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starkly.tech | Brilliance Embedded

Kent Stark Olsen

Principal Embedded Systems & Integration Consultant

β˜€οΈ πŸŒ™

Bottlenecks Slowing Delivery?

I step in when embedded projects stall β€” when timelines slip and your team needs additional bandwidth or specialised expertise to get delivery back on track.

I work across firmware, RTOS, and system interfaces, taking ownership of complex technical problem β€” identifying root causes, stabilising behaviour, and restoring system reliability. This includes navigating legacy code, strengthening fragile integrations, assessing architectures, and delivering clear, actionable recommendations.

With over a decade of experience and a strong engineering foundation, I help reduce risk, unblock teams, and get delivery back on track β€” without adding unnecessary overhead.

How I Help

  • Stabilise unpredictable systems
  • Diagnose and resolve elusive bugs
  • Accelerate new hardware bring-up
  • Ensure production-readiness
  • Refactor and modernise legacy code
  • Integrate hardware and software components
  • Enhance system reliability and scalability
  • Document architectures and technical designs

I offer flexible engagement, from short-term consulting and project delivery to embedded engineering leadership and team augmentation β€” available remotely or on-site as needed.

Core Competencies

  • Embedded C / C++
  • Hardware Bring-up
  • Device Drivers
  • Embedded Linux
  • Yocto
  • RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr)
  • System Integration
  • Protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
  • Debugging
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Clean Code
  • Clean Architecture

Selected Work

Hardware Bring-up on Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC

I led key platform bring-up activities for a Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC running Xen with Zephyr as a guest, including low-level enablement and validation of core peripherals, including UART, IPC, and Ethernet (MAC and external PHY). I initiated the port of Zephyr to a proprietary OS abstraction layer (OSAL) and contributed to early system integration. I designed and integrated an inter-domain communication stack based on RPMsg-Lite, allowing reliable, low-latency messaging between processing domains.

Multi-sensor System Integration on NVIDIA Xavier

I designed and implemented a system for integrating a multi-sensor platform comprising cameras, radar, LiDAR, GNSS, and a low-level supervisor running on an NVIDIA Xavier. I built a ZeroMQ-based data distribution layer that enabled reliable, low-latency data exchange between subsystems and applications. I consolidated heterogeneous data sources into a unified interface, allowing applications to consume sensor data consistently without coupling to underlying hardware.

Assistive System Integration using Eye-tracking

I developed an assistive system using eye-tracking (Tobii) in collaboration with another engineer to enable speech and interaction for users with sclerosis. Implemented an eye-controlled alphabet board with text-to-speech, and integrated media control and environmental interfaces into a unified application, allowing control of TVs, audio systems, and emergency signalling. We explored integration with additional hardware, including electric wheelchair control, and worked under real-world constraints in which reliability and usability were critical.

Experience

Founder & Consultant β€” starkly.tech

2024 – Present

I provide consulting services for embedded systems under development, working across hardware bring-up, system integration, and debugging on firmware, RTOS, and Linux-based platforms. I take ownership of complex issues, helping projects move forward when technical challenges or bandwidth constraints limit progress.

Senior Software Engineer β€” Leica Geosystems A/S, part of Hexagon

2021 – 2024
  • Led and contributed to system-level design and development of embedded and distributed systems
  • Designed and implemented a ZeroMQ-based messaging framework for distributed communication
  • Worked across embedded Linux (Yocto), bare-metal systems, and application-level software
  • Mentored engineers and contributed to technical direction and roadmap decisions
  • Collaborated across divisions to integrate automotive radar technology into safety-critical applications
  • Co-inventor on a patent for ground-penetrating radar in milling applications

Software Engineer β€” Leica Geosystems A/S, part of Hexagon

2018 – 2021
  • Developed embedded and application-level software for construction machinery control systems
  • Refactored monolithic systems into modular, service-oriented architectures
  • Worked with embedded Linux (Yocto) and bare-metal implementations across multiple platforms
  • Contributed to kinematics and control systems for semi-autonomous machinery
  • Collaborated across teams to integrate radar-based safety features into machine control systems

Backend Developer β€” Nabufit Global ApS

2017 – 2018
  • Developed backend services in a microservices architecture using Azure and Service Fabric
  • Worked with distributed systems and messaging patterns across service boundaries
  • Applied domain-driven design and test-driven development in a production environment
  • Contributed to CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment workflows

Student Assistant β€” C. C. Jensen A/S

2015 – 2016
  • Developed software for oil condition monitoring using multivariate statistical models

Student Assistant β€” University of Southern Denmark

2010 – 2016
  • Developed software for sensor data acquisition, analysis, and visualisation
  • Worked with MATLAB and MEX interfaces for integration with measurement hardware
  • Performed simulations and modelling, including Monte Carlo analysis
  • Contributed to the development of an eye-controlled assistive system for users with sclerosis
  • Built and programmed mobile robotic platforms, working across hardware and software layers
  • Taught mathematics, physics, and robotics

Ironworker — Lillebælt Montage ApS

2004 – 2009

Performed steel construction assembly work, including the installation of pallet racks, automated systems, mezzanine platforms, and various storage solutions. Responsibilities encompassed interpreting technical drawings, measuring and marking materials, and utilising tools such as saws, grinders, and cutting torches to fabricate and assemble steel components. Ensured that all installations met safety standards and project specifications while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship.

Various Full-time Positions

2000 – 2004

Held hands-on roles in warehouse, retail, and production environments, including stock management, food preparation, and machine operation.

For further details, please refer to my LinkedIn profile.

Education

M. Sc. Robot Systems Engineering β€” University of Southern Denmark

2013 – 2016

All coursework for the Master's degree was completed; thesis not submitted for evaluation. Thus, I do not hold the title M. Sc. in Robot Systems Engineering.

B. Sc. Robot Systems Engineering β€” University of Southern Denmark

2010 – 2013

Admission Course (Engineering Studies) β€” University of Southern Denmark

2009 – 2010