Software Engineer & Cloud Architect

Manuel
Gerstner

Software Engineer and Cloud Architect specializing in data-intensive web systems, geospatial data processing, and AI-enabled platforms. Proven experience designing scalable backend architectures — including geospatial data pipelines and standards-aligned APIs — across international development projects (GIZ, EU, CRS). Strong background in Linux-based deployments, DevOps, and AI integration with a focus on interoperability, modular systems, and data-driven decision-making.

Manuel Gerstner

Core Competencies

Web Development

  • Spring Boot
  • Django
  • Ruby on Rails
  • REST APIs
  • Modular architectures

Geospatial

  • PostGIS
  • Spatial data processing
  • Shapefiles
  • OGC / WMS / WFS / WMTS

Data & APIs

  • Interoperable API design
  • JSON / XML
  • Structured data systems

AI Integration

  • LLM APIs
  • Azure OpenAI
  • OpenWebUI
  • Automated text generation

Web GIS

  • Leaflet
  • Map-based visualization

Infrastructure

  • Linux
  • Docker
  • AWS
  • Terraform
  • CI/CD
  • CloudFormation
  • ECS

Technical Stack

Java · Spring Boot · Python · Django · Ruby on Rails · PostgreSQL · SQL · AWS · Terraform · Docker · REST · Git · Linux · ElasticSearch · Node.js · React · Android (Kotlin)

Experience

Software Developer / Cloud Architect

FAKT GmbH / GOPA / GIZ / Bread for the World

Germany (remote)

May 2020 – present
  • Designed and implemented data-driven web platforms and monitoring systems (PostgreSQL) across multiple international development projects in Africa, Eastern Europe, and ASEAN
  • Developed geospatial data processing capabilities, including ingestion and processing of spatial datasets (e.g. shapefiles)
  • Built data collection pipelines and mobile applications enabling field data acquisition and synchronization
  • Designed interactive dashboards and analytics tools supporting program monitoring and decision-making
  • Implemented modular backend architectures and APIs for extensibility and interoperability
  • Led requirements engineering and product ownership, coordinating distributed development teams
  • Deployed and maintained applications in Linux-based cloud environments
  • Developed and integrated an AI-powered platform (OpenWebUI + Azure OpenAI) for compliance workflows, enabling automated text generation and intelligent assistance

Software Developer / Cloud Architect

eeMobility GmbH

Munich, Germany

July 2018 – May 2020
  • Designed and implemented a scalable microservices architecture with multiple PostgreSQL databases
  • Developed API-driven backend systems emphasizing modularity and interoperability
  • Migrated infrastructure to AWS (CloudFormation, ECS), improving scalability and reliability
  • Contributed to building a high-performance platform in the electric mobility sector

IT Consultant / Software Developer

Netlight Consulting

Munich, Germany

Feb 2015 – May 2018
  • Developed backend systems and platforms for enterprise clients in distributed architectures
  • Built and maintained microservices-based systems for mobility and digital platforms
  • Led technical design and product ownership activities in agile teams
  • Integrated external systems and services into high-volume production environments

Earlier Experience

Payback GmbH · IBM (USA)

  • Software Developer (Working Student) at Payback GmbH
  • Software Developer Intern at IBM (USA)

Education

Master of Science, Information Systems

Technical University of Munich

2012 – 2014

Bachelor of Science, Information Systems

Technical University of Munich

2008 – 2012

Certifications

  • IBM Certified Database Administrator
  • IBM Certified Database Associate