Pierre's journal

I started at Automattic as a Software Engineer (or Code Wrangler).

I was in a team creating and supporting different products, and our main focus at the time was VideoPress, the video platform behind WordPress.com.

Amongst other things, we created a brand new transcoding pipeline, automated content filtering, as well as a “personal video channel” product.

I then transitioned to a Team Lead role, where I could foster a safe and productive environment for my team (7 people).

During that time, we started working on Cloudup, rebuilding it from the ground up, and went from zero to one with the project.

My role was transversal, between engineering management, product management and hands-on software development.

Products I worked on:

• Gravatar
• VideoPress
• Cloudup
• IntenseDebate
• LeanDomainSearch
• Crowdsignal
• P2
• WP Job Manager
• Alex Mills plugins

My main job was to develop and maintain a cross-platform engine, based on OpenGL, to render synchronized lyrics and music in all KaraFun apps.

One of the biggest achievements there was a custom VM and OpenGL shaders I implemented to render Milkdrop files within the engine (a Winamp audio visualization format).

I was also responsible for the Windows client, as well as the file production client, used to synchronize audio, music, chords, and more.

I led several customer projects, from specifications to completion, the most notable being jeuxactu.com (a video game media website), and pourlesmusiciens.com (a major music instrument reseller).

I also worked on specifying, designing, and implementing an ESB, as well as a product search engine based on Elasticsearch.

I was in a team developing and maintaining an Alarm Monitoring System (AMS) for critical industrial applications.

The system was composed of the embedded part, probing a network of sensors over Modbus or CAN, as well as a fully customizable UI based on Qt, that could indicate the current system status, alarms, and send signals to the rest of the network.

I started as a web developer, mostly working on backend applications.

I designed and implemented several APIs as well as an ORM to replace a cluttered database access service.

Then, I worked on embedded systems (access control and scans), desktop clients, and self-service POS systems.

I was working on level 3 technical support, solving escalated tickets on an anti-spam solution.

My job consisted of both customer relations and technical expertise, troubleshooting and solving bugs for the on-premise or hosted system.

I also maintained a legacy consumer platform written in Perl.

Level 3 technical support for consumer DSL customers.

We were troubleshooting escalated issues related to routers or the copper line itself, and following up with the customers until full resolution.

My job was to plan and participate in technological events across Europe, the most notable being the CeBIT.

I was managing the lab, preparing computers and materials for the event, and then attending the events at the booths.

Consumer and developer support for microprocessors and microcontrollers.

We were answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and managing RMAs.