George Larson
george.g.larson@gmail.com • 412-945-0101 • LinkedIn • Pittsburgh, PA
Director of Technology
Experienced technology leader with a diverse background spanning software engineering, infrastructure management, and business process optimization. Proven ability to lead teams, develop scalable systems, and implement strategic technology solutions that drive operational efficiency. Deep expertise in software development, Linux administration, and Agile methodologies. Track record of delivering mission-critical platforms and transforming business operations through technology. Additionally, a practitioner of Zen Buddhism for decades, bringing a calm, cheerful, and stable presence under pressure, with highly developed interpersonal and soft skills.
Well-versed in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence, staying up-to-date with cutting-edge models, privacy concerns, and industry trends. Able to differentiate signal from noise in AI development and discuss specific models, implementation strategies, and ethical considerations.
Areas of Expertise
- DevOps & Infrastructure Automation
- Technology Leadership & Strategy
- Software Development & Engineering
- Infrastructure & Security
- Agile Methodologies & SDLC Implementation
- Database Optimization & Performance Tuning
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Project & Team Management
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Privacy
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) & Document Digitization
Open Source Projects
Deep Research Privacy Edition | Creator & Maintainer | 2024 - Present
- Created a privacy-focused research tool combining Venice.ai's uncensored language models with Brave Search capabilities
- Implemented robust privacy features ensuring user data protection and local processing
- Developed clean, maintainable TypeScript codebase with comprehensive documentation
- Integrated multiple AI models and search providers with intelligent rate limiting and error recovery
Professional Experience
Director of Technology | FM Expressions | 2018 - Present
Leading technology strategy, software development, and infrastructure for a mid-size manufacturing company. Managing internal and external teams to develop mission-critical platforms that support manufacturing, logistics, and accounting functions.
- Implemented Agile workflows, ticketing systems, and project management tools to improve efficiency
- Improved database performance by 93% and achieved 99% uptime for critical systems
- Built and maintained infrastructure for GitLab, Mattermost, Redmine, Authentik, MySQL, and Zammad
- Established security policies, procedures, and training programs
- Managed development of three custom e-commerce platforms and an internal business operations dashboard
Senior Software Engineer & Manager | Universal SmartComp | 2009 - 2016
Joined during a rapid growth period and contributed to scaling the company from a 50-person startup to a Fortune-recognized fast-growing business. Played a key role in developing scalable financial and medical billing platforms.
- Designed EDI frameworks, ACH transmission systems, ERP integrations, and Payer Portal
- Led internal and offshore teams in software development and infrastructure management
- Architected scalable solutions using factory design patterns, enabling 5X+ client growth
- Served as Linux SME and head of security response team
Software Engineer & Team Manager | Sony Electronics | 2004 - 2009
Led teams managing software development, logistics, and technical operations for Sony's Pittsburgh Customer Satisfaction Center.
- Designed and operated the TiVo firmware upgrade station for the entire U.S.
- Developed hardware testing suites for various consumer electronics
- Created a GUI for AS/400 mainframe part ordering, saving millions in operational costs
- Managed 30+ non-tech employees and 20 technical staff
Technical Skills
- Programming: Python, Perl, PHP, C++, SQL
- Web & Database: MySQL, WordPress, Redmine, Gitea
- Infrastructure: Linux, Apache, Nginx, IIS, CrowdSec
- Cloud & Virtualization: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
- Security & Authentication: Psono, Plankta, Authentik
- Project Management: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Redmine, Zammad
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: AI Models, Ethics, Data Privacy