Distributed Systems Engineer Specializing in Protocol Optimization
9+ years building mission-critical infrastructure for power grids serving millions. Contributing to Hedera Hashgraph protocol improvements. Available for protocol engineering roles and select consulting engagements.
What I Do
I optimize distributed systems that can't afford to fail. My background is in SCADA systems for electrical utilities: infrastructure where downtime affects millions of customers. Now I'm applying that production discipline to blockchain protocols and high-performance backends.
5.6x performance improvement in Hedera's protocol buffer implementation
Building network monitoring tools for blockchain infrastructure
Contributing to consensus node error handling and developer experience
Experience
AspenTech OSI (2015-2024)
Senior Software Engineer - Platform Server & Distribution Management Systems
Built and optimized mission-critical power grid control systems for utilities serving millions of customers:
- • Real-time data processing for utilities serving millions
- • High-availability distributed systems with strict reliability requirements
- • Performance optimization and database tuning
- • DevOps champion for build process modernization
Open Source Contributions
Hedera Hashgraph & Hiero Protocol (4 Merged PRs)
Contributing to Hedera's Protocol Buffer for Java library and Hiero Consensus Node:
- • DirectBufferedData optimization achieving 5.6x throughput improvement
- • Enhanced error messages for proto import failures
- • Configurable network topology API for consensus nodes
- • Performance analysis and optimization recommendations
What I Bring
Production Mindset
Systems that handle real-world load, cost what you expect, and can be maintained by your team.
Quantitative Approach
I don't guess at performance problems. I measure, benchmark, and prove improvements with data.
Security-First Engineering
Background in DevSecOps, OWASP best practices, and threat modeling. Every system I build considers security from the ground up: not as an afterthought, but as a core requirement alongside performance and reliability.
Deep Backend Expertise
Comfortable working across the backend infrastructure stack: protocol optimization, distributed systems, database tuning, and cloud architecture. This depth allows me to trace performance issues from the network layer through to application logic.
Tech Stack & Education
- BS Mathematics & Computer Science, Minor in Economics • BBA Finance & Accounting • AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Featured Projects
Hedera Hashgraph & Hiero Protocol Contributions
4 merged pull requests to Hedera's PBJ library and Hiero Consensus Node. Achieved 5.6x performance improvement in DirectBufferedData operations, improved developer experience with better error messages, investigated oneOf field optimization (recommended against due to test failures), and added configurable network topology API.
Blockchain Network Monitor
Building a comprehensive real-time monitoring tool for Hedera network in Go. Tracks transaction throughput, consensus metrics, network health, and provides time-series analysis of network behavior. This is an active development project demonstrating modern distributed systems patterns.
Token Vesting Smart Contract Platform
Production-ready Solidity platform for managing time-locked token vesting schedules. Supports multiple beneficiaries, configurable vesting periods, cliff implementations, and revocation mechanisms. Built a complete system including smart contracts with comprehensive test coverage, gas optimization (typical 30-50% reductions), web interface for vesting schedule management, and deployment to multiple networks.
PC Parts Price Tracker
AWS-native application demonstrating proper serverless patterns and infrastructure-as-code practices. Tracks PC component prices across retailers and sends Discord notifications on price changes. Built to showcase AWS CDK for infrastructure as code, event-driven serverless architecture, proper separation of concerns, type-hinted Python with test coverage, and cost-effective scaling patterns.
Ready to see all my work?
Explore Full PortfolioTechnical Writing
I write about distributed systems, blockchain protocols, and backend engineering on my Substack.
Hedera Network Monitor →
Building a production-grade monitoring and alerting system in Go for the Hedera blockchain that tracks account balances, network health, and sends real-time alerts via webhooks.
Hedera HashGraph vs Ethereum →
Deploying the same Solidity smart contract to both networks, demonstrating Hedera's Ethereum compatibility and significantly lower transaction costs.
Building on Ethereum with Go and Next →
Documenting a token vesting smart contract system: a real business use case where companies manage billions in token releases to employees according to predetermined schedules.
My AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Journey →
Chronicling the transition from software developer to cloud architect, exploring how AWS solved infrastructure problems and the certification path to Solutions Architect Associate.
Want to read more?
Visit My SubstackCurrent Focus
I'm actively seeking protocol engineering roles at companies building blockchain infrastructure, distributed systems, or financial technology platforms.
I'm also available for select consulting engagements through Kaldun Technologies LLC, particularly projects involving protocol optimization, blockchain development, or high-performance backend systems.
Let's Talk
Whether you're looking to discuss protocol engineering, need help optimizing your systems, or just want to explore opportunities — I'm here to help.
Schedule a Call