Systems engineering · Embedded, Linux and engineering teams
bitcreed is the practice of Andreas Brauchli — twenty years in Linux systems, networking and embedded firmware. I take on a small number of clients at a time and go deep.
Where I’m strongest
01
Engineers are where I’m most useful. I keep the overview of who coordinates with whom and what each engineer is best at, and I work out what lets them do their best work, which usually comes down to what makes them happy.
Then I analyze the team and recommend changes toward whatever you need: quality, speed, team happiness.
02
Sensor integration, Linux device drivers, calibration, firmware, and the awkward boundary where hardware meets software.
03
Distributed Linux fleets, packaging and secure distribution, and moving code to where it has to run.
04
Being the person who can sit between the engineers and the people paying for the outcome, and leave both groups understanding the same thing.
That was my job at Sensirion with mobile OEM customers, and it is most of what I do for clients now.
Upstream
The SGP30 and SGPC3 gas-sensor driver I wrote is merged upstream and has shipped in every kernel since. Maintained by people who never had to accept it.
Leadership
Engineering manager at Switzerland’s primary defense technology company, leading seven engineers. Team lead at an ETH Zürich spinoff building MEMS environmental sensors.
Published
Peer-reviewed work on embedded and smart-home security, 2014 to 2016.
Delivered
Production code for a Swiss manufacturer’s 3D product configurator, in continuous delivery.
How engagements work
Rates are published because I would rather you self-select than sit through a discovery call designed to find your budget.
Retained engineering
One month minimum · 14 days notice
A standing share of my week on your system. Best when the work is ongoing and the context is expensive to rebuild — which, for embedded and systems work, it usually is.
Fixed-scope project
Scope, price and completion criteria agreed before work starts
A defined piece of work with an end: a driver, a port, an integration, a pipeline. You get a written scope and a fixed number, and I absorb the estimation risk.
Technical review
One week · Written report · Credited if we continue
I read the system and tell you the truth about it. Architecture, portability, supply chain, the parts that will hurt later. Useful before a build decision, a hire, or a diligence process.
Also available — fractional engineering management. From $4,500 / month, one month minimum, 30 days notice.
Terms and first monthFor agencies and technical founders
A good share of my work arrives through people who already have the client relationship and need senior engineering behind it. If you are carrying a project that has outgrown the team available to you, I am straightforward to work with.
How I work
A few clients at a time. Each one gets all of me.
“I would rather tell you a thing is harder than you hoped than discover it together in month three. ”
My longest current engagement is in its fourth year.
About AndreasStart a conversation
I usually reply within a day or two.
