Hi there! I’m Ignacy Kajdan, a Software Engineer specializing in embedded systems and artificial intelligence1. I’m passionate about programming and free software, with a constant drive to understand how things work – from electronics to the software running on them.
Board bring-up and hardware-software integration for ARM-based platforms and SoM devices, from initial boot to a working Linux system.
What I do #
Currently working at GRINN as an Embedded Software Engineer, I focus on embedded Linux, Yocto-based systems, and hardware-software integration for ARM-based platforms and SoM devices. My experience includes board bring-up, BSP development, Device Tree customization, and low-level software development.
I also work on CI/CD and hardware-in-the-loop testing with LAVA, building tooling and infrastructure to validate software on real hardware.
I have a strong background in embedded electronics and PCB design, and in debugging complex hardware and software systems. I’m also interested in robotics and DevOps.
I’m fascinated by machine learning, particularly deep learning and natural language processing. My work in edge AI involves NPUs and preparing models for embedded deployment using techniques such as quantization and pruning.
A few facts #
My name is pronounced “ig-NAH-tsih KAI-dahn” (IPA: [iɡˈnat͡sɨ] [ˈkai̯dan]). Ignacy is a male name with uncertain etymology. According to the most widely accepted theory, it originates from the Latin word ignis, meaning “fire”. In Spanish, Ignacy translates to Nacho. Additionally, the Polish word kajdan (plural: kajdany) refers to shackles, chains, or fetters used to restrain a person, typically on the wrists or ankles.
I hold an MSc in Automatic Control & Robotics from Poznan University of Technology, specializing in Robotics & Autonomous Systems. During my studies, I was part of the PUT Motorsport Formula Student racing team and worked as an R&D Engineer at the Mobile Robots Lab, developing an autonomous mobile platform for cargo transportation for Samsung Electronics Poland Manufacturing.
I speak (nearly) flawless Polish, quite good English, terrible German, and a bit of Spanish. I can also translate some Polish Sign Language signs.
I have a great appreciation for free and open-source projects, as well as the decentralized “Bazaar” development model2.
Online, I often go by ikajdan, though I don’t use social media much. I prefer one-on-one communication.
Other interests #
Outside of tech, I enjoy epic music (Two Steps From Hell), visual arts, a bit of philosophy, and plenty of hard science fiction, particularly post-apocalyptic (Metro 2033) and cyberpunk (Blade Runner) genres.
My favorite meal is burgers, especially this one.