Jacob Heijligers

Principal Software Consultant

Jacob Heijligers

I architect, build, and scale backend, mobile, and web systems end-to-end.

Remote · Globally flexible · U.S. timezone friendly

backend

Rust
Go
Java
Python
SQL

frontend

TypeScript
React
Next.js

infra

Kubernetes
Terraform
AWS
GCP
Linux

specialties

Architecture
Networks
Reverse Engineering

I'm a freelance software consultant with a master's in Computer Science & Engineering from TU Delft and over 10 years of experience bringing complex ideas to life, fast.

I thrive on full ownership and enjoy building products end to end, from architecture to launch. I'm passionate about creative problem solving and love finding elegant solutions to hard or unconventional challenges. Whether it's reverse engineering a closed protocol, scaling backend systems, or shipping experimental side projects, I like to push the boundaries of what's possible.

I'm highly self-directed but also comfortable collaborating within teams, especially when clarity, speed, and high standards matter. I communicate clearly, move quickly, and take pride in delivering high-quality, high-complexity systems with minimal overhead.

Outside of client work, I build tools and prototypes to explore new ideas or improve my own life. I'm currently available for high-impact work. Remote-first, but happy to meet in person when it makes sense.

Highlights
  • 10+ years experience across backend, frontend, mobile, infra
  • Built and launched 10+ production-grade systems solo
  • Fast learner who tackles deep technical challenges with high-quality output
  • Deep experience across Linux, cloud, and distributed systems
  • 2nd place in TON blockchain smart contract competition (2024)
Experiences
Stealth AI Startup
2025
Stealth AI Startup
Contract Software Engineer
Designing and implementing advanced Rust engineering challenges for AI reinforcement learning, backed by researchers at OpenAI and Anthropic.
Rust
AI
MediaLab / Kik
2018–2025
MediaLab / Kik
Full Stack Engineer
Worked across the stack on backend services, features, and Kubernetes infrastructure. Hardened the platform by fixing widespread security issues, built an antispam system, broadcast bot, and rebuilt the public-facing website.
Java
Go
Kubernetes
Terraform
Cassandra
Pub/Sub
Miljoenhuizen.nl
2020–now
Miljoenhuizen.nl
Solo Developer
Rebuilt a real estate platform from the ground up. Created a Rust-based ingestion pipeline, backend, and modern TypeScript frontend. Optimized PostgreSQL queries for fast page loads while maintaining a lean, maintainable codebase.
Rust
Python
TypeScript
PostgreSQL
Ragebot
2018–now
Ragebot
Founder
Custom chatbot for Kik, built with async Python on top of reverse-engineered APIs. Grew into a full-featured, AI-enhanced group admin bot used by millions. Designed a distributed, Kubernetes-backed system resilient to platform changes and adversarial behavior.
Python
Kubernetes
AI
Somnox
2017–now
Somnox
Backend Architect
Architected and implemented the backend for a smart sleep robot startup on AWS. Integrated IoT data ingestion, analytics, authentication, and OTA firmware updates as the sole backend engineer.
Java
PostgreSQL
AWS
Chaser.nl
2014–now
Chaser.nl
Full Stack Engineer
Built and maintain backend (Java), web frontend (TypeScript), and mobile apps (React Native) for a Dutch flight ticket aggregator. Fully responsible for feature development, scaling, and platform stability.
Java
TypeScript
React Native
MySQL