Hi there, I'm Jacob 👋

I'm a Data Engineer by day, and a homelab enthusiast and hardware tinkerer by night. I'm passionate about building robust data pipelines, self-hosting open-source tools, and bringing vintage machinery back to life.

💻 What I Do

• Data Engineering: Specializing in Java, PySpark frameworks, SQL, and shell scripting. I work heavily with SCD2, CDC, and Apache Iceberg implementations.
• Infrastructure & Homelab: I manage a distributed Proxmox and TrueNAS infrastructure running on a 24-bay chassis. I self-host my environment utilizing Docker and ZFS—including this Forgejo instance, Home Assistant, Nginx Proxy Manager, and AdGuard Home.
• Home Automation: Focused on local control and energy observability, specifically integrating Tesla Powerwall and SolarEdge inverter telemetry into my dashboards.

🧠 Currently Learning

• Diving into a structured syllabus for embedded systems, microsoldering, and hardware reverse engineering.
• Exploring high-resolution nighttime satellite imagery mapping to monitor light pollution and advocate for dark sky preservation.
• Application of DevOps in both personal and projects at work.

🛠️ Off the Screen

When I'm not writing code or managing servers, I prefer hands-on projects, or stepping away to be outdoors:

• Camping/Backpacking - such as stints of the Appalachian Trail.
• Working in my workshop (restoring vintage machinery, building/designing products for the home, etc.)
  • Currently I'm working on learning how to apply Kaizen and 5S principles to my workshop.
• Hardware
  • I'm working on getting more comfortable around microsoldering and have performed a number of hardware mods on various game consoles and appliances in my home.

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