Faaiz Shah, PhD

Lead Data Scientist & AI/ML Architect

Building production ML systems for cybersecurity & business impact

Montpellier, France

Professional Summary

Data Science and ML leader with 16+ years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity, including 6+ years of specialized AI/ML experience post-PhD. Expert in building production ML systems for threat detection, with proven success in improving system performance. Certified Professional in graph-based solutions (Neo4j) and leading cross-functional teams to translate complex technical questions into business value.

Technical Competencies

  • AI & Machine Learning: Deep Learning, NLP, Behavioral Analytics, Anomaly Detection, MLOps
  • Data Engineering: Apache Spark, Kafka, Airflow, MLFlow, Distributed Systems
  • Technologies: Python, Scala, Kubernetes, Docker, Neo4j, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch
  • Cybersecurity: Penetration Testing, SIEM/SOC, Threat Intelligence, Security Architecture
  • Leadership: Team Management, Technical Mentoring, Agile/Scrum

Professional Experience

Lead Data Science & Engineering Aug 2024 – Jul 2025 · BforeAI, France
  • Implemented platform improvements achieving faster API response times e.g., by first detecting the slow queries and its resolution thus enabling system to handle peak traffic loads
  • Deployed custom LLM for automated keywords generation for PreCrime brand protection pipeline for predictive security. Feature Engineering and training of the models for PreCrime Intelligence platform
  • Worked on building knowledge graph for PreCrime Fraud detection using available knowledge base
  • Led team of 4 members in development of predictive security features and backlog clearance
Manager, Artificial Intelligence Sep 2022 – Jul 2024 · Pradeo Security Systems, France
  • Built ML platform detecting malicious mobile apps with 92% accuracy, protecting 1M+ devices
  • Reduced model training time by 50% through distributed computing with Apache Spark
  • Created AI-powered document analysis system processing thousands of security reports monthly
  • Led data science team of 2 members who consistently delivered features ahead of schedule
Data Scientist Aug 2019 – Sep 2022 · Pradeo Security Systems, France
  • Designed streaming ML pipeline processing thousands of daily events using Kubernetes and Kafka
  • Turned academic ML concepts into production-ready threat detection systems with better accuracy
  • Built REST APIs enabling seamless integration of ML models with production systems
Academic & Research Experience Feb 2017 – To Date · France
  • Teaching: Graduate courses in ML, Distributed Data Processing, AI in Industry 4.0
  • Publications: 2 peer-reviewed papers on pattern extraction from graph databases
  • Research Interests: Property Graph Pattern Mining, Deep Learning, NLP, Anomaly Detection
  • Mentorship: Guided 8+ engineers and worked with world class researchers
Senior Systems Engineer Sep 2009 – Dec 2016 · Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd, Pakistan
  • Enforced access control policies and implemented two-factor authentication for ERP and Oracle CC&B systems across the enterprise preventing revenue loss from billing fraud
  • Optimized application performance by 40% using F5 load balancing across 15 offices
  • Led security operations team managing infrastructure for 5000+ users. Implemented Blue Coat ProxySG for web content filtering
  • Conducted regular penetration tests that kept attackers away - identified vulnerabilities and implemented remediation
Information Security Engineer Mar 2007 – Aug 2009 · Uffaq Technologies, Pakistan
  • Administered Cisco's StealthWatch Network Behavior Analysis solution for real-time detection and analysis of anomalous activities and potential threats across enterprise networks
  • Managed eEye Digital Security (Acquired by Beyond Trust) suite (Iris, Retina, Blink)
  • Implemented open-source IDS/IPS tools such as Snort to proactively identify vulnerabilities, monitor network traffic, and safeguard endpoints
  • Conducted ethical hacking and penetration testing using industry-standard tools including Metasploit, Nessus, Wireshark, and Nmap
Systems Engineer Oct 2004 – Nov 2005 · National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan
  • Handled real-time technical support, LAN troubleshooting, and timely transmission of daily reports and data to HQ
  • Maintained 99% uptime for identity verification system critical to service center operations

Teaching Activities

Visiting Faculty Jan 2024 – Jul 2025 · Polytech Montpellier, France
  • Distributed Data Processing and Machine Learning (Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
  • NoSQL Graph Databases (Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
Visiting Faculty Oct 2024 – Jul 2025 · EPF Engineering School, Troyes, France
  • Digital Innovation with AI (Fall 2024)
  • AI and Big Data in Industry 4.0 (Fall 2024)

Education

PhD in Computer Science (Data Mining) 2017 – 2019 · Université de Montpellier / LIRMM, France
Master of Science in Information Technology (MS-IT) 2006 – 2007 · National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan
CGPA: 3.21/4
Bachelors of Engineering (B.E.) 1999 – 2003 · N.E.D University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan
1st Division (69%)

Key Open Source Contributions & Blogs

Certifications & Additional Information

Certifications:

  • Neo4j Certified Professional (Verify) — July 2025
  • How to Manage a Remote Team (Coursera) — Jan 2025
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (Verify) — Oct 2015
    Candidate Name: Faaiz Hussain Shah
    Certification Number: ECC13329132859
  • Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPTP) (Tranchulas) — Sep 2011 (Certificate)

Languages:

  • English (Level: Fluent)
  • French (Level: Between A2 & B1 -- professional working experience with French speaking colleagues)
Interests: ML Research, Open Source Contributing, Continuous Learner, Technical Mentor, Badminton