Jacob Sussmilch

Resume

9 min read

Summary

A high-functioning, self-starting technologist with 5+ years of experience working in dynamic startup environments that have raised real money and serviced thousands of customers. Demonstrated excellence in understanding of software, software engineering principles and capable of operating at autonomously across multiple levels of abstraction. Proven track record of scaling and optimizing software systems for performance and cost efficiency. Passionate about Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Zero Knowledge, and Blockchain technologies.

Professional Experience

Senior Software Engineer

Self-Employed | Sep 2024 - Present

Contracts

Senior Software Engineer

TechOps Services, Keeperhub Project | TechOps Services OÜ | Dec 2025 - Present - Contract, Full-time

Building and maintaining an AI-driven blockchain workflow automation platform enabling visual workflow creation with Web3, AI, and traditional integrations.

Tech Stack: Next.js, React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, PostgreSQL (RDS), Drizzle ORM, Redis (ElastiCache), Ethers.js, Solana Web3.js, Turnkey SDK, AWS EKS, SQS, ECR, SSM, Terraform, Helm, GitHub Actions, Docker, Cloudflare Zero Trust, Grafana, Prometheus, Sentry, PagerDuty, Vitest, Playwright, LocalStack, minikubes

Development & Delivery:

  • Take features end-to-end from discussion through to production using conventional commits (feat/fix/chore/refactor), providing deployment evidence (screenshots, Loom recordings) at PR, staging, and production gates
  • Perform manual backend and frontend testing alongside Grafana log and metric inspection across PR preview, staging, and production environments to verify feature implementation at each stage
  • Write unit, integration, and E2E tests (Vitest, Playwright); identify and eliminate container vulnerabilities; enforce lint and type-check gates via pre-commit hooks and CI
  • Review PRs to a high standard of fidelity — verifying correctness, edge cases, and architectural consistency — and actively troubleshoot issues other developers encounter across the stack

Key Implementations:

  • Built a gas fee estimation service that analyzes volatility from recent blocks to recommend optimal gas fees, reducing transaction costs and failure rates
  • Adapted Vercel’s workflow primitives (Postgres-backed state, step orchestration) to run outside the Vercel ecosystem, executing inside Kubernetes Jobs dispatched via SQS — enabling scheduled and event-driven workflows at scale
  • Designed a min-heap cron scheduler dispatching workflow executions to Kubernetes Jobs via SQS for automated DeFi monitoring and recurring tasks
  • Implemented multi-RPC failover system with user-configurable endpoints across 8 blockchain networks, supporting Etherscan/Blockscout/Solscan explorer integrations
  • Developed ERC-20 token workflow steps (balance checks, transfers, approvals) with shared ABI library and Multicall3 batch operations
  • Built blockchain event monitoring system (Node.js + Ethers.js + Redis) tracking smart contract events and dispatching workflow executions for event-driven automation

Technical Leadership:

  • Propose architectural changes and author detailed implementation specifications for new systems and features before development begins
  • Orchestrate up to 4 parallel AI code agents to work concurrent tickets, significantly increasing throughput across the sprint

AI Software Engineer

Heya Voice AI | Heya Enterprises Pty Ltd | Feb 2025 - Feb 2026 (1 year, 1 month) - Contract, Full-time

Leading the development of cutting-edge voice AI applications while establishing technical architecture and development processes.

Full-Stack Development:

  • Building event-driven and data-responsive applications using TypeScript, Node.js, React, and Express
  • Developing robust APIs with Python, Flask, and FastAPI
  • Managing PostgreSQL databases with complex queries and optimizations
  • Implementing real-time communications via WebSockets and JSON RPC 2.0
  • Creating responsive UIs with Tailwind CSS and SCSS

DevOps & Infrastructure:

  • Orchestrating CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Workflows
  • Managing AWS EC2 instances and infrastructure
  • Containerizing applications with Docker and Docker Compose
  • Implementing reverse proxy and load balancing with Traefik
  • Scaling and optimizing software for performance and cost efficiency

AI & Machine Learning Engineering:

  • Data Pipeline Development: Building comprehensive data processing systems including URL filtering, text extraction, language detection, Minhash deduplication, PII removal, and custom filtering logic
  • MLOps: Implementing best practices for model deployment, monitoring, and versioning
  • Deep Learning: Working with modern frameworks including Tinygrad and PyTorch
  • LLM Development:
    • Conducting deep research on pivotal papers and theoretical foundations
    • Fine-tuning models using distillation, instruct, and chat methodologies
    • Implementing debugging and improvement workflows with Langfuse
    • Designing and prototyping applications with LangChain
  • Advanced Prompting: Implementing Chain of Thought, RAG, and ReAct patterns
  • Voice AI Systems:
    • Building voice agents using LiveKit for VoIP, WebRTC, and PCM over WebSockets
    • Integrating ElevenLabs and Cartesia for text-to-speech
    • Implementing Deepgram and Whisper for speech-to-text
    • Processing call transcripts with Whisper and redacting PII with Presidio
  • AI Integration: Developing processes for leveraging AI code agents within the SDLC

Lead Software Developer & Cyber Security Specialist

The Metakey | MM Ventures PTY LTD | October 2021 – October 2024 (3 years, 1 month) Full-time

Led a cross-functional development team while establishing security protocols and infrastructure for a Web3 gaming company.

Cyber Security Leadership:

  • Authored and maintained comprehensive cyber security policies
  • Operationalized Incident Response, Business Continuity, and Disaster Recovery plans
  • Monitored security posture using Orca, managing alerts and patching schedules
  • Drove Essential 8 compliance initiatives
  • Managed user provisioning across GitHub, AWS, databases, and APIs
  • Administered AWS IAM policies and access controls

Technical Stack: JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, Bash, Solidity

Infrastructure & DevOps:

  • AWS Services: Lambda, S3, EC2 (including Image Builder), ECR, ECS, RDS, SES, Route 53, CloudFormation
  • CI/CD: Designed and implemented GitHub Workflows for automated deployments
  • Containerization: Docker and Docker Compose for application packaging
  • Web Infrastructure: Nginx configuration, Let’s Encrypt/Certbot SSL management
  • Domain Management: DNS configuration across GoDaddy, Liquid Web, Krystal, and Namecheap
  • Blockchain Infrastructure: Deployed and maintained Ethereum and IPFS nodes
  • Scaled and optimized software systems for improved performance and reduced costs

Full-Stack Web Development:

  • Frontend: React, Angular, Vue with TypeScript/JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, SCSS, Bootstrap, Tailwind
  • Backend: Express.js, Strapi CMS, FastAPI, Next.js, Flask
  • Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB with migration management
  • Translated Figma designs into responsive web applications
  • Integrated Google Analytics for user behavior tracking

Web3 & Blockchain Development:

  • Developed and optimized Solidity smart contracts, saving customers thousands in gas fees
  • Created and deployed subgraphs on The Graph protocol
  • Worked with Truffle, Hardhat, and Brownie development suites
  • Integrated multiple Web3 APIs: OpenSea, Etherscan, Dune Analytics, Decentraland, ImmutableX
  • Executed airdrops across Ethereum, Polygon, and ImmutableX networks
  • Layer 2 expertise with ImmutableX and Starknet

Game Development:

  • Unreal Engine 5.2 development including source builds for clients and dedicated servers
  • Web integration and Blueprint visual scripting
  • Lead Web/DevOps engineer for New Ganymede game

Leadership & Management:

  • Reduced operational costs through strategic self-hosted infrastructure implementation
  • Managed team members using BambooHR HRIS
  • Created and delegated tasks via Notion kanban boards
  • Wrote technical job descriptions and conducted interviews
  • Mentored and onboarded entry-level and junior developers
  • Coordinated with HR, third parties, and cross-functional teams
  • Applied for and secured grants

Key Achievements:

  • Saved thousands in ETH through smart contract optimization
  • Consulted for KPMG on blockchain initiatives
  • Achieved ISC2 CC certification
  • Architected and migrated company infrastructure from Scaleway to AWS
  • Introduced Docker, GitHub Workflows, linting, unit testing, and security tools
  • Developed secure secrets injection program using BitWarden and AWS Secrets Manager
  • Detected and mitigated insider threat
  • Secured $25K AWS grant
  • Optimized PC hardware for faster game build times

Software Engineer

FUTUREV PTY LTD | September 2020 – October 2021 (1 year, 2 months)

Served as the sole developer building Web3 applications from the ground up.

Technical Responsibilities:

  • Created and deployed subgraphs on The Graph protocol
  • Implemented GraphQL APIs using Apollo client
  • Deployed smart contracts to testnets using Brownie and Truffle
  • Developed frontend applications with TypeScript, React, Web3.js, Ethers.js, and Theme-UI
  • Configured Nginx web servers and managed deployments
  • Automated workflows using Bash scripts, Makefiles, Python scripts, and cron jobs

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Managed company Twitter presence
  • Maintained public GitBook documentation
  • Authored technical articles on Medium

Technical Customer Support Representative

Quest Payment Systems | May 2019 – August 2020 (1 year, 2 months)

Provided enterprise-level technical support for payment processing systems.

Technical Support:

  • Managed multiple virtual machines via vSphere for enterprise EFTPOS diagnostics
  • Executed remote software updates and system maintenance
  • Escalated severity 1 issues to appropriate teams
  • Provided concurrent support across multiple payment products
  • Performed physical and digital server health checks
  • Configured and burned images to flash cards for production deployment
  • Installed and configured software for computers and payment terminals
  • Internet service troubleshooting and monitoring (Telstra & Optus)

Data Analysis & Development:

  • Created Kibana queries to visualize Australian Open transaction data
  • Developed Python scripts for log data collation and analysis
  • Built Elasticsearch integration for advanced log analysis

Wealth Banker

National Australia Bank | February 2018 – March 2019 (1 year, 2 months)

Delivered specialized superannuation consulting services for corporate clients.

Responsibilities:

  • Advised clients on legislative, regulatory, and prudential reforms
  • Serviced complex Defined Benefit and Lifetime Pension accounts
  • Provided insurance quotes and estimations
  • Built rapport with members, stakeholders, and colleagues
  • Published weekly Net Promoter Score reports using HTML/CSS
  • Utilized multiple CRM systems (PACE, SuperB) for account management

Achievements:

  • Awarded Banker of the Month
  • Cross-skilled for Defined Benefit and MasterKey corporate products
  • Built custom website for team NPS reporting

Technical Skills

Programming Languages

Primary: TypeScript, Bash, Solidity
Secondary: Python, JavaScript, Rust, Go (including gRPC, geth), C/C++, Assembly (ARMv7, x86)

Cloud & Infrastructure

  • AWS: Lambda, S3, EC2, ECS, RDS, CloudFormation, IAM, Secrets Manager
  • DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI
  • Monitoring: Orca (Security), Uptime Kuma, Kibana, Elasticsearch

AI & Machine Learning

  • Frameworks: PyTorch, Tinygrad, LangChain, Langfuse
  • Voice AI: LiveKit, ElevenLabs, Cartesia, Deepgram, Whisper
  • Techniques: Fine-tuning, RAG, prompt engineering, model distillation

Web3 & Blockchain

  • Development: Solidity, Truffle, Hardhat, Brownie
  • Protocols: Ethereum, ChainLink Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol, Layer 2 (ImmutableX, Starknet), IPFS
  • Integration: The Graph, Web3.js, Ethers.js

Databases

  • PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, migrations, query optimisation

Operating Systems

  • Unix-based: macOS, Ubuntu, Debian (my daily driver), Kali, CentOS, Raspbian
  • Windows: Windows 10 with WSL

Education & Certifications

  • 2023: ISC2 Cybersecurity Certification (CC)
  • 2021: Data Analytics Bootcamp - Monash University
  • 2017: Victorian Certificate of Education
    • Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, English, Physics
  • Currently Studying:
    • ISC2 Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) with personal investigation into AI’s role in the SDLC
    • Mandarin language

Additional Qualifications

  • 2023: Victorian Drivers License
  • 2017: Responsible Service of Alcohol
  • 2014: PADI Open Water Diving Certificate

Personal Achievements

  • Successfully transitioned to software engineering without formal computer science education
  • Obtained Australian Citizenship
  • Organized community cleanup events in Pearcedale (2020) and Pakenham (2019)
  • Built professional expertise through self-directed learning and practical application

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