Curriculum vitaeplate 00 · reference

Usama Raheel

AI Research Engineer · Oulu, Finland

usamarq10fi@gmail.com · github.com/usamarq · linkedin.com/in/usamarq

Summary

AI Research Engineer with an M.Sc. in Computer Science & Engineering (AI specialization) from the University of Oulu, completed July 2026, and four years of prior industry experience across software development, application consulting, and technical project management. Hands-on in designing and evaluating machine-learning and AI systems in Python and PyTorch, spanning deep learning, NLP and retrieval-augmented generation, machine vision, and data analytics; built and delivered a retrieval-augmented LLM assistant for Valamis's corporate-learning platform as a Master's thesis. Combines this with project-management experience leading cross-functional teams and translating business requirements into technical solutions. Seeking roles in AI/ML engineering, data science, or research.

Experience

Dec 2025 - Jul 2026

AI Research Engineer (Master's Thesis)

Valamis Group Oy, Finland

  • Built and evaluated a context-aware AI assistant for Valamis's LMS platform, using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to ground an LLM in domain knowledge for automated reporting and business-intelligence queries over corporate learning and engagement data.
  • Designed a hybrid retrieval pipeline (deterministic column mapping, intent detection, and dense semantic search over a 37-document knowledge base) with two LLM-as-judge evaluators validated against human ratings, raising answer quality to 82.7% (a +13.6-point gain over the manual baseline) and the hardest business-strategy questions from 34.7% to 76.7%; retrieval reached MRR 0.96 and Precision@1 0.93.
  • Delivered the validated system to Valamis's development environment, working across AI, product, and platform teams to align outcomes with the product roadmap.
Jun 2025 - Jul 2025

AI Research Intern

Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC), University of Oulu, Finland

  • Conducted research on the project "Artificial Intelligence for Predictive Modelling of Weather-Induced Delays in Finland's Railway System" under the supervision of Vinicius Pozzobon Borin, PhD, and Dr. Nurul Huda Mahmood.
  • Developed machine learning models using Python to predict railway delays based on meteorological data, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
Oct 2023 - Nov 2024

Technical Project Manager

ZeePalm, LLC, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Oversaw project lifecycles, defined deliverables, and managed milestones to ensure timely execution.
  • Provided strategic technical direction on Machine Learning, algorithms, and web-based application development.
  • Conducted in-depth research and analysis to support project goals and optimize outcomes.
Apr 2022 - Aug 2022

Software Developer

GrocerApp, Pakistan

  • Enhanced an internal web portal by optimizing Eloquent queries and migrating front-end components from Blade to VueJS.
  • Improved user experience by integrating multiple payment gateways and developing the Family Cart feature, driving sales and user engagement.
  • Integrated CleverTap for advanced product analytics and data-driven decision-making.
Aug 2021 - Apr 2022

Application Consultant

Techlogix (PVT) Ltd, Pakistan

  • Contributed to the design and deployment of a Digital Lending Platform for leading banks across Pakistan.
  • Developed customized MIS reports using SQL to meet diverse business requirements.
  • Acted as a bridge between development and product teams by analyzing business requirements and ensuring accurate technical implementation.
Aug 2020 - Jan 2021

Teacher Assistant

FAST-NUCES, Pakistan

  • Assisted in teaching the Introduction to Computing course for undergraduate students.
  • Designed and evaluated quizzes, assignments, and programming tasks to assess student understanding.
  • Provided academic support during lab sessions and addressed student queries to enhance learning outcomes.

Education

Sep 2024 - Jul 2026

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science & Engineering

University of Oulu, Finland

  • Artificial Intelligence specialization track, with a focus on machine vision, deep learning, natural language processing, and LLMs.
  • Grade: average 4.58 on a 0 to 5 scale, 125 credits completed of 120 required. Thesis assessment: 5.
  • Thesis: Enhancing Context-Aware Insight Generation in Corporate Learning Platforms via Retrieval-Augmented Language Models.
  • Relevant coursework: Affective Computing, Machine Vision, Deep Learning, Multi-Modal Data Fusion, Biosignal Processing I, NLP & Text Mining, Introduction to Optimization.

Thesis, open access ↗

Aug 2017 - Aug 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering

National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES), Pakistan

  • Specialized in Computer Engineering, with a focus on machine learning, data structures, algorithms, and embedded systems.
  • Grade: CGPA 3.28 on a 4.00 scale. Degree completed, 137/137 credits.
  • Relevant coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Fundamentals of Database Systems, Embedded Systems, Multivariable Calculus.

Publication

Jan 2026

Integrating Meteorological and Operational Data: A Novel Approach to Understanding Railway Delays in Finland

arXiv preprint (cs.LG), CC BY 4.0

  • Co-authored a preprint introducing the first publicly available dataset linking Finnish railway operations with synchronized meteorological data, 2018 to 2024: approximately 38.5 million observations across the 5,915 km rail network and 209 weather stations.
  • Established a baseline XGBoost model reaching 2.73-minute mean absolute error for station-level delay prediction, demonstrating the dataset's value for machine-learning applications in railway operations.

Honors and awards

Fall 2020

Dean's Honor List

FAST-NUCES

Fall 2017

Gold Medal

FAST-NUCES

Volunteering

Apr 2026

Volunteer, Techstars Startup Weekend Oulu

StartupOulu

Mar 2026

Volunteer, ECSA2026 Conference

European Citizen Science Association

Feb 2026

Volunteer, Polar Bear Pitching 2026

BusinessOulu

Jun 2025

Event Assistant, AIS25 Conference

University of Oulu

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