Muhammad Akhtar — Drupal Architect & Full‑Stack Specialist
  • Over 15 years of experience as a Drupal Architect & Full-Stack Developer.
  • Deep expertise in Drupal (v7-11), including custom modules, API integration, and performance optimization.
  • Proficient across the full-stack ecosystem: WordPress, Laravel, Symfony, React, Angular, and Node.js.
  • Proven leader in guiding development teams, optimizing workflows, and driving successful project deliveries.
Strategic Drupal & Full-Stack Architecture: Delivering High-Impact Web Solutions
  • Seasoned Drupal Architect & Full-Stack Specialist with over 15 years of experience.
  • Architects, develops, and optimizes high-performance, secure, and scalable web applications.
  • Expertise in comprehensive Drupal solutions (v7-11), custom development, performance tuning, and security.
  • Proficient in modern full-stack frameworks including WordPress, Symfony, Laravel, React, Node.js, and Angular.
  • Dedicated to delivering innovative, user-centric web experiences that drive business value.
Enterprise Architecture & Strategy
I specialize in designing resilient, scalable, and future-proof enterprise architectures for complex web ecosystems. My role involves guiding technical strategy, defining roadmaps, and ensuring seamless integration of diverse systems, translating business objectives into technical specifications, and overseeing successful implementations.
Advanced Development & Integration
I lead the full lifecycle development of custom modules, themes, and robust APIs, including RESTful and GraphQL endpoints. I excel in building headless Drupal solutions, orchestrating complex integrations with third-party services, and crafting dynamic frontend systems using modern JavaScript frameworks to enhance user experience and functionality.
Performance Optimization & Security Hardening
My focus is on maximizing application speed, stability, and security. I conduct in-depth performance audits, implement advanced caching strategies (e.g., Redis, Varnish, CDN), and apply industry-leading security best practices to protect against vulnerabilities. This ensures optimal uptime, a superior user experience, and robust data integrity, often resulting in significant load time reductions and enhanced compliance.
Top Skills & Tools: Driving Digital Innovation
My core expertise centers on architecting, developing, and optimizing robust digital platforms, with a deep specialization in Drupal (versions 7–11). Beyond Drupal, I am proficient across a diverse array of modern full-stack technologies including React.js, Node.js, Angular, Symfony, and Laravel. This comprehensive skill set enables me to seamlessly bridge complex backend architecture with meticulously crafted, high-performance frontends, ensuring scalable, secure, and user-centric digital experiences. I also provide technical leadership, guiding teams through intricate project lifecycles from conceptual design to successful deployment and ongoing maintenance.
Advanced Twig & Theming Mastery
I specialize in crafting high-performance, accessible theme builds and scalable component systems using Twig. This includes developing custom templating logic, integrating design systems, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility, resulting in faster load times and exceptional user experiences.
SASS & Streamlined Frontend Workflows
Leveraging SASS, I implement modular and maintainable stylesheets, establishing robust build pipelines with tools like Webpack and Gulp. My focus is on delivering responsive, pixel-perfect user interfaces that enhance user engagement and streamline future development, while optimizing for speed and maintainability.
Professional Experience — Knectar (2021 – Present)
As a Drupal Specialist & Lead Developer at Knectar (Remote USA), I architect, develop, and optimize high-performance Drupal solutions. My role involves leading technical initiatives from concept to deployment, focusing on robust backend architecture, scalable integrations, and exceptional frontend experiences. I consistently deliver advanced custom Drupal modules and API integrations, responsive and accessible themes, and manage large-scale migrations to the latest Drupal 10/11 versions. My expertise also extends to significant performance improvements, comprehensive security hardening, and the implementation of streamlined CI/CD workflows across diverse environments like Pantheon, Acquia, and AWS, ensuring platform stability and operational efficiency.
Key Accomplishments & Technical Contributions
  • Custom Module Development & API Integrations: Spearheaded the design and development of complex custom Drupal modules, including a proprietary CRM integration that automated client data synchronization, reducing manual effort by 40%. Integrated critical third-party APIs (e.g., payment gateways, marketing automation platforms) to expand platform functionality and data exchange capabilities.
  • Drupal Upgrades & Migrations: Successfully led and executed multiple large-scale migrations from Drupal 7 and 9 platforms to Drupal 10/11, ensuring zero downtime and preserving data integrity. These efforts resulted in enhanced security, improved site performance, and access to modern functionalities.
  • Performance Optimization: Engineered advanced performance tuning strategies using Redis caching, Varnish HTTP acceleration, and in-depth database query optimizations. This resulted in an average 30% reduction in page load times and improved server response, significantly enhancing user experience and site stability under peak traffic.
  • Security & DevOps: Implemented robust security hardening measures, conducting regular audits and patching to maintain compliance and protect against vulnerabilities. Developed and optimized CI/CD pipelines on Pantheon, Acquia, and AWS, automating deployment processes and reducing deployment time by 50% while increasing release frequency.
  • Frontend & Theming: Delivered highly responsive, accessible, and standards-compliant themes using Twig, SASS, and modern JavaScript frameworks, achieving top-tier Lighthouse scores and ensuring an optimal user experience across all devices.
Selected Roles — ROI·DNA & Bright Solutions
As a Senior Drupal and WordPress Developer at ROI·DNA and Bright Solutions, I played a pivotal role in spearheading critical web development initiatives. My responsibilities spanned comprehensive platform redesigns, architecting and implementing custom features, and optimizing site performance. I focused on delivering robust, scalable solutions that directly enhanced client satisfaction and business objectives.
Key contributions included leading the integration of advanced Apache Solr search functionalities, resulting in significantly improved content discoverability and user engagement. I also designed and implemented streamlined CI/CD workflows, reducing deployment cycles and ensuring rapid, reliable delivery of new features. Through rigorous code reviews and active technical leadership, I maintained exceptional code quality standards and fostered strong, collaborative relationships with design, project management, and client teams, ensuring project success and technical excellence across diverse engagements.
Earlier Leadership & Engineering Roles
As a **Technical Team Lead at April and June Digital**, I spearheaded multiple complex Drupal 8 projects, optimizing performance and scalability for client-facing applications. I drove frontend development using modern stacks including CSS3, SASS, jQuery, and Bootstrap, delivering responsive and intuitive user interfaces that enhanced user engagement by an estimated 20%. My contributions also included engineering robust RESTful APIs for seamless third-party integrations and developing cross-platform hybrid mobile applications (Cordova/Ionic), achieving a 99.5% uptime record. Concurrently, as a **Technical Project Manager at Virtual Base**, I orchestrated end-to-end project lifecycles, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery for critical initiatives. I refined agile processes, designed scalable database architectures (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), and provided comprehensive technical mentorship that elevated team capabilities.
Strategic Team Leadership
Recruited, mentored, and trained high-performing engineering teams, improving productivity by 15%. Conducted technical interviews and developed robust training programs to foster continuous skill development and cultivate a collaborative, results-driven culture.
Efficient Project Delivery
Managed full project lifecycles from meticulous requirements gathering to successful deployment. Implemented streamlined CI/CD pipelines, reducing deployment times by 25% and ensuring reliable, high-quality software releases that consistently met client expectations.
Early Career — Forging a Robust Technical Foundation
During pivotal roles at German IT Solutions, Vizteck Solutions, and Renaissance Software, I meticulously cultivated a comprehensive skill set essential for high-performance enterprise solutions. This period was instrumental in mastering robust PHP/MySQL back-end development, architecting scalable data structures for large databases, and delivering dynamic front-end experiences. I gained hands-on expertise across leading CMS platforms including Drupal, WordPress, and Magento, building and optimizing complex web applications from concept to deployment. This formative experience laid the groundwork for tackling intricate technical challenges and driving significant digital transformation initiatives.
Core Technical Proficiencies Developed
  • Advanced Server-Side PHP & Database Architecture: Designed and optimized complex database schemas and PHP frameworks, enhancing system efficiency by up to 30%.
  • Full-Stack Front-End & Back-End Integration: Led the seamless conversion of intricate PSD designs into highly responsive, pixel-perfect HTML/CSS interfaces, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and superior user experience.
  • Version Control Mastery (GIT, SVN): Implemented stringent version control practices, reducing merge conflicts by 20% and improving team collaboration on large-scale projects.
Education & Credentials
My Master of Computer Science (MCS) in Computer Software Engineering from Bahauddin Zakariya University (2004–2006) provided a pivotal and comprehensive theoretical grounding. This advanced program cultivated a deep understanding of complex system design principles, sophisticated algorithms, and efficient large-scale database architectures. This robust academic foundation has been instrumental in shaping my strategic approach to software development and problem-solving throughout a dynamic 15+ year career, enabling me to consistently architect resilient and scalable solutions for diverse enterprise challenges.
Degree
MCS, Computer Software Engineering
Location
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Why Hire Muhammad?
With a proven 15+ year track record, Muhammad is an expert in migrating, optimizing, and maintaining complex Drupal ecosystems for enterprise-level clients. He excels at designing and implementing both headless and traditional architectural solutions, driving significant improvements in performance, security, and scalability. Beyond deep Drupal specialization, he brings extensive full-stack development expertise, leveraging technologies like React, Node.js, and modern APIs to craft sustainable, high-value digital platforms. Muhammad consistently leads cross-functional teams to deliver impactful business outcomes, translating technical solutions into tangible organizational success.
15+
Years Experience
Extensive professional career across diverse enterprise and agency environments.
4y
Knectar Tenure
Lead Developer, spearheading critical Drupal projects and complex migrations.
100%
Remote Ready
Seasoned in effective remote collaboration with global US & EU teams.
Contact & Professional Presence
Phone: +92 345 7280281 • Email: akhtardaha@gmail.com • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/akhtardaha
Connect & Collaborate
I am actively seeking remote and hybrid leadership roles where my extensive expertise in architecting and optimizing complex Drupal ecosystems, including D9/D10 migrations, headless implementations, and robust API integrations, can drive significant business impact. My full-stack proficiency ensures end-to-end project excellence, from performance optimization and security hardening to streamlined development workflows and accelerated project delivery. I am eager to leverage my strategic vision and technical leadership to create high-value digital platforms.
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