Saratoga, California, United States
Check out my portfolio: https://carlos-ortega.weebly.com/ I am a cross-disciplinary engineer working at the intersection of software, embedded systems, and hardware-based products. My background spans full-stack development (React, Node.js, Express), embedded firmware (C, FreeRTOS, ESP32), and IoT communication (MQTT), with a focus on building systems that bridge cloud applications with real-world hardware. At an early-stage startup, I have built web dashboards, real-time control systems, and hardware-integrated applications from the ground up. This includes designing software that visualizes live system data, interfaces with embedded controllers, and supports testing, validation, and operational workflows. One of my core projects was developing a control dashboard from scratch to manage real-time data and hardware interaction for a physical system. In parallel, I have worked hands-on with electromechanical and embedded hardware in production and R&D environments—supporting calibration, functional and high-voltage testing, system-level acceptance testing, and electrical troubleshooting across sensors, pumps, and control electronics. I have increasingly focused on automating tests through software to reduce manual effort, improve repeatability, and make complex technical processes more accessible to assembly and manufacturing teams. I am drawn to roles that value systems thinking, strong technical fundamentals, and engineers who are comfortable moving across software, embedded, and hardware domains—whether in software-driven products, connected devices, automation, robotics, energy, or other technology-focused environments.
In the role of Event Operations Coordinator at San Jose Earthquakes Soccer, responsibilities revolved around assembling and disassembling event infrastructure for a variety of events. This involved everything from barricades to tents, ensuring that each setup adhered to safety standards. Operating pallet jacks and electric carts became second nature while moving heavy equipment in bustling environments. One of the highlights was being chosen to mentor new crew members; this not only fostered a sense of teamwork but also improved overall performance. The commitment to flexibility allowed for seamless support across departments during events. A proud moment was contributing to a 100% satisfaction rate from event organizers by ensuring smooth operations throughout every event. The experience gained here has been invaluable in understanding the intricacies of event management.
As a Mentor & Technical Advisor at the Tower Foundation of San Jose State University, the focus has been on guiding senior project teams through critical phases of system design and prototyping. This role has led to the achievement of two prestigious awards for outstanding engineering projects. Conducting hands-on training sessions in embedded systems design using FreeRTOS has been particularly rewarding. Teaching students how to effectively use circuit debugging tools like oscilloscopes has not only enhanced their technical skills but also their confidence in tackling complex problems. Advising over 150 students on software development best practices has played a crucial role in their successful transitions into professional careers. The collaborative environment fostered here has resulted in a notable increase in successful project completions by 30%, showcasing the impact of mentorship on student success.
As a Full Stack Developer at The Superway, I had the incredible opportunity to drive software and hardware development from the ground up. Collaborating closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders allowed me to establish a robust company infrastructure that facilitated smooth onboarding processes. My work involved designing and maintaining three web applications alongside two mobile apps using React Native/Expo—achieving an impressive uptime of 95% that greatly enhanced user satisfaction. One of my proudest achievements was developing custom IoT hardware solutions. By designing PCBs and selecting low-power sensors based on specific functional requirements, I successfully deployed over 50 innovative devices tailored to our clients' needs. Additionally, I implemented ESP32 firmware using FreeRTOS to optimize performance across our systems. This effort resulted in low-latency communication between components that improved operational efficiency by around 30%. I also created a real-time location tracking system that integrated MQTT protocols with sensor data. This system achieved remarkable positional accuracy of just 1 cm while maintaining a breaking distance of only 5 cm—an essential feature for our applications. Furthermore, I architected a secure IT infrastructure supporting more than ten employees with an outstanding uptime of 99.99%, ensuring business continuity. Throughout my time at The Superway, delivering four fully functional prototypes for client demos played a crucial role in securing funding during investor showcases. This experience has solidified my passion for bridging software with hardware solutions.