Pavel Šimerda

Pavel Šimerda

Systems software engineer, speaker, and Rust course instructor

I work on C++ and Linux systems, focusing on debugging, stabilizing and modernizing complex software where reliability, performance and long-term maintainability matter.

My background includes network device drivers and low-latency systems. I previously worked with Red Hat and SUSE on network-related components of the Linux ecosystem and have been active in open source systems development for more than a decade.

Services

Professionally, I work on technically demanding C++ and Rust projects where reliability, performance and long-term maintainability matter, usually as short, focused engagements. Past work has included reviewing and stabilizing legacy C++ codebases before major releases, investigating difficult production crashes, reviewing architecture before scaling systems software, and running technical workshops for teams moving to modern C++.

For ongoing Rust or Modern C++ mentoring for your engineering team, or a workshop covering either, see devskills.eu, my dedicated mentoring and training site.

Explore mentoring and training →

Teaching

It all started with a student, Damian Waloszek, asking me to teach Rust at MatFyz, Charles University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. I loved the idea of bringing a genuinely new language into the curriculum, and in 2021 Michal Vaner and I turned it into a real course together. Watching it grow since has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work: Lukáš Hozda took it further with a dedicated lab for every lecture, it’s still running today, and I stay involved as a substitute lecturer and behind the scenes.

See my MatFyz profile →

Beyond university teaching, I also contribute to programming education in primary and secondary schools.

See my eduskills.cz profile →

Speaking

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

Conference talks

Education talks

  • InstallFest 2024Programování na základní školevideo
  • Mozaika Vzdělávání #22S Pavlem Šimerdou o vzdělávání v roli žáka, rodiče, lektorapodcast

Other appearances

  • EVOLVE! StoriesJak být dobrým recruiterempodcast
  • OldschoolersTři obyčejní chlapi pomáhají Ukrajiněvideo

Community

I revived the Prague Rust Meetup in 2024, with Jakub Beránek, and stay active in the Czech Rust and C++ communities.

Contact

Have a C++ or Linux problem worth a second pair of eyes, an idea for a talk, or a question about working together? I read and answer every email myself, usually within a day or two.

✉️ business@simerda.eu

Based in Prague, Czech Republic, working with clients remotely and on-site across Europe.

  • eduskills.cz: my work in primary and secondary school programming education.
  • navolnenoze.cz: my Na volné noze freelance profile.
  • LinkedIn: professional updates and a place to connect directly.