About Ben Butterworth
I’ve been building software since 2014, always driven by an obsession to solve real problems and a curiosity to learn about new technology. I primilary work on web technologies because it’s easy to reach people with just a URL. However, a lot of my projects have needed hardware integrations, so I’ve developed a temperamant to solving fullstack problems (software + hardware + networking + user needs). I learn best by building things, which has led me to apply technologies to real-world projects. I appreciate everyone who has helped me along the way. I’d love to catch up!
I have a Distinction in Computer Science and a First-Class Honours degree in Materials Science and Engineering, both from Imperial College London. I’ve lived in the UK, Australia, Malaysia and the US, and spent some time in Japan.
I’ve also worked on:
- computer vision and machine learning problems like face recognition for photo album recommendation,
- building HTTP/OpenAPI and gRPC APIs for mobile and web
- building libraries for embedded, web and mobile, including my own open source, push
- hardware integrations like IMUs, accelerometers, and thermal cameras for integrations with drones, and
- distributed systems and geospatial software, like realtime AI and video streaming for command and control
- installed servers at an MIT data center (picture below 😜️)
Tech stack
I’ve worked intensely and obsessively over the past 10 years, compressing a lot of learning into 10 years. Here’s list of some of the things I’ve used:
- Programming Languages and runtimes: Typescript, Node.js, Python, Rust, WebAssembly
- Previously: JavaScript, Java, C/C++, Swift, Kotlin, Go, Dart, Lua
- AI & Machine Learning: Integrated APIs like OpenAI, ElevenLabs, and Anthropic Claude, plus experience with frameworks like PyTorch
- Previously: TensorFlow
- Web Tech: React, TailwindCSS, TanStack, Astro, Zustand, Cesium, deck.gl
- Previously: Next.js, Three.js, Redux
- Systems & Infrastructure: Kubernetes, Terraform, ArgoCD, AWS, GCP, Docker, Cloudflare
- Mobile, Desktop and IoT: Flutter, iOS/macOS, Android, and embedded systems with drones (Ardupilot, Mavlink)
Why Work With Me?
- Mission-Driven: I’m motivated by projects that make a difference, whether they improve lives or help the planet. That also means the end-result is useful. I focus on building what matters and work extra hard to simplify things.
- Learner: I’ve worked across many domains and can learn things efficiently. This means better stuff gets delivered quicker.
- Debugger: I’m well known for my debugging and investigation skills: on Stack Overflow and at all the companies I’ve worked for.
- Teacher: I enjoy working with smart, passionate, colleagues and accelerate their development
Personal ✈️️
I have been vegan since September 2018 and have always loved the planet (nature, outdoors, cycling).
Contact 📫️
- Email:
639u8gva @ mail.orth.uk(this gets deactivated and replaced, check back for updates), or - Feedback form: Submit the feedback form with your message
Talks/workshops I’ve given 🎙
I haven’t been giving talks or writing much recently because I’ve been focused on building.
- Talk: Preparing for CyberCenturion (links: slides)
- Talk: Adding offline support to Flutter apps, at DevFest London 2022 (links: slides, demo app)
- Talk: Docker and Docker Compose Basics, at Uncodebar in September 2022
- with an additional guide on Docker Compose for running projects locally
- Workshop: Building a realtime app whilst learning Flutter Fundamentals (links: slides) at Flutter Festival in March 2022
- Talk: Push notifications in Flutter (links: recording, slides) at GDGDevFest in January 2022
- Talk: Anonymous video calling app (links: recording, slides) at JSMonthly in August 2021
Links 🔗
LinkedIn, GitHub, Mastodon, X, Bluesky, Buy Me a Coffee
Feedback 🔧️
Do you work with me? Have you worked with me in the past? I’d appreciate feedback, even anonymous.
Resources
- Here’s a Google Docs template for your own CV. Open it and click “File > Make a copy”.