Menu

Curriculum Vitae

Matthew Salah — Senior Software Engineer

Uppsala, Sweden · Open to remote & hybrid roles

Full-stack engineer specializing in Ruby on Rails, Flutter, and AI-driven applications. Proven track record of architecting complex backend systems, building polished cross-platform apps, and leading products from zero to launch.

AI & Computer Vision Rails & Flutter End-to-End Architecture
View full profile

Professional Summary

I am a product-minded Software Engineer with a deep expertise in Ruby on Rails and Flutter. I excel at taking complex business requirements and translating them into scalable architectures and seamless user experiences. Currently at Watzan, I lead the development of highly technical products—including integrating LLMs and custom computer vision pipelines—handling everything from database design to app store deployment.

Technical Skills

Languages & Frameworks

Ruby on Rails Dart / Flutter JavaScript / TypeScript Node.js HTML5 / CSS / Tailwind

Architecture & Cloud

PostgreSQL / SQL AWS Google Cloud / Firebase RESTful APIs Background Jobs (Sidekiq)

AI & Product

LLM Integration (OpenAI, Gemini) Computer Vision (OCR) UI/UX Design App Store Deployment

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Engineering – Saint Mary's University 2020–2022
  • Diploma in Engineering, General – Saint Mary's University 2020–2022
  • Bachelor of Commerce, Economics – Saint Mary's University 2017–2020
  • Nova Scotia High School Diploma – Amherst Regional High School 2011–2014

Work Experience

Software Developer – Watzan LLC

Dec 2022 – Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

End-to-End Product Ownership

  • Managed full product lifecycles, including stakeholder engagement, UI/UX design, full-stack development, testing, and maintenance to meet business objectives.
  • Created, managed, and evaluated an annual computer science co-op internship program, actively mentoring students and overseeing their technical growth.
  • Lead designer and developer for landing pages, including Fanter.ai.

Technical Client Success & Product Roadmapping

  • Acted as the primary technical liaison for clients, actively listening to their requests to translate business needs into actionable development roadmaps.
  • Owned the complete feedback loop: engineered requested features and bug fixes while maintaining transparent communication with clients from initial request through successful deployment.
  • Cultivated strong client relationships by validating their feedback, managing expectations, and ensuring technical solutions directly aligned with their strategic goals.

AI & Computer Vision Engineering (Purple Crayon)

  • Architected and launched an AI-powered writing evaluation platform for educators using Flutter and Ruby on Rails.
  • Engineered a robust multi-pass OCR pipeline combining Google Cloud Vision and Gemini Pro Vision to accurately transcribe imperfect student handwriting.
  • Developed a custom text-diffing and spatial-mapping algorithm to overlay grading feedback and highlights directly onto uploaded document images.
  • Integrated OpenAI (GPT-4o) with custom prompt engineering to automate rubric-based grading and generate actionable student feedback.

Flutter & Mobile Development

  • Lead Developer for Cross-Platform Apps:
  • Optimized apps for mobile, tablet, and web platforms, incorporating custom animations and fluid user experiences.
  • Integrated Firebase backends across platforms (Hosting, Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Cloud Storage, and Google Analytics).
  • Implemented Node.js cloud functions (JS/TS) for scalable backend processing, alongside Google AdMob and secure Google/Apple OAuth integrations.

Ruby on Rails Full-Stack Development

  • Led development of a high-performance search engine using PostgreSQL (ILIKE, pg_search), optimizing for full-text search and trigram similarity.
  • Developed Rails API endpoints to securely bridge the backend with Flutter front-end mobile applications.
  • Implemented secure user authentication with Devise, OmniAuth, and a custom one-time-password (OTP) system.
  • Built extensive gamification systems, including group leaderboards, streak tracking, and badge systems with custom email/notification integrations.
  • Created comprehensive admin dashboards equipped with real-time metrics, Sidekiq for background processing, and user management interfaces.
  • Designed and implemented a metrics reporting module tracking daily/weekly inputs, page views, and activity, featuring date filtering and automated Excel exports.
  • Managed AWS S3 migrations and integrated Active Storage for scalable and efficient file handling.
  • Designed AI-driven profile recommendations and optimized overall platform performance, query efficiency, and SEO via custom meta tags.

Guest Technical Instructor – Saint Mary’s University

May 2022 – Dec 2022 · 8 mos

  • Delivered professional workshops on data analysis, visualization, and effective technical communication for engineering and economics students.
  • Taught data analysis, visualization, and dashboard creation using Excel.
  • Emphasized effective communication, data-driven decision-making, and best practices in presentations.
  • Delivered “Presenting Using PowerPoint Workshop” at quarterly student Professional Development Seminar in cooperation with Ryerson University.
  • Trained students on the importance, skills, and use of technology in a modern professional workplace with focus on effective presenting and communication styles.

Teaching Technologies Assistant – Saint Mary’s University

May 2020 – Dec 2022 · 2 yrs 8 mos

  • Trained professors and staff on a variety of software applications and technology tools, emphasizing advanced techniques.
  • Developed training materials, including documentation, presentations, workshops, and videos.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of university-supported software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, D2L, and Zoom.

Deli Clerk – Loblaw Companies Limited

Sep 2018 – Nov 2019 · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Assisted customers with food recommendations, sampling, packaging, and pricing.
  • Ensured cleanliness, updated displays, and provided information about daily specials.

Banquet Server – RCR Hospitality

Jun 2017 – Aug 2018 · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Served guests at events, maintaining high standards of professionalism and customer satisfaction.
  • Setting up, serving, and cleaning up at large-scale events, weddings, and conferences

Senior Sales Representative – Circle K

Jun 2015 – Apr 2017 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Provided excellent customer service, managing store operations like running the register and handling food programs, gaining entry-level management experience.
  • Resolved customer complaints and recommended solutions to improve satisfaction.
  • Analyzed sales data, created reports, and shared insights with management.

Cashier and Cook – KFC

July 2012 – Aug 2014 · 2 yrs 2 mos

  • Managed point-of-sale (POS) operations, including processing payments, handling cash, and providing accurate change.
  • Prepared and cooked meals following company recipes and food safety standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
  • Assisted in implementing promotional campaigns, increasing sales and customer engagement.

Licenses & Certifications

  • Flutter Advanced Course - Clean Architecture With MVVM  – Udemy (May 2025)
  • The Complete Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp  – Udemy (Mar 2025)
  • The Complete Ruby on Rails Developer Course  – Udemy (Dec 2024)
  • The Complete Flutter Development Bootcamp With Dart  – Udemy (Feb 2024)
  • Flutter & Dart – The Complete Guide [2023]  – Udemy (Sep 2023)
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate  – Google (Feb 2023)
  • Google Finance Data Analyst Professional Certificate  – Google (Feb 2023)
  • Learn Ruby on Rails 7  – Udemy (Nov 2022)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals  – Microsoft (Jun 2022)

Volunteering

Treasurer – Peaceful Schools International

Jun 2022 – Sep 2024 · 2 yrs 4 mos

  • Managed and oversaw the financial affairs of Peaceful Schools International.
  • Created financial documents for tracking and reporting purposes.

Welcoming Chair – Nova Scotia Secondary School Association

Sep 2011 – May 2018 · 6 yrs 9 mos

  • Met and greeted all students upon arrival, fostering a welcoming environment.
  • Created care packages to support students during events and activities.

Band Member – ARHS Band Association

Sep 2008 – Jun 2014 · 5 yrs 10 mos

  • Played music for the community and public events.
  • Organized fundraising efforts to support music competitions and travel.

Volunteer – Cumberland Minor Hockey Association

Sep 2008 – Apr 2012 · 3 yrs 8 mos

  • Raised funds to lower costs for lower-income families, enabling children to participate in hockey.
  • Assisted in organizing larger events, including provincial tournaments.

Scout – Scouts Canada

Sep 2004 – Jun 2005 · 10 mos

  • Completed Scouting Fundamental Training, emphasizing the importance of the Code of Conduct.