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starkly.tech | Brilliance Embedded

Kent Stark Olsen

Freelance Software Engineer & Consultant

β˜€οΈ πŸŒ™
About

I run starkly.tech, a consultancy specialising in embedded software development, hardware bring-up, and application development. I help companies turn ideas into working products β€” from bare PCB to production-ready firmware and beyond.

With full-stack experience spanning low-level drivers, RTOS, embedded Linux, and desktop/cloud applications, I can step in wherever you need support β€” whether it's early prototyping, debugging complex issues, or preparing a system for production.

I bring over ten years of professional experience across a wide range of technical domains, combining hands-on engineering with a pragmatic, results-driven approach. I focus on fast prototyping, efficient problem-solving, and delivering reliable solutions that are built to last. My work emphasises clean, maintainable code, clear system design, and documentation that makes it easy for your team to move forward with confidence.

Whether working independently or as part of your team, I adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and take ownership of delivering high-quality results.

Core Competencies
  • Embedded C / C++
  • Hardware Bring-up
  • RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr)
  • Linux BSP / Yocto
  • Device Drivers
  • Communication Protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
  • Application-level C / C++ / C#
  • Python
  • SOLID Principles & Clean Code
  • Testable & Maintainable Design
  • Git / CI-CD
  • Debugging & Troubleshooting
Skills

Software Development

  • C
  • C++
  • C#
  • Python
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • CI/CD Pipelines
  • Compiler & Linker
  • Design Patterns
  • UML
  • SOLID
  • Architecture
  • Debugging & Profiling
  • Refactoring
  • Testing
  • Git
  • GitHub Copilot

Embedded Systems

  • FreeRTOS
  • CMSIS
  • NuttX
  • Zephyr
  • UART
  • I2C
  • SPI
  • DMA
  • Device Drivers
  • Bootloaders
  • Trusted Firmware
  • HAL
  • Bluetooth (BLE)
  • ATmega
  • STM32
  • nRF
  • Cortex-M / R / A
  • Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC
  • Yocto
  • Embedded Linux
  • Hardware Bring-up

Distributed Systems

  • ROS / ROS2
  • ZMQ
  • MQTT
  • RabbitMQ
  • DDS / RTPS
  • RPC
  • RESTful APIs
  • IoT
  • Scaling & Balancing

Backend & Servers

  • Event-driven Systems
  • Microservice Architecture
  • Service Fabric
  • Azure
  • Linode

Robotics

  • Mobile Platforms
  • Actuators
  • Sensors
  • Algorithms
  • Communication

Databases

  • SQL
  • NoSQL
  • Graph
  • Time-series
  • Logging

Sensor Technologies

  • IMU
  • LiDAR
  • GNSS
  • Radar
  • Cameras
  • UWB
  • Ultrasound

Applied Sciences

  • Filters
  • Control Systems
  • Data Structures
  • Algorithms
  • AI
  • Electronics

Mechanical

  • 3D CAD Modelling
  • 3D Printing

Teaching

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Robot Building
Experience

Founder & Consultant β€” starkly.tech

2024 – Present

Providing freelance embedded software services including firmware development, board bring-up, and application-level software for various clients.

Senior Software Engineer β€” Leica Geosystems A/S, part of Hexagon

2021 – 2024
  • Innovation / Ideation (technology roadmap)
  • Mentor / Tech-lead related tasks (embedded systems)
  • Developed a message framework for distributed systems based on ZMQ
  • Embedded Linux (Yocto) and bare-metal implementations
  • Communication protocols and RESTful APIs (also embedded)
  • Cross-divisional collaboration applying automotive radars for safety
  • Patent (Ground Penetrating Radar for Milling Applications)

Software Engineer β€” Leica Geosystems A/S, part of Hexagon

2018 – 2021
  • Innovation / Ideation (technology roadmap)
  • Breaking down monolithic structures into smaller service-like systems
  • Embedded Linux (Yocto) and bare-metal implementations
  • Finalising dozer and grader applications in MC1 (control software)
  • Kinematics for semi-autonomous construction machinery
  • Cross-divisional collaboration applying automotive radars for safety
  • Headless solutions

Backend Developer β€” Nabufit Global ApS

2017 – 2018
  • Domain & Test-driven design and development
  • Microservices & Service Fabric
  • Azure (Cloud Computing Service)
  • Continuous Integration & Deployment

Student Assistant β€” C. C. Jensen A/S

2015 – 2016
  • Oil condition monitoring software (multivariate statistical models)

Student Assistant β€” University of Southern Denmark

2010 – 2016
  • Monte Carlo Simulations of CO2 emission in different ship types
  • National Instrument TEDS sensors (MatLab MEX interface)
  • Visualisation of measurements in large sensor arrays (ship vibrations)
  • Software development of eye-controlled assistant for sclerosis patients
  • Robot builder - Hilde, Armadillo III/IV/V tracked mobile platforms
  • Teaching - Mathematics, physics and robot building
  • Transition programme - Lego Education Center

Ironworker — Lillebælt Montage ApS

2004 – 2009

Performed steel construction assembly work, including the installation of pallet racks, automated systems, mezzanine platforms, and various storage solutions. Responsibilities encompassed interpreting technical drawings, measuring and marking materials, and utilizing tools such as welding equipment, grinders, and cutting torches to fabricate and assemble steel components. Ensured that all installations met safety standards and project specifications while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship.

Various Full-time Positions

2000 – 2004

Hands-on roles in warehouse, retail, and production, including stock management, food prep, and machine operation.

For details, please refer to my LinkedIn profile.

Certificates & Accreditations

Zephyr Technical Contributor

2025

Link to accreditation is here.

Yocto Certification

2019
Education

M. Sc. Robot Systems Engineering β€” University of Southern Denmark

2013 – 2016

All coursework for the Master’s degree was completed; thesis not submitted for evaluation. Thus, I do not hold the title M. Sc. in Robot Systems Engineering.

B. Sc. Robot Systems Engineering β€” University of Southern Denmark

2010 – 2013

Admission Course (Engineering Studies) β€” University of Southern Denmark

2009 – 2010