Available for opportunities

Mintesinot Tefera

Software Engineer

Backend-focused Software Engineer building scalable systems and AI-driven applications.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (UTC+3) · Remote
View my workHow I work
Portrait of Mintesinot Tefera

BSc

Bahir Dar University

Years of experience
4+Years of experience
Projects shipped
10+Projects shipped
Live products
4Live products

About me

Engineering reliable systems behind great products

Software Engineer with 4+ years of experience specializing in backend systems and scalable application development, with a growing focus on machine learning systems and AI-driven applications. I build and integrate backend services that power intelligent products, and I have a strong interest in data-driven systems and applied AI research.

  • Scalable backend services & REST API design
  • AI / LLM system integration & data pipelines
  • High-availability, mission-critical systems
  • Cross-functional, production-ready delivery

Education

BSc in Software Engineering

Bahir Dar University

Certifications

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • AWS Cloud Technical Essentials
  • MongoDB Certification
  • IBM DevOps Fundamentals

Skills & tools

The stack I build with

Languages

PythonJavaScriptTypeScriptGoJavaC++

Backend

Node.jsExpressLitestarREST APIs

Frontend

React.jsNext.jsTailwind CSS

Databases

PostgreSQLMongoDBRedis

Tools & Cloud

DockerGitAWSCI/CD

Foundations

API DesignSystem DesignCloud Fundamentals

Experience

Where I've worked

  1. AI Trainer — LLM Evaluation & Systems

    Feb 2026 – Present

    Anthropic (Claude) · Remote

    • Design and evaluate prompts to improve the behavior, reliability, and safety of large language models in real-world scenarios.
    • Contribute to training workflows by analyzing model outputs and refining responses for accuracy, coherence, and alignment.
    • Apply software-engineering scenarios to enhance model performance on coding and system-design tasks.

  2. Backend Developer

    Jun 2025 – Present

    A2SV (Africa to Silicon Valley) · Kigali, Rwanda

    • Developed and maintained scalable backend services for AI-driven applications (AfroChat), supporting real-time and intelligent features.
    • Designed RESTful APIs and optimized system performance for high-traffic use cases.
    • Built systems integrating AI components for efficient data processing and model interaction.
    • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, production-ready software.

  3. Junior IS Officer

    Apr 2023 – Jun 2025

    Commercial Bank of Ethiopia · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    • Maintained and monitored critical financial systems to ensure high availability and performance.
    • Diagnosed and resolved system issues, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
    • Supported secure and reliable data handling within banking infrastructure.

  4. Software Engineer Trainee

    Oct 2022 – Apr 2023

    Dan Energy R&D · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    • Designed and developed internal and external software systems.
    • Contributed to scalable and maintainable application architectures.

Projects

Things I've built

A selection of products and platforms I've designed and engineered. Live projects are linked — click through to explore them.

AI Chat Platform · A2SV

AfroChat

A production AI-supported chat platform built at A2SV (Africa to Silicon Valley). As a full-stack developer, I build React.js front-end features and Litestar (Python) backend services on Google Cloud, integrating multiple AI tools and APIs with a focus on scalability and performance.

React.jsLitestarGCPAI Integration
Visit live site
Restaurant Web App

Flavor Haven

A modern restaurant platform with menu browsing, online ordering, and secure checkout — integrating both Stripe and Paypack for payments, backed by a PostgreSQL database and a responsive, brand-driven interface.

ReactNode.jsPostgreSQLStripePaypack
Visit live site
Recruitment Platform

Job Board

A job-listing platform where employers post openings and seekers browse and apply. Includes search and filtering, job management, and a clean application flow.

ReactNode.jsMongoDBAuth
Visit live site
Procurement / Bidding Platform

TenderHub

A tender bidding platform where organizations publish procurement opportunities and vendors submit competitive bids, with structured listings and a streamlined bidding workflow.

ReactNode.jsPostgreSQLREST API
Visit live site
Full-Stack ApplicationCase study

E-Commerce Platform

A full-stack store with product management, cart, checkout, and Stripe payment integration, built on a scalable backend architecture.

ReactNode.jsMongoDBStripe
Matching Web AppCase study

RoomieFinder

A platform that matches roommates using user preferences, with filtering, search, and interaction features for a smooth discovery experience.

ReactNode.jsMatchingSearch

Working together

What I can build for you

Send me a message with what you're building and I'll reply with how I'd approach it, what I'd need from you, and a realistic timeline.

Services

  • Backend services & REST API design (Node.js, Python, Go)
  • Full-stack web apps with React / Next.js
  • AI & LLM integration — chat, retrieval, agent workflows
  • Database design, performance tuning & payment integrations

Availability

Engagement
Hourly or fixed-price milestones
Hours
20–30 hrs/week, overlap with EU & US-East
Time zone
UTC+3 · flexible for standups

How a project runs

  1. 1

    Scope & plan

    We agree on the outcome, the stack, and a milestone breakdown before any code is written.

  2. 2

    Build in increments

    Short cycles with a working deployment you can click through at the end of each one.

  3. 3

    Hand over cleanly

    Documented code, environment setup, and a walkthrough so your team can run it without me.