.
- Designed an enterprise frontend boilerplate implementing Factory and Strategy patterns, reducing new project setup time by 70%.
- Spearheaded Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution using Keycloak APIs, streamlining authentication for 500+ internal users.
- Constructed an Oil & Gas ODP Platform with 3D well visualization, managing 50+ datasets using microservices architecture with NestJS and PostgreSQL.
- Implemented an IoT data platform processing real-time streaming data using Clean Architecture, enabling seamless database migration from PostgreSQL to GraphDB without modifying business logic.
Software Engineer
Open Innovation AI (ex: Convergance)
UAE
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Joined as founding engineer (#3 hire), shipping 2 client projects within the first 6 months of company operations.
- Delivered an Oil & Gas frontend application using ReactJS, TailwindCSS, and custom hooks, achieving 100% client acceptance on first review.
- Integrated UAE government authentication into Rental Shield app, collaborating with external API team and creating technical documentation for 3 stakeholder presentations.
- Reduced user verification time by 80% through automated passport validation and citizenship checks via Express.js APIs.
Freelance Software Engineer
Training Management Platform
Saudi Arabia
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Engineered 12+ custom Python APIs using Frappe framework for an educational platform deployed across 5+ Saudi universities.
- Oversaw project coordination with a 15-member development team to successfully deliver training management solution on schedule.
Software Engineer
YASSIR Eurl
Algiers, Algeria
07.2021 - 01.2023
- Promoted within 6 months from junior to core team, contributing to VTC web application serving 1M+ monthly active users using ReactJS and Express.js.
- Executed legacy B2B backend migration from monolith to NestJS macroservice architecture with MongoDB and TypeScript, reducing codebase complexity by 40%.
- Optimized API response times by 50%, enabling platform to handle 2x transaction volume (from 50K to 100K+ daily transactions).
- Authored 200+ unit tests with Jest and Mocha, achieving 85% code coverage across critical B2B modules.
- Designed scalable microservice integrated into YASSIR's OneApp platform, supporting unified experience for 5+ product lines.
- Configured GCP infrastructure including load balancing and networking for high-availability production deployment.
- Collaborated with 8 senior engineers at Africa's largest startup ($150M+ Series B), shipping features to millions of users across 6 countries.
Data Scientist Intern
ATM Mobilis
Algiers, Algeria
02.2020 - 10.2020
- Constructed churn prediction system analyzing 100K+ customer records using XGBoost, Random Forest, and ANN, achieving 87% prediction accuracy.
- Designed end-to-end solution: Django REST APIs, ML model pipeline, and ReactJS dashboard with JWT authentication for real-time predictions.
- Enabled proactive retention strategies projected to save 40M DZD annually, based on industry benchmark that retention is 5x more cost-efficient than acquisition.
- Completed 50+ hours of self-directed machine learning training via Kaggle and online courses, applying concepts directly to production system.
Education
Ph.D. - Artificial Intelligence (Computer Vision)
USTHB
Algiers, Algeria12-2026
M.D. - Information Systems and Web (SIW)
ESI SBA
Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria10-2020
Skills
- Languages: JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, SQL
- Backend: Nodejs, NestJS, Expressjs, Django, Flask, Frappe, REST APIs, GraphQL, JWT, Microservices Architecture, Monolithic Architecture, Clean Architecture
- Frontend: Angular, ReactJS, Redux, Redux-Toolkit, React Query, Axios, Custom Hooks, Functional Components
- UI Frameworks: TailwindCSS, PrimeNG, Ant Design, Material UI, Styled Components, Carbon Design, Bootstrap
- Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, GraphDB, MySQL
- AI & Data Science: PyTorch, OpenCV, Scikit-learn, XGBoost, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Deep Learning, Machine Learning
- Testing: Jest, Mocha, Unit Testing, Cypress (E2E)
- DevOps & Tools: Docker, Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps, Jira, GCP
- End-to-end software development
- API design
LANGUAGES
Arabic (Native)
English (Professional)
French (Professional)
Timeline
Software Engineer
SMARTEST ALGERIA
05.2023 - Current
Freelance Software Engineer
Training Management Platform
06.2022 - 11.2022
Software Engineer
Open Innovation AI (ex: Convergance)
02.2022 - 12.2022
Software Engineer
YASSIR Eurl
07.2021 - 01.2023
Data Scientist Intern
ATM Mobilis
02.2020 - 10.2020
Ph.D. - Artificial Intelligence (Computer Vision)
USTHB
M.D. - Information Systems and Web (SIW)
ESI SBA