AWS-Certified Senior Backend Engineer | Architecting secure, scalable Node.js & cloud SaaS solutions that turn complex business logic into high-performance engines.

Great software isn’t just about writing code; it’s about building reliable, highly scalable engines that power real business growth. I am Suraj Chandgude, an AWS-Certified Senior Backend Engineer based in Pune, India, with 7 years of deep, hands-on experience in backend architecture and cloud infrastructure. Throughout my career, I have specialized in the Fintech, Banking, and Insurance sectors—industries where security, data integrity, and performance are absolutely non-negotiable. My Professional Journey I started my career as a Full Stack Developer, but I quickly realized my true passion lay in the complexities of distributed systems and data flow. Over the years, I have engineered B2B SaaS products for Australian merchants (Zeller), built highly concurrent on-demand payroll and financial wellness platforms handling sensitive user onboarding (Jify), and developed robust microservices for enterprise insurance-tech (Synechron). I specialize in the JavaScript/TypeScript ecosystem (Node.js, NestJS, Express) paired heavily with modern AWS Cloud Infrastructure (Lambda, ECS, DynamoDB, API Gateway). I don't just write API endpoints; I design comprehensive High-Level (HLD) and Low-Level (LLD) architectures to ensure your system scales efficiently from day one. My Differentiator: The Financial Tech Mindset Outside the IDE, I am deeply passionate about personal finance, market analytics, and investment planning. This personal interest is exactly why I thrive in Fintech and SaaS environments. When I build a gateway integration (like Stripe or PayPal), design a ledger, or optimize an automated KYC flow, I don’t just see database rows—I understand the real-world financial mechanics at play. This dual perspective of a cloud architect and an analytical thinker allows me to catch edge cases that others miss. My Core Values in Engineering: Zero-Compromise Quality: Extensive unit/system testing using Jest and automated CI/CD pipelines. Cost-Efficient Cloud: Utilizing Serverless frameworks (SST) and optimal AWS infrastructure to keep your cloud bills low. Transparency: I treat clear communication and documentation as core technical skills. Whether you need to migrate a legacy system to AWS, build a custom backend from scratch, or integrate complex third-party APIs, I bring the enterprise-grade discipline needed to deliver it flawlessly. Let's build something exceptional.

Work Terms

I operate as a premium technical partner, not just a task executor. My goal is to integrate seamlessly with your vision, providing technical leadership and reliable execution. 🕒 Availability & Timezone (IST - Pune, India) I am based in Pune (IST). My dedicated freelancing hours are highly structured, primarily during my evenings (7:30 PM – 12:00 AM IST) and weekends. The Advantage: This schedule perfectly overlaps with early mornings in the US (EST/PST) and afternoons in the EU/UK, allowing us to sync up naturally. Furthermore, because I work during my dedicated quiet hours, your project receives my deep, uninterrupted focus. 💡 Operating Procedure: The "No Surprises" Approach Discovery: A brief async chat or call to understand your business goals, current bottlenecks, and technical constraints. Architecture First: Before coding, I provide clear High-Level Design (HLD) diagrams and propose a cloud architecture. We agree on the blueprint first. Iterative Delivery: I work in short, verifiable sprints. You will never go weeks without an update. I provide weekly code pushes, PR reviews, and a concise summary of "What shipped, what's next, and any blockers." 💳 Milestone & Billing Terms Hourly Contracts: Ideal for ongoing backend maintenance, AWS cloud optimization, or consulting. Time is tracked transparently. Fixed-Price Projects: Best for well-scoped builds (e.g., building a specific custom API). Billing is divided into clear milestones funded via Guru SafePay (e.g., 30% upfront / 40% mid-point / 30% upon final delivery & testing). Minimum Engagement: I have a minimum project budget of $150 to ensure I can dedicate the proper enterprise-level focus and architectural planning your project deserves. 📞 Communication Preferences I am an "async-first" communicator. I prefer detailed Guru Workroom messages for day-to-day updates, reserving scheduled platform calls for high-value architectural discussions and milestone reviews, keeping communication centralized.