Islam Kandil

Technical Team Lead & Backend Architect

About Me

I am a passionate and results-driven Technical Team Lead and Backend Architect with over 18 years of experience in designing, building, and optimizing scalable backend systems for telecom, messaging, and SaaS platforms. My career has been defined by a commitment to technical excellence, innovation, and leadership.

Throughout my journey, I have led high-performing teams, modernized legacy systems, and delivered mission-critical solutions that process millions of daily transactions. My expertise spans scalable API and microservice design, advanced message queue strategies, database optimization for large datasets, and full DevOps automation. I thrive in dynamic environments where collaboration, clean architecture, and business value are at the forefront.

I am recognized for my ability to translate complex business requirements into elegant, maintainable solutions, and for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. My leadership style is hands-on, supportive, and focused on empowering teams to achieve their best.

Professional Experience

4Jawaly, Saudi Arabia, Remote
Technical Team Lead Apr 2020 – Present
  • Led the design and implementation of highly scalable backend systems for a mission-critical messaging platform, processing over 5 million SMS daily for enterprise clients in the telecom sector.
  • Managed and mentored a cross-functional team of 8+ developers and engineers, establishing best practices in code quality, testing, and agile delivery.
  • Oversaw code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning, resulting in a 20% increase in delivery reliability and a significant reduction in system downtime.
  • Directed the migration from MySQL to PostgreSQL, improving performance and data integrity for databases exceeding 600GB, and implemented robust backup and monitoring strategies.
  • Developed a smart SMS routing engine supporting OTPs, scheduled messages, and dynamic batch sizes using RabbitMQ, optimizing message delivery and reducing latency.
  • Implemented CI/CD pipelines, Dockerized environments, and advanced performance logging, reducing deployment time by 30% and increasing debugging efficiency.
Co-founder – WhatsApp Service Jan 2023 – Present
  • Co-founded and architected a business messaging platform using WhatsApp Business APIs, enabling automated customer communication, notifications, and marketing campaigns for large organizations.
  • Ensured platform scalability, reliability, and regulatory compliance for high-volume messaging, integrating advanced features such as chatbots, customer support tools, and analytics dashboards.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to define product vision, roadmap, and technical requirements, delivering solutions that exceeded client expectations and supported business growth.
ViewClass, Remote (Outsourced)
Software Engineer & Software Consultant Mar 2022 – Apr 2023
  • Developed and maintained core modules for educational and financial systems, ensuring seamless integration between learning content, student management, and financial operations.
  • Provided expert consultation to enhance system architecture, scalability, and maintainability, resulting in improved system performance and user satisfaction.
  • Collaborated closely with the ViewClass team to deliver user-centric features, optimize backend processes, and ensure secure, reliable data management.
  • Implemented efficient database queries and optimizations that improved system response times by 40% and reduced server load during peak usage periods.
OjrahApp, Saudi Arabia, Remote (Freelance)
Backend Developer & Software Consultant Apr 2024 – Present
  • Led backend development for a high-availability, real-time taxi management platform, ensuring system reliability and scalability for thousands of daily users.
  • Designed and implemented secure, efficient APIs and microservices, enabling seamless communication between mobile apps, web dashboards, and backend services.
  • Integrated Apache Kafka for real-time event processing, significantly improving the platform's ability to handle peak traffic and reducing latency in location updates.
  • Provided consulting on product architecture, performance optimization, and best practices for cloud deployment and monitoring.
Shary, Egypt, Cairo, Remote (Part-time)
Backend Developer & Software Consultant Mar 2021 – Jul 2022
  • Designed and maintained backend systems for real estate platforms, focusing on system architecture, performance, and scalability for property listing and management.
  • Implemented microservices architecture using PHP and WebSocket for real-time property updates and notifications, improving user engagement metrics by 25%.
  • Provided software consulting for internal product development and integration, ensuring robust and maintainable solutions across the platform.
  • Collaborated with frontend and product teams to deliver optimized, user-friendly features and improve overall platform stability and performance.
3laCam, Egypt, Cairo (On-site)
Technical Team Lead Nov 2018 – Mar 2020
  • Led backend and full-stack teams in building and scaling a video-on-demand (VOD) platform, ensuring high availability and seamless video delivery to users across web and mobile interfaces.
  • Designed and implemented core system architecture for video streaming, content access control, and secure API integrations with multiple content providers.
  • Developed and integrated video processing workflows for encoding, storage, and playback optimization, resulting in improved streaming quality and reduced latency for users on varying connection speeds.
  • Collaborated with frontend, mobile, and design teams to deliver intuitive user experiences across platforms, significantly increasing user retention and engagement metrics.
StarWallet Labs, Egypt, Cairo
Technical Team Lead Dec 2016 – Dec 2017
  • Designed, implemented, and monitored integration between applications while coordinating updates and developing test cases for financial and digital wallet solutions.
  • Managed deliverable estimates, negotiated resource conflicts, and allocated resources to ensure timely project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Evaluated customer impact risk, reputation risk, and regulatory risk for new features and system changes, ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
  • Analyzed project-related information and made recommendations based on discoveries, improving project outcomes and client satisfaction.
UnicomGroup, Egypt, Cairo
Development Team Lead Aug 2016 – Dec 2016
  • Led web team meetings, researched new technologies, and executed security measures for website projects in various industries.
  • Collaborated with in-house web designers to create sleek and innovative UI designs that enhanced user experience and engagement.
  • Designed and executed security measures such as firewalls and encryption to protect sensitive customer data and ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Tested websites and performed thorough troubleshooting prior to deployment, ensuring high-quality deliverables and minimizing post-launch issues.
Tech World Co, Egypt, Cairo
Team Leader May 2015 – Jul 2016
  • Initiated new projects and coordinated with senior management on various technical initiatives and strategic planning.
  • Maintained office supplies inventory and managed logistics for smooth business operations across departments.
  • Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets, and crafted presentations to support executives and business operations.
Senior Web Developer Sep 2009 – Oct 2013
  • Designed, developed, and implemented software applications for multiple websites across various industries and client requirements.
  • Created powerful Content Management Systems to serve as interfaces for clients, enabling easy content updates and site management.
  • Implemented security best practices and responsive designs to ensure optimal user experience across devices and protection of sensitive data.
MFH Engineering Consultants & Contractors, Egypt, Cairo
Head of Web Development Oct 2013 – Apr 2015
  • Managed multi-department rollout of robust, flexible, and secure electronic data interchange systems for engineering project management.
  • Designed, implemented, and monitored integration between applications while coordinating updates and developing test cases for engineering systems.
  • Collaborated with system administrators and directors to plan and schedule project activities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and deadlines.
  • Analyzed company processes to determine outsourcing feasibility and implemented strategies to optimize resource allocation and project delivery.
Jobzella, Egypt, Cairo
Full Stack Developer (Part-time) May 2015 – Jul 2015
  • Developed and maintained user-focused websites and internal applications for job recruitment and career development platforms.
  • Coordinated with team leaders to evaluate and improve software and hardware interfaces, enhancing overall system performance and user experience.
  • Reviewed code, debugged problems, and corrected issues to ensure optimal functionality and consistent user experience across the platform.
4smart, Egypt, Cairo
PHP Developer Jan 2006 – Aug 2009
  • Developed web solutions for various clients, including e-commerce sites, corporate portals, and content management systems using PHP and MySQL.
  • Participated in research projects and collaborated with world research organizations to develop innovative web applications.
  • Contributed to the design and implementation of custom web applications, focusing on security, performance, and maintainability.
  • Balanced work responsibilities with university studies and military service, demonstrating strong time management and commitment to professional growth.

Skills & Technologies

  • PHP 8.2
  • Node.js
  • JavaScript
  • Angular
  • Laravel
  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • MongoDB
  • Redis
  • RabbitMQ
  • Kafka
  • Docker
  • Jenkins
  • Git
  • Linux
  • CI/CD

Languages

  • Arabic (Native)
  • English (Professional Working Proficiency)

Education

Zagazig University, Egypt, Cairo
Bachelor's degree, Computer Science
2003 – 2007

Studied a wide range of subjects in mathematics and computer science, with a particular interest in Artificial Intelligence, programming, compiler theory, algorithms, and graph theory.

Certifications
  • C# – Mansoura University

Contact

Email: eslam@php-eg.com Phone: +201110633086 Location: Cairo, Egypt LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/teamleader2 Website: php-eg.com

Blog

Coming soon: Articles and insights on backend architecture, scalable systems, and team leadership.