Experience #

Over my 30 years in tech I have worn many hats: managing an IT department, consulting on Java backends, working in IT security at both the process and hands-on level, building software for vending machines, doing JavaScript and frontend, GIS, and product development, founding a startup, and working with big data, data engineering, DevOps, and system administration.

My last client was the Swedish Armed Forces where I contracted for over ten years. Cyber security related project. Data engineering with Kafka, Hadoop. Spark, Elasticsearch. I did Java development and was responsible for the Linux environment, from provisioning to applications.

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

– Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

Weak spots #

I (sadly) haven’t done much C/C++. Anything Microsoft is a big unknown, but their new direction looks interesting: open-sourcing Azure, Linux, GitHub. I can do basic SQL, but when a query starts spanning ten lines I get a headache. I like managing Linux servers, but don’t put me in charge of a data center or a rack of Cisco gear.

What I’m looking for #

• I’ve contributed small things to open source, but I’d love to get paid to work full time on a larger project.
• Working remotely is something I’d like to do more of, at least part time.
• Mentoring, e-learning, and public speaking would also be fun.
• Helping take a product from idea to market. Looking back, the feeling when you get things ready to ship is addictive — releasing the bits out into the world.

What I stay away from #

• Employment. I value the independence of being a contractor (unless it’s a really good match).
• A management position with no tech.
• Questionable clients (gambling, porn, scammers, extremists).
• Startups without either funding or a truly great idea.

Sounds interesting? #

Please contact me if you think we would be a good match.