Backend Developer · API & Fintech Engineer

Natnael Fikre

Node.js, TypeScript and production finance systems — I build the backends that move money reliably.

Willing to relocate to Germany or AustriaAmharic (native) · English (C1) · German (learning)Ethiopian · Visa sponsorship required · Open to relocation Germany / Austria

Node.jsTypeScriptExpress.jsREST API DesignMySQLIPS / Interbank TransferStripe / PaystackUSSD Banking SystemsLinux (Ubuntu)NginxCI/CD PipelinesApache NiFin8n AutomationSelf-Hosting & DevOpsSSL / DNS / Reverse ProxyProduction Operations

About Natnael

Natnael Fikre is a backend developer and fintech engineer with over two years of production experience in real-time transaction systems. Raised in Addis Ababa, he completed his BSc in Computer Science at HiLCoE (Feb 2025). He has built USSD banking services for Ethiopian financial institutions, implemented IPS interbank transfer integrations for Adash Bank, and shipped payment gateway integrations with Stripe and Paystack — REST APIs actively used by real customers every day.

On the infrastructure side, Natnael runs his own Linux VPS environments with Nginx, SSL, DNS and automated deployment pipelines. He uses Apache NiFi for data pipelines and n8n for workflow automation — not in theory, but in live production.

Natnael volunteers with the Unternehmensverein (registered in the Swiss commercial register) and is targeting a permanent role in Switzerland. He brings no ramp-up time for fundamentals — just production experience, a sense of ownership, and the mindset of someone who knows the difference between "works on my machine" and "runs reliably at 3am".

Expertise

Backend Development & REST API Design

2+ years production systems with Node.js, TypeScript and Express.js
REST APIs in active production use at Ethiopian financial institutions
System design for handover, maintainability and scaling — not just for the first launch
MySQL database design and optimisation for transaction systems
Code quality and developer experience as first-class concerns

Payment Systems & Fintech Integrations

Built and operated USSD banking services for Ethiopian financial institutions
Implemented IPS integration (Interbank Transfer Switch) for Adash Bank
Stripe and Paystack payment gateway integrations shipped to production
Real-time transaction processing with a focus on reliability and fault tolerance
Experience with regulated financial data and compliance requirements

DevOps, Deployment & Infrastructure

Personal Linux VPS with active live projects — Nginx, SSL, DNS, reverse proxy
Automated deployment pipelines: CI/CD workflows used by teams daily
Self-hosted environments operated with full personal ownership
Zero-downtime approach to deployments and system updates
Understands the difference between "runs locally" and "runs reliably at 3am"

Data Pipelines & Workflow Automation

Apache NiFi used for data pipelines in live production
n8n for workflow automations — not as an experiment, but in production
Dataflow design for asynchronous processing and error handling
Integration of external APIs and data sources into automated pipelines

Engagement Models & Availability

Permanent employment (80–100%): Switzerland target market — visa sponsorship required
Freelance / remote: project-based, available immediately — no visa dependency
Unternehmensverein model: access via association membership incl. KIERO expert network
Compensation negotiable per Swiss market standards
Long-term commitment and personal ownership of outcomes

Education & Background

BSc Computer Science — HiLCoE School of Computer Science, Addis Ababa (Feb 2025)
2+ years of backend & fintech production before completing degree
Volunteer Unternehmensverein — registered in the Swiss commercial register
English C1 (professional) · Amharic (native) · German (actively learning)
Raised in Addis Ababa — goal: long-term career in Switzerland

Book Natnael

Non-profit

Associations · Schools · Farms

1 000CHF / Tag

Consulting, implementation and training — at social rates.

Book Natnael

Companies & Authorities

Companies · Government

2 000CHF / Tag

Strategy, implementation, measurement — one team, one contract, one result.

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Long-term Collaboration

External Employee

22 000CHF / Monat

Pro rata between 20% and 100%

Minimum 6-month term · plus travel costs and accommodation.

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Jobsharing — Expertise in a bundle

Need skills that Natnael doesn't cover?

Heard of "jobsharing"? Natnael can be booked as a package with all team members below. For local tasks we also fly in those not yet based in the DACH region — or we work remotely. Build your perfect expertise bundle.

PS. We have been working together for 6 months and are a well-coordinated team.