Nurlan Melis

Cheeze is a platform dedicated to building successful collaborations between top global brands and today’s content creators.

My responsibilities at Cheeze

• Developing backend APIs using Django and Django REST Framework for an NFT marketplace built on Base blockchain and WalletAPI, with NFT assets stored in IPFS. Integrating payment providers including Circle, MoonPay, and Simplex. Building background task workflows with Celery and AWS SQS as the broker.

• Implementing real-time communication features using Django Channels and WebSockets. Writing comprehensive tests using Pytest and enforcing code quality standards with Flake8, Black, and isort.

• Integrating third-party services such as LinkedIn API and Midjourney (via Discord). Refactoring legacy codebases using design patterns, resulting in improved performance, better test coverage, and reduced bugs.

• Optimizing database queries and re-evaluating index strategies and hashing approaches. Mentoring junior developers through pair programming, code reviews, and structured guidance.

Tech Stack: Python, Django, Django REST Framework, Celery, AWS (SQS), PostgreSQL, WebSockets, Django Channels, IPFS, Base Blockchain, WalletAPI, Circle API, MoonPay API, Simplex, LinkedIn API, Discord API (Midjourney), Pytest, Flake8, Black, isort, Docker, GitHub Actions

Develop and provide support for various web applications, including:

• DuckVPN – Personal SaaS project for providing VPN access through Telegram bot. Backend built with Django, DRF, Celery, Telegram API, Robokassa, YooKassa, Outline API, and VLESS protocol. Frontend in Vue.js. Infrastructure setup included Docker, Docker Compose, Traefik, and GitHub Actions for CI/CD.
• Polo App – Designed and implemented the API architecture for a polo sports platform tailored to the Arabic region. Integrated Stripe API for payments and used PostgreSQL and Redis. The codebase was covered with tests using Pytest.
• Smart Watch – Built a RESTful API for children’s smartwatches based on the Wonlex protocol using Django and DRF.
• Push Services – Created a lightweight utility as a Python package, scheduled via cron, that fetched media updates and notified users via Firebase Cloud Messaging. Used aiohttp, Redis, and Firebase API.
• NFT Game Portal – Developed a web platform for customizing NFTs owned on OpenSea, with integrations for Steam leaderboards, internal NFT crafting logic, and lottery systems. Stack included Django, DRF, Redis, Celery, PostgreSQL, OpenSea API, Cloudscraper, and Web3.py.
• RESTFUL API (NDA project) – Contributed to a project built with Ruby on Rails, fully covered with tests, using PostgreSQL.
• AI Knowledge Chat (NDA) – Implemented a chat system powered by OpenAI with context-aware responses based on a custom vector database using Qdrant. Employed Langroid for agent orchestration and prompt management. This solution enabled users to query domain-specific knowledge in natural language. Stack technologies: Python, Django, Django REST Framework (DRF), Celery, PostgreSQL, Redis, Docker, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions, Traefik, Vue.js, Stripe API, Robokassa, YooKassa, Telegram API, Outline API, VLESS protocol, aiohttp, Firebase API, Web3.py, OpenSea API, Cloudscraper, Ruby on Rails, Qdrant, Langroid, OpenAI API, cron, Pytest, Steam API

Sovcombank is one of the largest commercial banks in Russia.

During my time at Sovcombank, I contributed to several internal and client-facing projects, with a focus on system modernization, API development, infrastructure, and team support. Key contributions included:

• Client Portal (idea.sovcombank.ru) Initially a monolithic application, I led the backend refactoring into a modular API using Django REST Framework, integrated Celery and Redis for background tasks, and migrated the database from MySQL to PostgreSQL. I also containerized the application using Docker/Docker Compose and set up CI/CD pipelines, with deployment to Kubernetes clusters.
• Promo Code MVP for Internal Marketplace Developed a lightweight microservice using FastAPI, PostgreSQL, and Docker, deployed in Kubernetes via Helm charts.
• Postomats (Smart Locker) API Participated in a large-scale async project (team of ~20 people) using asyncio and PostgreSQL. Worked on various parts of the core API for managing interactions with smart lockers.
• ETL Tasks via Apache Airflow Built ETL pipelines using Airflow to fetch data from internal servers, filter out sensitive or confidential information, and synchronize the cleaned data with third-party platforms like Google Ads and Yandex Ads.
• Internal Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship
• Hosted internal workshops and masterclasses on Helm, MinIO, and Kubernetes basics.
• Mentored junior developers and actively supported other teams with Django, Python, and Docker-related tasks.
• Assisted other teams in migrating legacy services to Kubernetes with Helm

In addition to my development work, my responsibilities also included:

• Conducting code reviews across the team
• Mentoring and guiding junior developers
• Participating in the design and architecture of projects
• Handling DevOps tasks as part of my role

Stack technologies: Python 2/3, Django, DRF, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, Celery, Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes, Helm, Apache Airflow, asyncio, GitLab CI, MinIO

PR Solution is mainly engaged in custom work and maintenance of existing projects.

Some of the interesting projects I have worked on include:

• Developing a REST API for a mobile app with quizzes for muztv fans.
• Creating a REST API for a mobile app designed for merchandisers.
• Building a REST API and WebSocket service for a mobile game with augmented reality.
• Implementing a system for collecting and managing reviews.

Stack technologies: Python, Django (drf, channels), Celery, Flask, SocketIO, SQLAlchemy, asyncio/aiohttp, Docker, Docker-compose,

Developed and provided support for various REST API services using Python 3+.

Worked on interesting projects such as::

• Service quiz for staff in a company
• CMS for a tour company
• Quiz system for a restaurant
• Telegram news Bot
• Android app for automating routine actions

Stack technologies: Python, Javascript (jQuery), Php (Yii2), Java (Core + Android), Django (drf), django-cms, Docker, Docker-compose