Versatile engineer who can pick up new technologies in 2-3 weeks and ship MVPs
"Hiring is like dating - if you click with the person and share the same energy, if you're positive about your product and know it will eventually get customers, and the product is inspiring, then I want to join and build."
Profile
Occupation: Software engineer
Years of experience: 10+ years
Based in: Melbourne (open to remote work)
Strengths: 3D optimization, AR applications, AI/ML prototyping, Full-stack development
Programming languages & frameworks: Python, R, Go, SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
Can you introduce yourself?
I'm a software engineer with a decade of experience in 3D optimization, particularly for AR applications in startup environments. I'm passionate about data, AI, and ML, and I actively contribute to the Kaggle community. I love working at the intersection of technology and impact, building scalable backend systems and prototyping AI solutions with real-world value.
What makes you different from other developers?
If you need a specialist to tackle a specific challenge—like setting up architecture—hire someone who can do it quickly and efficiently because they have deep, focused expertise. But that’s not the type of engineer I am. I’m a generalist by nature. I love exploring new technologies and experimenting with different languages like C#, Go, Python, and JavaScript.
I’ve passed the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam and hold certifications in Google Analytics. I’m naturally curious, and when a project calls for specific skills, I can usually pick them up within two to three weeks. It might not be deep expertise right away, but I can build a working prototype or minimum viable product fast.
I’m constantly learning and pushing myself to grow in new areas—because in tech, standing still isn’t an option. Software engineering demands adaptability, and that’s what excites me most about this field.
What parts of software engineering do you like the most?
I love building new features and exploring new areas and challenges with a bigger purpose in mind - solving problems or tackling challenges for humanity. I love the whole process of designing something, building it together, and seeing the results.
What kind of projects should people hire you for?
Projects with a big purpose. For example, I recently participated in an AI hackathon focused on mining Ukraine landmines because it's a huge problem there. We had drone footage and built an AI/ML model over two days to recognize different types of landmines. Our team didn't have experience with image recognition, but we tackled the problem, shipped the solution, and placed well in the competition. Our model managed to recognize the majority of landmines.
I love working with driven, intelligent people who aren't afraid to challenge themselves and have positive thinking that "we can do it."
Are there specific areas that particularly interest you?
Medical applications like tumor recognition or medical startups. Education - building personalized AI models for different types of students. Something at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and existing problems.
Can you share examples of other impactful projects you've worked on?
Yes, I participated in another Kaggle competition where we predicted survival rates for patients who had blood cell transplants. Our model performed really well.
I also worked at a space company on a project aimed at helping clients attract more investment by creating 3D presentations of their drone solution, which delivers vaccines to remote areas in Africa. These 3D presentations gave investors a clearer picture of the product, which helped the clients secure funding.
Most recently, I participated in a project that developed an AI model which allows users to navigate the application and create 3D presentations using voice commands.
What kind of opportunities are you interested in with early-stage startups?
I'm interested in the team. Hiring is like dating - if you click with the person and share the same energy, if you're positive about your product and know it will eventually get customers, and the product is inspiring, then I want to join and build.
At the moment I'm working remotely, and it's really hard to have that team feeling when you're tackling problems together. You can't easily ask questions or brainstorm. I don't mind working remotely, but I also want to be on-site, see people, and feel that energy of doing something together.
What would be your dream job?
A team where I can help someone who is junior and get help from someone who is more senior. Knowledge sharing is important because that's how I can progress. I want to be in an environment where we're tackling problems together with that collaborative energy.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself as a mentor for the younger generation, helping them solve problems and inspiring them to try new things and challenge themselves. Technology will continue changing, and we all have to acquire new skills. If I continue as a software engineer, I'll broaden my knowledge, but I'd also like to mentor young software engineers to not just stick with one technology or academic knowledge, but to explore different technologies and areas that can be challenging but beneficial.
Do you have advice for someone trying to hire a good developer?
If you're hiring to solve a specific, well-defined problem and then move on, bring in a specialist with deep expertise in that area—they’ll get it done quickly and efficiently. But if you're looking for someone who can adapt to different roles, explore new technologies, and grow with your team, then you need more than just technical skill.
You need someone who shares your energy and vision, someone who genuinely cares about your product and is excited to help build it. That kind of developer won’t just write code—they’ll invest in your success and be there to help shape your long-term goals.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I'm a big fan of children's fantasy - Harry Potter, Morrigan Crow, the Nevermore universe. I'm a believer that we create our own lives with our own vision, and it's up to us what life we're going to live.