Michel Bøje Randahl Nielsen
| Backend & Cloud |
Functional Programming |
Embedded Rust |
michelrandahl@proton.me / Addr.: Holte, Denmark / GitHub / Codeberg / LinkedIn / This CV: michelrandahl.github.io/cv
Profile
Software Developer with extensive professional experience across backend systems, cloud applications, and fullstack solutions.
Currently focused on upskilling in embedded systems with Rust, contributing to open source embedded Rust libraries and working on my own hardware projects.
Work Experience
Independent Learning & Hardware Product Development (Aug 2023 - Present)
In mid 2023 I decided to take a career break to explore a growing passion for embedded systems and electronic design, while working towards my own commercial eurorack modules and musical controllers. During this period I have:
- Contributed to Open source, the Embassy embedded Rust ecosystem (my contributions)
- Learned circuit and PCB design in KiCAD, from schematic through manufacturing (JLCPCB, Aisler, PCBWay), component sourcing (Mouser), hand assembly, verification, troubleshooting, and programming.
- Designed and programmed bare-metal firmware applications in Rust, targeting STM32 microcontrollers using the Rust Embassy async framework and RTIC
- On the side, continued to maintain and deepen existing expertise in functional programming (learning PureScript), and explore security fundamentals through reading and OverTheWire exercises
- Technologies: Rust, Embedded Rust, RTIC, KiCAD, STM32
- Key competencies gained: Hardware prototyping, PCB design and manufacturing, embedded firmware development, Open Source contribution
Software developer and DevOps @ Criipto (now Idura) (Dec 2021 - Aug 2023)
At Criipto, a broker for government and bank-issued digital identities, I:
- Contributed to Stripe integration and billing systems
- Worked on audit logging systems for digital identity usage tracking
- Implemented ETL jobs and supported data warehouse operations
- Developed demo applications, prototypes, and worked on the customer account management platform
- Automated infrastructure using Bicep (Infrastructure as Code) and GitHub Actions for CI/CD
- Technologies: F#, C#, NodeJS, React, TypeScript, Azure, Bicep, Stripe, GitHub Actions
- Key competencies gained: Security-focused development practices, payment systems integration, cloud infrastructure automation
At Skatteministeriet/UFST, I contributed to modernizing Danish property valuation and taxation systems:
- Contributed to the Event Sourcing backend, API design and implementations, internal tooling and contributed to the frontend development
- Designed and implemented custom ETL pipelines and data processing applications for technical and non-technical staff
- Participated in DevOps practices including infrastructure management and security operations
- Technologies: Clojure, ClojureScript, AWS, Serverless architecture, Event Sourcing, PostgreSQL, Cassandra, Terraform, Docker, Jenkins
- Key competencies gained: Large-scale government project experience, collaboration across technical and non-technical teams, code review and pair programming practices, cloud application development, security vulnerability management
Intern and part time Software developer @ Noitso (Feb 2013 - Aug 2014)
At Noitso, a financial technology and custom software development company, I:
- Co-developed a CRM solution focusing on application and database design
- Provided ongoing user support and maintained existing software systems
- Technologies: C#, Java, JavaScript, HTML5, MSSQL, ASP MVC
- Key competencies gained: Customer-facing software development and support experience
Education
MSc Computer Science and Engineering @ DTU (Feb 2014 - Oct 2016)
Studying topics such as Fault Tolerant Systems, Data Mining, Stochastic Simulation, Model Checking and Formal Software Engineering.
Learning Software Development and Computer Science fundamentals, such as Software Design, Databases, Algorithms and Datastructures, Hardware/Software programming, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
- BEng Thesis: Artificial Neural Network based system for predictive home lighting control
- Internship: Noitso (detailed above under work experience)
Technical Competences
Programming languages
Extensive experience across multiple languages with particular focus on functional programming:
- Proficient: Clojure, F#, PureScript
- Active focus: Rust
- Previous experience: Python, JavaScript/NodeJS, TypeScript, C#, Java
- Studied and played with: Idris, Haskell, Elixir
- Testing: Beyond traditional unit testing, I have used and explored property-based testing across multiple languages
Databases
Extensive experience with SQL databases and some exposure to NoSQL:
- MSSQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite
- Cassandra: Familiarity with NoSQL concepts and distributed databases
Cloud & DevOps
Some experience with cloud platforms and DevOps practices:
- GitHub Actions: Automated testing and deployment
- AWS: ECS, Fargate, Lambda, CloudFormation, CloudWatch, SNS, SQS, S3
- Azure: Bicep, Functions, Blob/Table/Queue -storage, WebJobs
- Tools: Docker, Jenkins, Makefiles, Terraform
Security
Security-conscious with growing interest in offensive security:
- Experience working in security-critical environments (government-certified digital identity broker)
- Vulnerability management through CVE analysis and dependency updates
- Familiarity with OWASP Top Ten security risks
- Active exploration of practical security topics through OverTheWire exercises
Development environment
- Linux: 10+ years daily use. Debian in the past and NixOS for the past 8 years
- Workflow: Terminal-driven; comfortable living in the terminal
- Version control: Git across professional, open source, and personal projects
Speaking and Writing
Native Danish and proficient in English
Beyond Code
- Music: Playing synthesizers, samplers, and Eurorack modular systems
- DIY Electronics: Assembly and soldering of Eurorack modules; designed and built a custom rack for my Eurorack modular system
- Nature: Being outdoors, forest walks, running, and kayaking
- FPV Drones: tinywhoop FPV quadcopters and playing FPV racing simulations