Pavel Šimerda

Senior embedded and Linux systems engineer specializing in debugging, stabilizing and modernizing complex software systems.

I help teams eliminate production crashes, concurrency bugs and performance bottlenecks in C++ and embedded Linux environments — especially when the codebase has grown difficult to maintain.

My background includes Linux networking, operating system integration and embedded systems. I previously worked with Red Hat and SUSE on networking-related components of the Linux ecosystem and have been active in open source systems development for more than a decade.

I work best on technically demanding projects where reliability, performance and long-term maintainability matter.

How I Work

I typically engage in short, focused projects:

  • C++ and Rust codebase health reviews
  • Production debugging and incident support
  • Architecture reviews and modernization plans
  • On-site or remote technical workshops

After an initial discussion, we define a clear scope, timeline and deliverables. My goal is to provide concrete improvements your team can build on.

Typical Engagements

  • Stabilizing legacy C++ codebases before major releases
  • Investigating difficult production crashes
  • Reviewing architecture before scaling embedded products
  • Training teams moving to modern C++

Conferences & Community

I speak at European open-source and systems conferences including FOSDEM, LinuxCon, DevConf, LinuxDays and OpenAlt. My talks focus on Linux networking, debugging, systems architecture and modern C++/Rust development.

I introduced Rust as a separate subject at Charles University in Prague in 2021 and co-organize meetups and conferences.

For mentoring and skill-building — helping engineers and teams grow their own systems programming, architecture and debugging skills — see devskills.eu.


Talks & Community

I speak at technical conferences across Europe. My topics focus on Linux networking, debugging, systems architecture, and reliability in C/C++ and Rust systems.

Selected appearances include:

  • FOSDEM (Brussels)
  • LinuxCon
  • DevConf
  • LinuxDays (Prague)
  • OpenAlt
  • PyCon CZ
  • CSNOG

Recent talks include:

  • C++ is not dead
  • Systems programming languages
  • Linux hardware switch support
  • Rust and reliability
  • Debugging C programs
  • Linux networking architecture

I co-organize technical meetups and collaborate with the local C++ and Rust communities in the Czech Republic.

Past talks

  • Smitio PANEL 2024: Nejmocnější programovací jazyk aneb C++ is not DEAD
  • jOpenSpace 2024: Systémové programovací jazyky (video)
  • InstallFest 2024: Programování na základní škole (video)
  • CSNOG 2023: Linux: Podpora hardwarových switchů (video)
  • OpenAlt 2023: Rust: Pomůže vám s bezpečností a spolehlivostí? (video)
  • Mozaika Vzdělávání #22: S Pavlem Šimerdou o vzdělávání v roli žáka, rodiče, lektora (podcast)
  • InstallFest 2022: Rust a změna myšlení programátora (video)
  • OpenAlt 2019: Debugování céčkových programů (video)
  • LinuxDays 2019: On the edge of the Linux kernel and user space (video)
  • EVOLVE! Stories: Jak být dobrým recruiterem (podcast)
  • PyCon CZ 2019: Debugging binaries with Python (video)
  • Oldschoolers: Tři obyčejní chlapi pomáhají Ukrajině (video)
  • LinuxDays 2017: Síťová konfigurace na Linuxu (video)
  • LinuxDays 2016, Prague: Testování síťových aplikací (slides)
  • LinuxCon 2014, Split DNS/DNSSEC setup using unbound and dnssec-trigger (slides)
  • LinuxDays 2014, Prague: O síťové konfiguraci, init skriptech a systemd (video)
  • DevConf 2014, glibc network name resolution issues, solutions and alternatives (video)
  • LinuxCon 2013, Edinburgh: Architectural Changes in NetworkManager (video)
  • Fedora Developer Conference 2013, Brno: Evolution of Linux network management (video, slides)
  • FOSDEM 2013, Brussels: Can Linux configuration suck less (video, slides)
  • LinuxAlt 2012, Brno: Moderní síťová konfigurace linuxových desktopů a serverů (slides)
  • LinuxDays 2012, Prague: News from the world of Linux networking (slides)
  • MikroExpo 2012: Stav IPv4 a IPv6 v České Republice (slides)
  • Kam kráčí české bezdrátové sítě 2011, Sušice: IPv6 – Reálné nasazení (video)
  • Openmobility 2011: Embedded vývoj v Clutteru a Mx (slides)
  • EurOpen.CZ 38 (2011), Pavlov: Infrastuktura IPv6 na otevřených systémech (slides)

Contact

If you are facing complex reliability or performance issues in your C++ or embedded Linux systems, feel free to reach out.

You can briefly describe your situation and I will respond with possible next steps.

✉️ business@simerda.eu

Based in Prague, Czech Republic.
Available for remote and on-site engagements in Europe.