Felix Morley

Senior Software Engineer

Full-stack innovator crafting high-impact solutions in big data, geospatial tech, and sustainability.
TypeScript
React
Node.js
GraphQL
tRPC
Next.js
postgreSQL
AWS
k8s
Geospatial
Big Data

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See my public repositories on GitHub
Reach out via e-mail
See what I'm reading on Good Reads

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I'm a full stack engineer with a maker's heart. Whether I'm coding complex data visualization tools or building off-grid power systems, I thrive on turning ideas into reality. My passion for creation extends beyond the digital realm into woodworking, metalcraft, and conservation.

I spent much of 2023 backpacking through South America and Europe where I combined my passions for exploration, connecting with nature 🍃 and hands-on volunteer work. Now I split my time between software engineering, woodland restoration projects, and various DIY adventures - from crafting escape rooms to automating telescopes.

I'm seeking opportunities where I can apply my technical expertise while maintaining my connection to practical, tangible problem-solving. I believe the best digital solutions come from understanding the physical world they serve.

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  1. NHEBSC

    Freelance Developer

    Mar 2022 — Present

    Overview

    This voluntary project resulted in development of a progressive web application (PWA) designed to streamline race result management for a community sailing club. The app replaces manual paper-based processes and legacy Excel tools with an elegant digital solution that works offline and synchronizes with cloud storage.

    Key Features

    • •Real-time handicap calculations and race scoring
    • •Offline-first functionality with automatic cloud sync
    • •Token-based authentication via shareable URLs
    • •Progressive Web App (PWA) for native-like mobile experience

    Technical Highlights

    • •Built with React and TypeScript
    • •Custom offline-first database using localStorage
    • •Novel synchronization layer between localStorage and Google Sheets
    • •Responsive tablet-optimized interface

    Impact

    The application dramatically improved the club's race management workflow, reducing result publication time from weeks to minutes while ensuring calculation accuracy. The offline-first architecture and cloud sync eliminate the need for club-hosted infrastructure.

    The project successfully modernized a complex manual process while maintaining accessibility for volunteers and club members. The innovative use of Google Sheets as a backend allows race officers to continue using familiar tools.

    Windsheet mockup

    Support for mobile and desktop devices.

  2. GeoSpock

    Lead Software Engineer

    Nov 2019 — Feb 2022

    Overview

    Led the successful migration from AWS to Kubernetes while managing a team of engineers, implementing custom systems, and optimizing geospatial indexing capabilities for improved performance and scalability.

    Key Achievements

    • •Orchestrated complete migration from AWS to Kubernetes
    • •Developed custom scheduler in Kotlin for data processing
    • •Led and mentored engineering team

    Technical Highlights

    • •Custom workflow orchestration with Kubernetes jobs
    • •Apache Spark integration for distributed processing
    • •Architecture simplification and cost optimization

    Impact

    The migration and system improvements significantly enhanced platform reliability while reducing operational costs. The implementation of custom systems replaced complex AWS-specific services with simplified, maintainable solutions.

    Team leadership and mentoring efforts fostered a culture of innovation and technical excellence, resulting in improved product quality and team productivity.

  3. GeoSpock

    Senior Software Engineer

    Mar 2016 — Oct 2019

    Overview

    Developed advanced geospatial indexing systems and visualization tools capable of handling billions of datapoints with sub-second query times, focusing on innovative solutions for complex geographical data analysis.

    Key Innovations

    • •Advanced indexing system for 2D geographical entities
    • •Novel aggregation technique for dense geographical areas
    • •Tile-based system with variable sizing optimization
    • •High-performance interactive visualization tools

    Technical Achievements

    • •Custom WebGL shaders for data visualization
    • •React components for enhanced filtering
    • •GraphQL APIs for data access and manipulation
    • •Efficient spatial analysis algorithms

    Impact

    The innovative indexing and visualization systems revolutionized how users could interact with large-scale geographical data, enabling complex analysis and pattern recognition in real-time.

    Close collaboration with the data science team led to the successful implementation of advanced algorithms that significantly enhanced the platform's analytical capabilities.

    Data visualization interface

    Interactive geospatial data visualization

    Geofencing analysis

    Geofencing and data analysis tools

    Heatmap visualization

    Real-time heatmap data visualization

    Dataset management interface

    Dataset management and analysis tools

  4. Blinkx/RhythmOne

    Engineering Team Lead

    Jun 2012 — Feb 2016

    Overview

    Led infrastructure migration to AWS and developed a real-time streaming analytics platform, managing a 10x throughput increase while maintaining 100% uptime and consolidating multiple systems post-acquisition.

    Key Achievements

    • •Successfully migrated infrastructure to AWS
    • •Designed custom ETL data warehousing pipeline
    • •Developed real-time streaming analytics platform
    • •Managed systems consolidation post-acquisition

    Technical Innovations

    • •Spark streaming and Kafka implementation
    • •Automated deployment pipelines
    • •Comprehensive monitoring systems
    • •Efficient aggregation-based data storage

    Impact

    The infrastructure migration and system improvements enabled a 10x increase in throughput while maintaining 100% uptime. The new streaming platform significantly enhanced real-time data processing capabilities.

    Leadership efforts in system consolidation and team mentoring created a more efficient, scalable platform while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

  5. Blinkx

    Junior Software Developer

    Jun 2010 — May 2012

    Overview

    Starting as a Junior Software Developer, I created innovative reporting tools and optimized database operations that significantly improved system performance during a period of rapid company growth. My work focused on developing scalable solutions for data analysis and content management.

    Key Achievements

    • •Developed a configurable reporting tool enabling business analysts to create custom pivot tables without developer intervention
    • •Implemented caching layer for blinkx.com analytics, significantly improving page load times and click-through rates
    • •Created RESTful API layer for the CMS platform, enhancing integration capabilities
    • •Contributed to VideoMatch development, enabling dynamic video player rendering based on webpage analysis

    Technical Contributions

    • •Optimized database operations for improved performance at scale
    • •Implemented automated testing systems for quality assurance
    • •Developed comprehensive API documentation
    • •Participated in 24/7 on-call rotation supporting critical systems

    Impact

    The reporting tools and performance optimizations dramatically reduced the workload on the development team while empowering business analysts to access and analyze data independently. The caching implementation resulted in measurable improvements in user engagement and revenue.

    Through involvement in critical projects like VideoMatch and the CMS API layer, I gained valuable experience in full-stack development and learned to build scalable solutions for high-traffic web applications. This role provided a strong foundation in software engineering practices and enterprise-scale systems.

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  1. Off-Grid Power System for Community Bike Workshop

    Oct 2024 — Present

    Overview

    Designing and implementing an innovative off-grid power system for a community bike workshop, utilizing recycled lithium-ion batteries from city bikes and solar panels. The system provides sustainable power for tools, lighting, and device charging while promoting environmental responsibility.

    Key Features

    • •24V lithium-ion battery system from recycled city bike batteries
    • •Roof-mounted solar panel array with optimal angle positioning
    • •Advanced battery management system for safe operation
    • •Integrated security and monitoring capabilities

    Technical Implementation

    • •Battery cell testing and matching system
    • •Custom charge controller configuration
    • •Power distribution network with safety features
    • •Remote monitoring and alert system

    Impact

    The system enables the workshop to operate independently of the grid while demonstrating practical applications of recycled materials and renewable energy. It serves as an educational example of sustainable technology implementation.

    By repurposing batteries that would otherwise be discarded, the project promotes circular economy principles while providing essential power infrastructure for community activities.

    Solar panel installation

    Installation of solar panels on container roof

  2. TaskGeo

    Jul 2024 — Present

    Overview

    TaskGeo is a sophisticated task automation system that combines traditional time-based scheduling with location-aware triggers, enabling users to create powerful automation workflows based on both temporal and spatial conditions.

    Key Features

    • •Location-aware task triggering with geofencing
    • •Flexible scheduling system combining time and location
    • •Offline functionality for continuous operation
    • •Battery-efficient location monitoring

    Technical Implementation

    • •NextJS frontend with tRPC for type-safe API calls
    • •Prisma ORM for efficient database operations
    • •Custom scheduling algorithm for location-based triggers
    • •MacOS daemon for background task execution

    Impact

    TaskGeo represents a new approach to task automation by considering spatial context alongside temporal scheduling. This enables more intelligent and context-aware automation workflows.

    The system's architecture demonstrates effective integration of modern web technologies with native system capabilities, while maintaining high performance and battery efficiency.

  3. Nature Pond Construction

    2021

    Overview

    Created a sustainable nature pond ecosystem that supports local wildlife while implementing innovative water management solutions. The project demonstrates the application of ecological principles and sustainable design in creating a self-maintaining aquatic environment.

    Design Features

    • •Multiple depth zones supporting diverse aquatic life
    • •Natural filtration system using aquatic plants
    • •Sustainable water management system
    • •Wildlife-friendly access points and habitats

    Implementation Process

    • •Detailed site analysis and excavation planning
    • •Strategic plant selection for habitat creation
    • •Water flow and filtration system design
    • •Ongoing maintenance schedule development

    Impact

    The pond has successfully established itself as a thriving ecosystem, attracting diverse wildlife and maintaining water quality through natural processes. It serves as a model for sustainable water feature design.

    The project demonstrates how careful planning and ecological understanding can create self-sustaining environments that enhance biodiversity while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance.

  4. Multi-Dimensional Escape Room Experience

    2019

    Overview

    Designed and implemented an innovative multi-week escape room experience that combined physical and digital challenges with a unique team discovery mechanic. The experience culminated in a high-stakes 'bomb defusal' finale that integrated various technologies and puzzle types.

    Experience Design

    • •Progressive puzzle system using advent calendar format
    • •Team discovery mechanic through information sharing
    • •Integration of VR elements and physical puzzles
    • •Dramatic mechanical finale with safe special effects

    Technical Elements

    • •Heat-activated locks using muscle wire
    • •Custom mechanical 'bomb' mechanism
    • •Integrated scoring and progress tracking
    • •Failsafe systems for participant safety

    Impact

    The experience successfully maintained engagement over multiple weeks while encouraging both competition and cooperation between teams. The innovative format created a unique social dynamic through controlled information sharing.

    Technical challenges were overcome creatively, such as adapting the final challenge from electronic to mechanical operation during a power outage, demonstrating adaptability in experience design.

  5. Telescope Automation

    2018

    Overview

    Automated a telescope using Raspberry Pi and custom electronics, enabling precise control for long-exposure astrophotography. The project combined hardware and software solutions to achieve accurate stellar tracking despite hardware limitations.

    Key Features

    • •Precise stepper motor control system
    • •User-friendly control interface
    • •Star tracking for long exposures
    • •Custom mounting hardware design

    Technical Implementation

    • •JavaScript control application on Raspberry Pi
    • •Custom electronics for motor control
    • •Calibration and alignment algorithms
    • •Power management for outdoor operation

    Impact

    The automation system successfully enabled capture of long-exposure photographs of celestial objects, overcoming the challenges of early Raspberry Pi hardware and JavaScript limitations.

    The project demonstrated effective integration of hardware and software solutions, while working within the constraints of available technology to achieve precise astronomical positioning.

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I'm always interested in hearing about new projects and opportunities. Feel free to reach out!