Frank Rao

Appraizely · Remote

Technical lead for backend architecture, data platform, and cloud infrastructure across a production SaaS platform.

• Architected and delivered backend-first SaaS capabilities across API, data, caching, async processing, and cloud infrastructure.
• Designed high-throughput REST and GraphQL APIs for large production workloads.
• Built event-driven workflows using Kafka to isolate external integrations and improve resilience.
• Led PostgreSQL performance work that reduced key query latency by approximately 40%.
• Implemented Redis caching patterns for high-read production workloads.
• Modernized deployments using Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, progressive releases, and rollback mechanisms.
• Designed OAuth 2.0 / OIDC authentication, JWT authorization, and RBAC.
• Served as technical lead across three major initiatives and mentored two engineers.

LocalLabs · Remote

Full-stack ownership of production microservices, data pipelines, and third-party integrations.

• Built and operated production microservices for backend and data processing workloads.
• Owned React/Next.js full-stack features end-to-end, from design through deployment.
• Developed Python data pipelines for ingestion and transformation workflows.
• Implemented Redis caching and background job processing to reduce request latency.
• Built and maintained third-party integrations with retry and error-handling logic.
• Set up CI/CD pipelines and contributed to system design through RFCs.

Codelab Software Solutions · Remote

Contributed to distributed backend systems with a focus on testing, debugging, and production monitoring.

• Contributed to distributed backend systems using Java, Python, and SQL.
• Wrote and maintained automated tests to improve coverage and catch regressions early.
• Assisted with production debugging and root-cause analysis.
• Worked with AWS infrastructure and monitoring tooling to support live systems.

Independent · Remote

End-to-end ownership of production applications for independent clients, from architecture through deployment.

• Delivered 15+ production applications with full ownership of architecture, backend, and database design.
• Designed and built REST APIs and integrated Stripe for payments and billing workflows.
• Implemented OAuth-based authentication and webhook-driven integrations.
• Optimized application performance and database design based on production usage patterns.
• Managed the full client relationship: requirements, architecture proposals, delivery, and support.