Marshall Burns
Software Engineer | Developer Advocate
Navy veteran and farmer based in Texas with a deep appreciation for simplicity, even when dealing with complex systems. Specializing in systems programming, backend development, as well as writting intuitive technical documentation.
I have worked on teams to provide full-stack solutions for federal clients like USDA & CMS, actively maintain and contribute to open source projects, and create technical content through YouTube videos and conference/meetup talks.
Featured Projects
Yes, I actually finished some of them...
EZ Language
Interpreted Programming Language
An interpreted programming language designed to be easier than Python, clearer than Go, with explicit, procedural code.
OstrichDB Ecosystem
Natural Language Database System
A complete ecosystem for natural language database interactions, architected and built from the ground up in Odin.
Odin HTTP Server
From-Scratch Implementation
A pure Odin implementation of an HTTP server built from scratch, demonstrating network and systems programming skills.
oVault
Local Password Manager
A secure account & password manager that is meant to be used entirely offline.
Communities
Groups and communities I'm actively involved in
BlackRel
Member of BlackRel, a community that supports professional and aspiring developer relations people of color foster a more inclusive tech industry.
GitHub Open Source Maintainers
Verified member of the GitHub Open Source Maintainers community, a private group connecting maintainers of open source projects.
Speaking, Presentations & Content
Sharing knowledge and experience with the tech community
Embedded Leadership: A Guide To Leading From Within
Commit Your Code Conference 2025
OstrichDB: Building a Natural Language Database
Alamo Tech Collective Meetup
Technical Speaking
Presented OstrichDB's architecture and natural language processing capabilities to local developers. Covered systems programming in Odin, custom database engine design, and HTTP server implementation.
Spoke about leadership positioning, the behaivors displayed in each position and the results of those behaviors on teams and individuals.
Content Creation
Reflection on delivering my first conference talk about embedded leadership at Commit Your Code 2025. Shares insights on leading from within teams, the preparation process, and lessons learned from presenting at a major tech conference.
Medium Article
Deep dive into the journey of building OstrichDB from initial concept to comprehensive database ecosystem. Covers the technical challenges, architectural decisions, and lessons learned while developing a natural language database system from scratch in Odin.
Medium Article
Comprehensive overview of the complete OstrichDB ecosystem and its integrated components. Explores the web interface, core database engine, CLI tools, and JavaScript SDK as a unified platform for natural language database interactions.
September 2024 Newsletter
Featured interview in the official Odin programming language newsletter discussing OstrichDB development, the journey of discovering Odin, and insights on building large-scale projects in systems programming. Covers challenges in procedural programming at scale and the advantages of Odin over C.
Educational & Development Content
Create programming-related content including livestream coding sessions, project devlogs, and unscripted development videos. Started as learning documentation and evolved into sharing real development processes including bug fixes and feature implementations.
Available Speaking Topics
Experience & Skills
My journey thus far and the technologies I work with
Work Experience
Co-Founder & Lead Developer
Jun 2025 - PresentArchetype Dynamics, Inc
Architected and developed OstrichDB, a natural language database system written in Odin. Built custom HTTP server, authentication systems, and database security including encryption/decryption.
Founder
Sep 2024 - PresentSolitude Software Solutions LLC
Founded Solitude Software Solutions to functional and well-written software. Provides web development services to local community while maintaining my core values of quality software development and customer service.
Tech Architecture Analyst & Software Engineer
Apr 2023 - Mar 2025Accenture Federal Services
Supported Security Operations for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Developed Python automation tooling that reduced certificate renewal processing time. Developed full-stack web applications for USDA using JavaScript & Python. Contributed to Agile development cycles including sprint planning, code reviews, and CI/CD deployment automation.
Administrative Assistant
Jun 2020 - Jun 2021Kros-Wise, Inc. (Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific)
Contractor administrative assistant at NIWC PAC. Processed multiple personnel request forms including promotions, pay increases and recruitments.
NSW RIB Lead Communications/Navigator
Jan 2017 - Sep 2019US Navy - Naval Special Warfare
Naval Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boat Communications/Navigation Officer. Primary Insertion/Extraction platform for Force Recon Marines. Worked with Navy SEALs and Coast Guard MSRT.
Supervisor and Maintenance Technician
Sep 2014 - Jan 2017US Navy - Amphibious Construction Battalion One
Supervised workforce management and acquired supervisor-level skills at ACB-1. Gained leadership experience and trained in fuel/water operations including Offshore Petroleum Discharge System and Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System.
Education
2022 - 2023Savvy Coders Bootcamp & Governors State University
Web Development Bootcamp and Computer Science coursework focusing on full-stack development.
Technologies & Tools
I am always eager to learn new technologies and adapt to any project
Programming Languages
Backend & Systems
Frontend & Tools
AI-Assisted Development
Operating Systems & Platforms
Collaboration & Project Management
Microsoft Office Suite
Let's Connect
Ready to discuss opportunities or just want to say hello?
Get In Touch
I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, collaborating on interesting projects, or just having a conversation about technology. Feel free to reach out!
GitHub
github.com/SchoolyBLocation
Available for remote workSchedule a Call
cal.com/marshall-bSend a Message
I'll get back to you ASAP