Joshua Hayes

Lead Software Engineer

Perth, Australia | me@joshuahayes.dev | https://joshuahayes.dev

Lead Software Engineer with 8+ years of experience building backend systems, web/mobile apps, and embedded solutions in fast-moving startup environments. Proven track record of shipping 0→1 products, leading cross-functional teams, and solving ambiguous, high-stakes challenges under pressure. Blends full-stack depth with systems thinking, from firmware to cloud infra. Thrives in small teams with big ambitions.

Skills

• Languages: Kotlin, Java, Python, Swift, TypeScript, SQL, Bash, C/C++, C#, Golang, Dart, HTML/CSS.
• Frameworks/Tools: Spring, Ktor, SwiftUI, Jetpack Compose, React Native, Node.js, Next.js, Astro, jOOQ, Flyway.
• Infra/DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, Pulumi, Terraform, SaltStack, Vercel, GCP, Cloudflare.
• Data/Comms: Pub/Sub, Kafka, RabbitMQ, REST APIs, BLE, SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis.
• Environments: Linux, iOS, Android, Embedded (ESP32/AVR), Web, Cloud.

Work Experience

Vitruvian | Connected Fitness Startup

Lead Software Engineer | December 2020 - Present | Perth, Australia

• Drove architecture and delivery across mobile apps, cloud infra, firmware (ESP32), and internal/external web tools for Vitruvian’s adaptive resistance device—powering 10K+ units across 3 hardware generations.
• Led cross-functional teams (4~10 engineers) in a fast-paced, zero-bureaucracy, adhocratic culture. Set engineering standards, coached peers, and made critical technical decisions across the stack.
• Shipped experimental isokinetic workout support, live data ingestion pipeline, and real-time competition dashboard—built under 48 hours for the Search4Hurt TV series.
• Homebrewed a UI DSL to dynamically support breaking firmware interface changes and load experimental workout modes without new app builds—rapidly prototyped over a weekend to support investor/partner demos.
• Built scalable Kotlin/Ktor backend services with event-driven architecture (Pub/Sub) for authentication, workout programming, content creation and delivery, device telemetry, and subscription billing.
• Recovered from critical outage caused by lapsed investor-owned domain: rerouted services to a new domain within 48 hours to restore production and payment flows.
• Developed apps, CRMs, and internal tooling for coach-led training, billing, end-of-line testing, and user support workflows.
• Supported development of a Kotlin Multiplatform SDK to share logic across native iOS and Android application—internally and with partners.
• Helped grow Vitruvian into an 8-figure subscription SaaS with a loyal community.

Motion Design | Industrial Automation

Fullstack Software Engineer | Apr 2017 - Dec 2020 | Auckland, New Zealand

• Led redesign of a manufacturing ERP system used by industrial clients—integrated customer orders with dispatch, machine automation, and logistics.
• Modernized and rebuilt core backend in Kotlin/Spring, migrated from file-based architecture towards a DB and events-driven architecture, and improved data integrity and traceability.
• Containerized development environments and automated server config with SaltStack and Docker for reproducible deployment.
• Debugged live issues in production Linux systems and mentored colleagues in CLI workflows and tools.

CSIRO | Scientific & Industrial Research

Software Engineer Intern | Dec 2015 - Apr 2016 | Brisbane, Australia

• Prototyped mobile-based proximity detection system using C++/Qt and Wi-Fi beacon-stuffing to support real-time localization and improve mine worker safety without additional infrastructure.
• Researched wireless communication protocols for autonomous vehicle collision avoidance in mines and contributed to recommendations adopted as part of an industry standard (LASC interoperability for mining vehicles).
• Assisted in LIDAR signal analysis and constructed a small-scale automated testing rig to simulate mining scenarios for validating sensor algorithms and performance.

Projects

• Todoist MCP Server (2025): MCP-compatible agent server with Todoist OAuth and streamable HTTP transport; part of an experimental “LifeOS” orchestration platform.

• HomeLab (2024): Self-hosted server with Portainer and Coolify orchestration; automated subdomain routing via Cloudflare Tunnel and Caddy reverse proxy; runs media servers, custom APIs, automations (n8n/Home Assistant), and Authentik SSO. Used daily and by family.

• Raycast Extensions (2023–2024): Internal tools to surface workout telemetry, machine status, and user data—used by engineering and support teams.

• Time Tracker Automation (2019): Python/Jira/MySQL/RabbitMQ toolchain to log and report time automatically, used daily for client billing at Motion Design.

• RC Delta-Wing Drone (2018): Custom UAV with RF telemetry and onboard PID controllers (C++/ArduPilot) for autonomous flight.

Education

Curtin University

BEng Hons, Mechatronic Engineering Major | 2013 - 2016

• Three academic commendations, Distinction average
• Capstone: Kinect-based 3D motion tracking with OpenCV for gamified rehab in VR

Central Institute of Technology

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechatronics) | 2012 - 2013

• Awarded the James Campbell Engineering Scholarship.
• Projects included: Stirling engine, EV (2nd Place, 2012 WA EV comp), and automated CO₂ laser cutter.