Backend & Systems · Christchurch, NZ

William
Zernikow

I build things that actually run. From server infrastructure and networking to embedded hardware - tinkering since before I could drive.

Work

Selected Projects

01 · FEATURED

Rust Game Server Platform

Full community platform for a Rust game server - tracking in-game stats the game doesn't natively expose. Players could link Steam and Discord accounts for cross-platform identity, tracked consistently across both. Included a custom CDN for server maps and plugins with Cloudflare caching, dramatically improving player load times.

PHP MySQL Steam API Discord API Cloudflare CDN Age 15

CDN system - server maps and plugin files served via Cloudflare. Map files are large; caching made a noticeable difference for hundreds of concurrent players.

Identity layer - linked Steam and Discord profiles for unified player tracking. Built entirely from scratch, no frameworks.

Full codebase still intact - predates my use of Git, but complete source survives locally.

02

Homelab Infrastructure

Proxmox hypervisor running VMs and containers - Mail-in-a-Box, Nextcloud, Jellyfin, NGINX reverse proxy, and whatever I'm currently breaking and rebuilding. Ongoing background environment for infrastructure experimentation.

Proxmox Docker Linux NGINX Self-hosted
GitHub
03

ESP8266 Weather Station

Distributed IoT weather monitoring system with sensors soldered to a custom PCB. ESP8266 nodes transmit wirelessly to a central Raspberry Pi acting as a MySQL database server. Paired with a PHP web frontend for live readings and historical data over selectable time ranges.

ESP8266 Raspberry Pi Custom PCB PHP / MySQL
GitHub
04

Solar Monitoring Dashboard

Real-time solar dashboard replacing the default Fronius interface. MySQL backend, sub-100ms load times, efficiency tracking, and historical analysis over configurable periods.

MySQL JavaScript Fronius API Performance focus
GitHub
05

12-Key Macro Keyboard

3D-modelled custom macro keyboard on a Raspberry Pi Pico. 12 programmable keys, a volume knob, and a small display designed for Spotify and media info. Fully designed from scratch - model, case, firmware, everything.

Raspberry Pi Pico MicroPython 3D Modelling Hardware
06

Freelance Web Portfolio

Responsive business websites for local clients with a focus on performance, accessibility, and clean UI. PHP and Strapi backends supporting dynamic content management.

PHP Strapi JavaScript Client work
GitHub
Career

Experience

Jul – Oct 2024
Sudo-code Ltd
Christchurch (Remote)
Full Stack Developer Intern

Collaborated on a web platform using Vue.js, Node.js, Tailwind CSS, and Firestore. Built the user profile page and a dynamic theme system. Worked in a fast-paced self-directed remote environment.

Jan 2021 – Oct 2022
KaPow! Internet
Nelson (Holiday work)
Network Technician

Installed and configured network equipment for new customers. Upgraded ISP infrastructure including hardware and software. Configured routers, switches, and wireless access points for optimal operation.

Jan 2024 – Present
New World Stanmore
Christchurch
Grocery Assistant

Duty manager during evening shifts - supervising and delegating tasks, coordinating store display rebuilds, and maintaining inventory organisation.

Capabilities

Skills & Stack

Languages
  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • C / C++
  • SQL
  • Bash
  • HTML / CSS
Backend
  • Node.js
  • REST APIs
  • MySQL
  • Firestore
  • Vue.js
  • Strapi
  • Tailwind CSS
Infrastructure
  • Proxmox
  • Docker
  • Linux
  • NGINX
  • Networking
  • Git
Hardware
  • Raspberry Pi
  • ESP8266 / Pico
  • Arduino C++
  • PCB Design
  • 3D Modelling
  • 3D Printing
Background

The Long Version

I've been taking things apart since I was young - electronics, computers, anything I could get my hands on. That curiosity never stopped. It just evolved from pulling apart old hardware into building servers, flashing firmware, and running my own infrastructure at home.

My interest leans heavily toward backend systems, networking, and infrastructure - the layers most people don't see but everything depends on. I like understanding how a system holds together end to end: packets to processes to application layer.

Outside of technical work, I've recently taught myself to maintain my Car - engine, transmission, paint correction, the works. Same mindset, different domain.

Currently finishing a BSc in Computer Science at University of Canterbury, graduating mid-2026. Strong performance across programming, algorithms, compilers, and cybersecurity.

Age 10
Started disassembling electronics. Built first computers from parts.
Age 13
Helped run a LEGO Mindstorms robotics class for peers at NMIT.
Age 14
Game server platform - stats tracking, CDN, Steam & Discord integration. Built entirely from scratch.
Age 17
Custom PCB weather station - ESP8266 nodes reporting to Raspberry Pi server with full web frontend.
2021 – 22
Network Technician at KaPow! Internet - configuring real ISP infrastructure.
2023 – Now
BSc Computer Science at UC. Homelab. 3D printing. Car maintenance. Ongoing.
Contact

Get in Touch

Open to roles in backend engineering, infrastructure, networking, or DevOps. Also happy to just talk about interesting problems.