ASIF MAKHANI

asif@alumni.stanford.edu

Work Experience Education Volunteer Experience

WORK EXPERIENCE

Head of Engineering, Amazon CloudSearch, [Jul’2010-Present]

A9.com, Palo Alto, CA

Engineering Manager, Search Indexing Platform, [Oct’06– Jul’2010]

A9.com, Palo Alto, CA

Senior Software Design Engineer, Search Infrastructure,                             [Apr’04 – Oct’06]

A9.com, Palo Alto, CA

• Designed and implemented relevancy features in the core search engine.

• Active in recruiting and helping define priorities for the Search Infrastructure team.

• Acting as a senior engineer reviewing design documents and mentoring new hires.

Software Design Engineer, Search Infrastructure,                                         [Oct’01 – Apri’04]

Amazon.com, Seattle, WA

            •  Part of the core Search Platform group responsible to designing, implementing

                 and deploying the Real Time Search Indexing system. 

•  Worked on core search engine features such as proximity search used by Search Inside.

•  Responsible for search features for Restaurants, and Catalog Searching.

•  Redesigned and implemented the indexer by separating business logic and creating a

pluggable architecture..

•  Mentored interns and new hires.  Active in interviewing and recruiting.

Software Design Engineer, Internet Information Server (IIS),                                  [Aug’00 – Dec’00]

Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA

•  Worked with the development and test team for IIS 6.0 to debug/fix critical problems

                in features to be submitted with the beta release of Microsoft Windows XP

            •  Designed and implemented a parser in C++ to scan and parse HTTP requests / responses.

               Used to ensure correctness of the HTTP Listener component of the IIS architecture.

            •  Responsible for verifying the features of the new process model for IIS.

            •  Learned about the internals of the re-architecture of IIS 6.0. 

            • Desinged an ISAPI filter to extract information about the current worker process

               executing the current HTTP request.

            •  Developed COM components used to communicate with the internal Web Admin Service.

            •  Used the IIS Admin Base Object as well as ADSI (Active Directory Services Interface) to

               access and manipulate configuration information stored in the metabase.

            •  Commended for individual effort and willingness to accept responsibility.

Software Consultant, VisualAge & Websphere Services,                              [Jan’00 – Aug’00]

IBM Corporation, Toronto Lab, ON

•  Designed a web application infrastructure for a customer using JSP, Java Beans, and

               Java Servlets.  Used JDBC to connect to DB2, and CICS Transaction Gateway (CTG)

               to connect to CICS on OS/390.

            •  Developed a proof of concept for an online merchant processing web application using

               JSP, Java Servlets, and EAB to connect to CICS.

            •  Assisted in developing Visual Age for Java workshop materials specializing in Team

               Development Environment and Enterprise Access Builder (EAB) Connectors for

MQSeries, SAP, and IMS systems.                          

            •  Assisted senior consultants in teaching and delivering custom workshops for customers

               on VisualAge for Java, WebSphere Application Server, and Studio with emphasis on

                server side programming and Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB).

•  Visited customers and helped them in troubleshooting and performance tuning their

                existing web applications running on WebSphere and IBM HTTP Server.

•  Developed project and time management skills by working in fast paced dynamic team

                environments.

            Software Engineer, Virtual Captive Office,                                                     [May’99 – Aug’99]

Nortel Networks, Research Triangle Park, NC

•  Created a multi-tier application using C++ and Java which allows automated testing of

               DMS software using virtual DMS hardware.

•  Used  synchronous I/O multiplexing and RPC (remote procedure call) routines to allow

               messaging between various components on the LAN.

•  Installed and configured Red Hat Linux 5.0 for dual processors.

            •  Designed and Implemented a web-based Release Planner using Perl, Javascript and

               Java which manages Software Release information and produces annual reports.

            •  Received an Achievment Award for outstanding performance.

            Software Architect, Business Operations,                                                                   [Aug’98 – Jan’99]

Nortel Networks, Brampton, ON

•  Redesigned an existing multi-tier System Integration Server based on Java Servlets

               to enhance its performance.

            •  Created a Project Management System which uses Java Servlets and JDBC to

               connect to an Oracle 8 Database.

            •  Designed a web interface for Release Notes using CGI scripts written in Perl.

            •  Developed problem solving skills by working on the helpline.

Software Developer, Power J Team,                        [Jan.’98 – Apr.’98] 

Sybase Inc., Waterloo, ON

•  Added design-time / run-time support for the Java Foundation Classes ( JFC )

in Power J.

•  Used Watcom C/C++ 11.0 to develop support for the Swing components.

                        •  Created property sheets and generated dynamic Java code for each component.

•  Used the Java Native Interface ( JNI ) for adding the design-time support.

•  Added database support for all bound components.

            •  Developed stress and time management skills and improved on my leadership and communications skills.

Software Developer, WATCOM [May’97 – Aug.’97], 

Sybase Inc., Waterloo, ON [June’96 – Aug.’96]

            •  Designed and implemented the Internet support for the Sybase SQL Anywhere

                database management system – Power Dynamo.

            •  Used C++ to build a script interpreter similar to JavaScript.  Added class extensions

                and objects to give control over formatting of SQL queries.

•  Learned how to debug Servlets and Scripts and tested the debugging support in

Powersoft Power J.

•  Build Sample Demo Applications using Web Application Targets to show the

               debugging support for Servlets in Power J.

•  Commended for my organizational skills and hardwork.

EDUCATION

Stanford University, Stanford, CA [Jun ‘04 – Present]

            •  Summer Graduate CS student taking “CS 245: Database Systems Principles” (Grade: A)

            •  Taking Graduate courses through SCPD (Stanford Center for Professional Development):

                        - CS 347: Transaction Processing and Distributed Databases (Grade: A)

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada [Sep.‘96 – Apr.’01]

•  Bachelor of Mathematics in Honours Computer Science

                        Received Descartes Entrance Scholarship by the University.

•  Specializing in Software Engineering and Real-Time systems.

            •  Took business courses at Wilfrid Laurier University for Information Systems.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

National Function Manager, Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for USA

Dec 2005 – Present

Responsible for Institutional Leadership Strengthening through focusing on capacity building, succession planning, and ongoing learning and development for AKYSB National and Local teams.

Manage a team responsible on developing and implementing strategies for above.

Teacher Educator, ITREB USA

July 2005 – Present

Improve teaching quality for religious education by delivering workshops and trainings for Teachers.

Writer, Student Learning – Workbook Project, ITREB USA

July 2004 – Present

Responsible for creating workbooks for Ta’alim 6 curriculum as a way of assessing student learning.

Chairperson, Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Seattle, WA

July 2002 – July 2004

Responsible for improving the quality of life of the Seattle Jamat by promoting fitness to all members of the Jamat and development for all youth ages 6 to 25.

Manage a portfolio-driven team of 7 members.

Work with the Western Region counterpart, as well as local council chairman and local Program Delivery Team

Implement programmatic initiatives for the Jamat based on the hidayah from Hazar Imam, focusing on the areas of fitness, life sports, team sports, service, and leadership development programmes such as FEEL.

Work towards consistent delivery using holistic approaches by working with other boards such as ITREB, AKEB, and AKHB.

Gained substantial management experience, risk management skills, leadership skills, and visionary skills.

Teacher, Religious Education Center, ITREB USA, Canada

1998 - Present

Teacher for Grade 10 currently.

Teaching in REC in Seattle and Toronto for the past 6 years (Levels 10 – 12).

Attended various teacher training workshops.

Obtained tools to better express and contextualize Muslim civilization and faith to others.

Engage Ismaili Muslim youth in discussions about issues in contemporary Islam.

Member for Youth, AKU Fundraising Campaign 2005 , Northern California, USA

Incharge of creating awareness about AKU and other AKDN institutions, as well as to instill a sense of philanthropy amongst youth.

Special Projects Member, ITREB WEST (Northern California)

July 2004 – July 2005

Responsible for identifying venues for ongoing religious education for the Jamat.

Prototyped Reading Circles with assistance from ITREB USA

Counselor, Camp Al-Ilm, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Jan 2002

Received counselor training to be an effective mentor and role model.

Organized various activities and led discussion forums for youth age 13-17.

Facilitator, Camp Footprints, Toronto, ON, Canada

May 2001,  July 2001

Facilitated discussions on ethics of Islam.

Organized sports and arts and crafts activities for the youth age 18-25.

Lieutenant, Aga Khan Volunteer Corporation, Kitchener, ON

July 1995 – July 1997

Acted as a leader for a group of volunteers.

Responsible for giving guidelines and directions to other members.

Provided training to younger members of organization

Member, Aga Khan Volunteer Corporation  

1992 – Present

Served community in various local and outreach events such as Partnership Walk.

Helped in organizing various entertainment and educational events for adult and seniors.

 Organized different activities such as camps, competition, & trips.

Member, Fund Raising Committee, Focus 2000, Ontario

Launched awareness campaign in all jamat khanas in the region.

Logistics Coordinator, Partnership Walk 1999, Kitchener, ON

Managed and ensured proper implementation of all logistics aspects of the walk.

Member, Amazon Cares giving group, Amazon.com

Responsible for increasing employee opportunities for community involvement.

Provide opportunities for Amazon.com employees to learn about and participate in philanthropic community activities through

organizing group volunteer events,

creating an online website and clearinghouse where Amazon.com employees can post information about community events or activities,

bringing in speakers to discuss issues facing our community,

and creating opportunities for employees to give of their time or donate goods or money to needy causes.

President, Pakistani Students Association, University of Waterloo (UW)

Active member of the Pakistani community in order to celebrate the Pakistani culture and create awareness in a multi cultural university.

Organized sports and social events for building a strong community presence, as well working with other associations.

Strived to maintain strong alliance with Muslim Students Association, Ismaili Students Association, and Indian Students association.  Also, members of the above mentioned associations.

Received opportunities to improve management skills by building strong portfolios and structures.

Member, Engineers Without Borders,  UW Chapter

To build a network and raise awareness about the developing world and engineering opportunities in those place.

Attended National EWB Conference on International Development.

Learned about non-profit organizations and the need for holistic approaches towards development.

Member, Child Relief and You (CRY), Seattle, WA

Work with individuals and organizations in creating child development initiatives across India.

Volunteer, Walk – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, Seattle, WA

SPECIAL SKILLS

•  Excellent organization, communication and problem solving skills.

•  Effective interpersonal abilities and proven leadership skills.

•  Thrive in dynamic and challenging environments.

            •  Able to work independently and effectively with a diverse group of individuals.  Strong commitment

                to cooperative teamwork.

•  Enthusiastic, a hard worker and a quick learner.

            •  Skilled in C/C++, Java, Assembly, and Pascal programming languages.

             •  Proficient with Enterprise JavaBeans.  Familiar with CORBA and DCOM middlewares.

•  Worked extensively with web application servers including IBM WebSphere Application Server,

   Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS), IBM HTTP Server (Apache), and Java Web Server.

            •  Worked with various database management systems including DB2, Oracle, Access and Sybase.

            •  Experienced in diagnosing and formulating solutions to software and hardware problems.

            •  Completed courses in Real-Time Systems, Distributed Systems, Operating System Internals,

               and UML using Rational Rose 2000 by Rational University

ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

•  Ranked 2^nd in the Waterloo County as a team for the Computer Programming Contest (ECOO).

•  Stood 4^th in the Ontario Inter-school Table Tennis Tournament. 2^nd in the USATT tournament in Portland.

•  Descartes Scholarship for standing in the top 25%.

            •  Selected to participate in the American Invitational Mathematics Examination.

            • Teaching Assistant, Linear Algebra 2, University of Waterloo, Sep. Dec. ’99.

•  President, Pakistani Students Assosciation, University of Waterloo, Jan. – Aug.’98.

            •  Microsoft Student Consultant, Jan.2001 – Present.

•  Avid sports participant – squash, badminton, soccer, snooker, table tennis, & cricket.

•  Attended provincial and regional community leadership camps.

REFERENCES

            Other references available on request.