NYIKO SHABANGU

SOFTWARE ENGINEER | AI ENGINEER

Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nyikoshabangu  |  GitHub: github.com/Nyiko-Shabangu  |  Portfolio: nyiko.co.za

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Software Engineer and AI Specialist with expertise in delivering intelligent automation, scalable web applications, and conversational AI solutions. Skilled in Python, JavaScript, and AWS cloud technologies with a proven record of improving system performance, enhancing user engagement, and streamlining workflows. Experienced in developing NLP-driven chatbots, integrating APIs, and applying machine learning for real-world impact. AWS Cloud Practitioner certified and pursuing AWS Solutions Architect certification. Focused on building practical AI and software solutions that deliver measurable business value.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

AI & NLP: Google Vertex AI, Dialogflow, LLMs (Llama, OpenAI GPT-4o), RAG Architectures, Prompt Engineering, Multi-Agent Systems, ChromaDB
Backend: Python (FastAPI), Node.js, .NET Core (C#), RESTful APIs, Postman, Serverless Functions
Frontend & Design: React.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, WordPress, Figma
Cloud & DevOps: AWS (S3, EC2), Google Cloud Platform, Azure, Vercel, Docker, GitHub Actions
Data & Analytics: Microsoft Power BI, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Advanced Excel
Databases: ChromaDB (Vector), MongoDB, MySQL, SQL Server, Supabase
Languages: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, Java, Kotlin, SQL, HTML5, CSS3
Mobile: Android (Java/Kotlin), Firebase, SQLite, Material Design, Google ML Kit

WORK EXPERIENCE

AI Solutions Developer
GotBot AI  |  Jun 2025 – Present
  • Engineered custom multi-agent LLM systems using Google Vertex AI, implementing RAG pipelines with low-latency, real-time streaming responses.
  • Architected secure, bi-directional integrations between conversational agents and Enterprise CRMs/ERP systems via RESTful APIs.
  • Deployed omni-channel conversational experiences across WhatsApp Business API, Web, and Social using interactive media templates.
  • Optimized NLP agent performance, reducing fallback rates by 58% and increasing confidence by 9% through semantic analysis and intent restructuring.
  • Developed custom algorithms to audit NLP performance and fine-tune models to minimize intent overlap.
  • Upskilled non-technical teams on bot logic and NLP best practices, improving internal update turnaround times by 25%.
AI Trainer (Contract)
Outlier AI  |  Jan 2025 – Jun 2025
  • Developed "Gold Standard" code solutions (Python, JavaScript, SQL) to train LLMs on complex algorithmic challenges.
  • Conducted RLHF by analysing AI-generated code for syntax errors, runtime efficiency, security vulnerabilities, and logical bugs.
  • Performed adversarial red-teaming to identify safety flaws and ensure the model refused malicious coding requests.
  • Maintained 98%+ accuracy in technical evaluations while collaborating asynchronously with a global team of engineers.
Web Developer — Freelance / Independent Contractor
Nov 2024 – Jun 2025
  • Built and maintained WordPress and React websites with SEO best practices, boosting organic traffic by 25%.
  • Implemented digital marketing campaigns for auction clients, driving a 30% increase in attendance and scaling traffic 30x.
  • Designed custom logos, digital assets, and advertising materials for websites, social media, and print.
  • Provided ongoing server management and technical support, maintaining 99% uptime for client websites.
Web Developer
Citizens 4 Change  |  Jan 2023 – Nov 2024
  • Developed, administered, and maintained websites for the holding group's companies, ensuring optimal performance.
  • Conducted regular security audits, reducing cyber-attacks by 30%.
  • Improved website load times and implemented responsive design, leading to a 15% rise in traffic and 20% drop in bounce rates.
  • Elevated user engagement by 40% through thoughtful design and functionality enhancements.
Auction Manager
Kelani Auctions  |  Sep 2021 – Dec 2022
  • Built and maintained a high-traffic auction website with tailored SEO strategies.
  • Increased auction attendance by 30% and drove a 15% annual revenue increase through data-driven marketing.
  • Supervised a team of 10 and implemented auction software that boosted efficiency by 30%, saving R20,000 per auction.
Auction Coordinator
Rihlazana Auctions  |  Jul 2015 – Aug 2021
  • Identified and prevented a website redirect attack, averting R40,000 in potential losses.
  • Increased website traffic by 30% and improved search rankings through strategic SEO enhancements.
  • Implemented Google Analytics, reducing cost per acquisition by 25% and boosting ROI by 40%.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

RAG Anime Discovery Engine  |  Python, LangChain, ChromaDB, Llama 3.2
Giva Solutions Corporate Platform  |  React, TypeScript, Vercel, Serverless
Evolutionary AI Game Agent  |  Python, NEAT, Genetic Algorithms

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development
Varsity College
Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice
Varsity College
FET Certificate: Auctioneering Support Services
SETA

CERTIFICATIONS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION