Backend DevelopmentBuilding Scalable Microservices with FastAPI
Learn how to design and implement production-ready microservices using FastAPI, with practical examples and best practices for scalability.
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Hello, I'mAkhil Parekh
Building backend systems that hold up when things get complicated
Senior Backend Engineer with 5+ years building scalable web applications and AI-driven systems using Python, Django, and PostgreSQL. At Lingpad, I led the integration of LLMs into the translation pipeline, improving translation quality and cutting turnaround time by 20%. Previously at Songdew, I built the authentication and distribution APIs powering music releases for thousands of artists.
About Me
Building digital solutions that make a difference
The Story
Over the past 5+ years, I have worked across localization tech, music distribution, and AI-driven products — mostly with Python, Django, and PostgreSQL. The thread that connects all of it: taking messy, high-stakes problems and turning them into reliable systems that teams can actually depend on.
At Lingpad, I led the integration of LLMs into our translation pipeline. That was not a side experiment — it was a core product shift that improved translation quality and cut turnaround time by 20%. I also designed a glossary and translation memory system that brought real consistency to client-specific terminology.
Before that at Songdew, I built the authentication layer and distribution APIs that powered music releases for thousands of artists. I also shipped an Electronic Press Kit system from scratch that gave artists a branded presence for the first time.
I have also spent time in computer vision, building a real-time virtual try-on app using TensorFlow.js early in my career. That experience gave me a practical understanding of ML at the application layer, which now shows up in how I approach GenAI integrations.
Impact at a Glance
Outcomes, not just output.
20% Faster Turnaround
Led the LLM integration at Lingpad that cut translation turnaround time by 20%
3+ Years with LLMs in Production
Shipped GenAI features from prototype to production, not just experiments
The Tech Stack
My expertise is built on the modern web ecosystem. I focus on tools that deliver stability, speed, and great user experiences.
The Core Stack
Backend architecture, data pipelines & GenAI integrations.
PostgreSQL Optimization
Celery
Python 3.10+
Django / DRF
Redis Caching
FastAPI
Prompt Engineering
Machine Learning
Computer Vision
LLM Integration
Modern Frontend
Responsive, accessible, type-safe interfaces.
Next.js
Tailwind CSS
TypeScript
React.js
Infrastructure & DevOps
Deployment, scaling, and cloud services.
Nginx Configuration
System Design
Microservice Architecture
AWS (EC2, RDS, S3)
Docker & CI/CD
REST / GraphQL
Git
VSCode
Experience
4+ years of building impactful solutions
Oct 2024 - Present
Senior Software Engineer
Lingpad
Promoted to Senior Engineer based on ownership of the GenAI integration that became a core product differentiator for the platform.
- Architected and delivered the LLM-powered translation pipeline end-to-end, improving translation quality scores and reducing client turnaround time by 20%
- Own backend system design decisions for the localization engine, including API contracts, caching strategies, and third-party LLM provider integrations
- Mentor junior developers on code quality, Django best practices, and production debugging workflows
PythonDjangoDjango REST FrameworkPostgreSQLRedisLLM IntegrationAWSDocker
Mar 2023 - Oct 2024
Software Engineer
Lingpad
Built the initial prototype and production version of the GenAI-powered translation system, and designed core backend infrastructure for the localization platform.
- Built the initial prototype and production version of the GenAI-powered translation system, evaluating multiple LLM providers and designing the prompt engineering layer that drove a 20% reduction in turnaround time
- Designed and shipped a client-specific glossary and translation memory system from scratch, eliminating terminology inconsistencies that previously required manual QA passes
- Optimized Django REST API response times for the real-time translation management dashboard through query optimization and strategic caching with Redis
- Collaborated with product and linguistics teams to translate business requirements into technical specs, shipping features on 2-week sprint cycles
PythonDjangoDjango REST FrameworkPostgreSQLRedisFastAPIAWS
Aug 2021 - Mar 2023
Software Development Engineer
Songdew
Built and owned core backend systems for a music distribution platform serving thousands of artists across major streaming platforms.
- Built and owned the authentication system and music distribution APIs using Django REST Framework, handling content delivery workflows for thousands of artists across major streaming platforms
- Developed an internal admin dashboard that streamlined the music release pipeline, reducing manual intervention in release scheduling and metadata management
- Designed and shipped an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) system from the ground up, giving artists a branded, shareable profile page that supported scalable distribution partnerships
- Wrote and maintained PostgreSQL queries and Django ORM code for high-read-volume endpoints, ensuring sub-second response times under production traffic
PythonDjangoPostgreSQLReactJSOpenCVFFmpegDocker
Sep 2020 - Mar 2021
Full Stack Engineer
Melzo
Built an AI-powered virtual jewelry try-on application with real-time face detection and WebGL-based accessory overlay.
- Built an AI-powered virtual jewelry try-on application using TensorFlow.js, React.js, and Node.js with real-time face detection and WebGL-based accessory overlay through the browser
- Worked across the full stack, integrating computer vision models with a responsive frontend and REST API backend
JavaScriptReactNode.jsTensorFlow.jsComputer VisionWebGLWebRTC
Featured Projects
A selection of complex applications solving real-world challenges
GenAI Translation Pipeline
LLM-powered translation system that cut turnaround time by 20% at Lingpad
Led the end-to-end design and implementation of an LLM-powered translation pipeline for Lingpad's localization platform. Evaluated multiple LLM providers, built a flexible provider-switching architecture, and designed the prompt engineering layer. Also built a client-specific glossary and translation memory system that eliminated terminology inconsistencies. The system became a core product differentiator and directly contributed to a 20% reduction in client turnaround time.
Technologies
PythonDjangoPostgreSQLRedisLLM APIsPrompt EngineeringREST APIs
Artist Distribution & EPK Platform
Authentication, distribution APIs, and Electronic Press Kit system for a music platform serving thousands of artists
Built the core backend infrastructure for Songdew's music distribution platform. Designed and owned the authentication system and distribution APIs using Django REST Framework, handling content delivery workflows for thousands of artists across major streaming platforms. Shipped an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) system from scratch that gave artists a branded, shareable profile page for the first time, supporting scalable distribution partnerships.
Technologies
PythonDjangoDjango REST FrameworkPostgreSQLReactDockerOpenCVFFmpeg
Jewelry TryOn
Full-fledged web app for virtual trial of ornaments utilizing device camera
Designed and developed a complete augmented reality solution for virtual jewelry try-on. Built on top of React framework with integrated machine learning and computer vision pipelines to enable realistic AR experiences for jewelry retailers. The solution works seamlessly across devices and provides an immersive shopping experience.
Technologies
ReactJavaScriptMachine LearningComputer VisionWebRTCMediaPipe
Interactive Projector
Computer vision system using Kinect for interactive displays
Self-trained in computer vision library and various Kinect modules for I/O. Takes video stream with human hands as input and processes it to mimic dedicated input signals, ready to replace hefty and pricy audio-visual systems used in offices and schools. The system transforms any surface into an interactive display.
Technologies
Computer VisionKinect SDKPythonOpenCVReal-time Processing
Latest Insights
Thoughts on software engineering, architecture, and technology
AI & Machine LearningIntegrating LLMs into Production Applications
A practical guide to integrating Large Language Models like GPT-4 and Claude into your production applications with proper error handling and cost optimization.
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Get In Touch
Let's discuss your next project
Let's talk about your project
I'm currently available for freelance work and full-time opportunities. If you have a project that you want to get started or think you need my help with something, then get in touch.