Jesse
Jacobs
software developer — with a focus on embedded systems and data science
Software developer with two years building production software at an IoT hardware startup — Java desktop apps, Kotlin/Android, backend integrations, and automation. AWS Certified, with a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science.
Projects I've built
AquaWatch Tool
Internal platform developed to automate manufacturing, testing, CRM integration, and device lifecycle management for an IoT monitoring company. Automated CRM onboarding, return-processing reports, sensor dashboards, and Bluetooth provisioning workflows. Native installer via JPackage with automated updates via GitHub Actions.
Digital Twin Visualisation
Digital twin for SnapCore water quality testing tanks. Displays real-time sensor data with automatic 15-minute refresh and tank-by-tank navigation.
Sensor Interface (Prototype)
Cross-platform desktop app for Yosemitech Y510 turbidity sensors. Real-time Modbus RTU over serial. Qt GUI. Runs on Linux and Windows. Part of an ongoing embedded/industrial-protocol focus, alongside dedicated ESP32 firmware work below.
Kotlin Compose Modbus Sensor App
Android app for Modbus sensor interfacing via OTG connection. Jetpack Compose UI. Real-world deployment of Android + industrial protocols. Part of an ongoing embedded/industrial-protocol focus, alongside dedicated ESP32 firmware work below.
ESP32 Environmental Monitor
Battery-powered environmental sensor node built on ESP-IDF. Reads temperature/pressure via DHT22 + BMP280, displays live readings on an SSD1306 OLED, and publishes to MQTT every 30 seconds. Deep-sleeps between cycles for long battery life.
ESP32 Home Automation Node
MQTT-controlled relay node built on ESP-IDF. Switches mains-connected devices, reports state back over MQTT, and integrates with Home Assistant.
ESP32 Motion-Triggered Alert System
Interrupt-driven motion sensing on ESP-IDF. HC-SR04/PIR sensor triggers an ISR that fires a notification, built as a hands-on exercise in edge-triggered interrupts and real-time response.
ESP32 Data Logger
Multi-sensor data logger built on ESP-IDF. Logs timestamped readings to an SD card over SPI, then syncs over WiFi whenever the device is in range.
SouthStack — Web Studio
Built SouthStack web development studio company website with embedded RAG AI chatbot using Claude API + Netlify Functions.
University Assignments
Coursework: AI (A+), Mobile App Dev (A+), Algorithms & Data Structures (A-), OS & Networks (A-), Software Engineering Design (A), Programming Languages/Concurrency (A+).
EBNF-grammar parser/interpreter for a simple imperative string-processing language, and an n-body simulation demonstrating parallelism with OpenMP.
FastAPI + vanilla-JS single-page app, and a Next.js / Tailwind / MongoDB booking site (live demo below).
Custom malloc memory allocator implemented in C.
Fuzzy logic controller, and an A*-search puzzle solver.
What I work with
Primary focus: Java, Kotlin, Android, backend development, embedded systems (ESP32), automation systems, cloud services, and applied software engineering.
Languages
Web & Backend
Cloud & DevOps
Data & Databases
AI & ML
Embedded & Firmware
Protocols & Hardware Interfaces
Hardware / Hands-on
The short version
Focused on the systems behind manufacturing, device management, and field deployment — with a growing specialization in embedded systems and applied data science. Academic background spans computer science, mathematics, and linguistics.
Professional Experience
Assembly Technician / Software Developer
- Built internal Java automation systems supporting manufacturing, testing, and device management workflows
- Developed GraphQL and Monday.com integrations, automated report generation, Bluetooth provisioning workflows, and operational dashboards
- Built Android and desktop applications for sensor configuration, monitoring, diagnostics, and deployment
- Worked directly with IoT water-quality monitoring devices including provisioning, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, and field deployment
- Performed exploratory data analysis using Grafana and contributed to technical documentation and quality-control processes
Founder
- Founded software and web development studio serving New Zealand organisations
- Built company website and AI-powered chatbot using Claude API, RAG techniques, and Netlify Functions
- Delivering web applications, automation solutions, and AI-assisted business tools
- Managing client relationships, project delivery, hosting, deployment, and technical architecture
Earlier operations, logistics & trades roles
Truck Driver
- Container transport between Blenheim, Motueka, and Port Nelson
- Class 5 freight operations including wine, hops, and general freight
- Forklift operation and export container loading
- Refrigerated goods delivery and logistics support
Tractor Driver
- Vineyard operations including mulching, rolling, and pruning
Previous Roles
- Joinery labourer
- Sawmill planer operator
- Excavator operator
- Stock assistant
- General labouring and construction support
Currently building
SouthStack — Web Development Studio
Growing the business, refining the service offering, and building the AI chatbot service. Currently completing first client projects.
Astro Claude API Netlify Functions RAGKaggle competitions
Planning first competition entries to build practical ML portfolio. Starting with tabular data and NLP competitions.
PyTorch Kaggle ML NLPEducation & study
Graduate Diploma — Information Science (CS)
Graduate Diploma — Arts (Linguistics)
Bachelor of Arts — Mathematics
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS Certified Developer — Associate
| Course | Code | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | 159302 | A+ |
| Mobile Application Development | 159336 | A+ |
| Programming Languages, Algorithms & Concurrency | 159341 | A+ |
| Critical Thinking | 134.103 | A+ |
| Introductory Physics | 124.100 | A+ |
| Mathematics in Education | 160.320 | A+ |
| Software Engineering Design and Construction | 159251 | A |
| Object-Oriented Programming | 159234 | A- |
| Algorithms and Data Structures | 159201 | A- |
| Operating Systems and Networks | 159342 | A- |
| Statistical Models | 161.200 | A- |
| Advanced Web Development | 159352 | A+ |
| Applied Linear Models | 161.221 | B+ |
| Data Analysis | 161.220 | B+ |
| Language and Society in New Zealand | 172.232 | B+ |
| Languages of the Pacific | 172.336 | B+ |
| Linguistic Analysis of the English Language | 172.235 | B+ |
| Linear Algebra | 160.211 | B+ |
| Analysis | 160.301 | B |
| Combinatorics | 160.314 | B |
| Field Methods | 172.334 | B |
| Language and Identity | 172.335 | B |
| Discrete Mathematics | 160.212 | B- |
| Introduction to Academic Writing | 230.100 | B- |
| Language and Culture | 172.239 | B- |
| Algebra | 160.302 | C |
| Calculus | 160.203 | C+ |
| Differential Equations I | 160.204 | C+ |
| Sounds and Structures | 172.330 | C+ |
| Introductory Statistics | 161120 | — |
| Mathematics 1A | 160111 | — |
| Mathematics 1B | 160112 | — |
Certifications & licenses
Class 5 Driver Licence (Truck & Trailer) — F, W, T, R, D Endorsements
Forklift Operator Certificate (OSH)
Site Safe Passport
Personal interests
Tramping, guitar, bow hunting/archery, fly fishing, motorcycle rides, and sci-fi TV.
GitHub activity
Public work and contributions. Private repos aren't shown here.
GitHub contribution activity — view full profile →
Notes & learnings
Short posts on things I've built, figured out, or found interesting.
Let's talk
Open to software development, data engineering, and electronics roles in NZ. Canterbury or remote preferred.
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