Software & Embedded Systems Consulting

I solve technical challenges that require both depth and breadth — from firmware running on ocean wave buoys to enterprise-scale educational platforms.

As an independent consultant, I bring focused expertise without the overhead of large firms.

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Scott Penrose

What I Do

Systems Integration & Architecture

Turn disparate systems into cohesive solutions

Perfect for: Teams needing automation scripts, test harnesses, or full-scale integrations.

Embedded Systems Development

From prototype to production-ready firmware

  • AVR, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi
  • FreeRTOS and bare-metal
  • I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, MQTT, BLE
  • LoRa radio, Iridium satellite
  • Ultra-low power design
  • IoT devices, sensors, data loggers
Recent: Wave measurement buoys deployed in Antarctic sea ice — published in Nature.

Educational Software Systems

Two decades building learning platforms

  • Learning management systems
  • Assessment and analytics
  • Content delivery
  • Institutional integration
  • User management
  • Scalability for concurrent users
Scale: Enterprise platforms serving tens of thousands of concurrent users.

Technical Expertise

  • Languages: C/C++, Go, JavaScript, TS, Python, Perl, Fortran, and more
  • Embedded: Linux, Bare metal, FreeRTOS, NuttX, Zephyr
  • Electronics: Embedded CPUs, Display Panels, Power Management, Radio including LoRa, Wave Buoys
  • Tools: Make, CMake, Linux
  • Services: Authentication, APIs, Binary data manipulation
  • Web: Dashboards, Single-file Embedded Dashboards
  • Infrastructure: Git, automated testing, CI/CD, monitoring
  • Approach: Start simple, iterate fast, build for reliability

How I Work

  • Hourly consulting at $175/hour for remote work
  • Project-based engagements for defined deliverables
  • Part-time availability with flexible scheduling
  • Estimates, not quotes — complex technical work requires flexibility

Transparent communication and realistic timelines. Honest assessments of what's possible and what it will take.

Why Work With Me?

  • Full-stack embedded to cloud — I understand the entire system, not just one layer
  • Pragmatic solutions — the right tool for the job, not resume-driven development
  • Network when needed — access to trusted PCB design and hardware experts
  • Remote-first — efficient collaboration without geographical constraints

Examples and Success Stories

Waves In Ice

Antarctic sea ice wave detection systems. Custom firmware, satellite communications, deployed internationally. Published in Nature.

Profitool

Automation, unit testing, and 64-bit conversion of a legacy Fortran accounting/ERP system. SQL, containers, and full test suite.

OSDC

Founded the Open Source Developers' Conference — a community-driven conference for open source developers across Australia and beyond.

Let's Talk

Have a system that needs connecting? Embedded device that needs programming? Legacy system that needs modernization?

Contact Me — I'll give you a straightforward assessment of how I can help.

Scott Penrose • scottp@dd.com.au • +61 (0) 417 885 330