Orbital
TLDRArticlesAbout

TLDR

As a solo engineer, I build React applications and AI systems that transform complex systems into explorable experiences, focusing on document intelligence, augmented workflows, and data visualization.

React + AI Engineering

What I offer: Bespoke interfaces and AI systems that turn your hardest data and workflows into something your team can actually understand and act on. Not chatbots. Not generic dashboards. Working production applications with clear ROI.

Core capabilities:

  • Custom data visualization for complex technical domains (interactive network graphs, geospatial systems, real-time fleet/infrastructure monitoring, engineering design & simulation tools)
  • Production AI systems in the three domains that actually work (document intelligence, augmented human-in-loop workflows, scoped autonomous agents)
  • MCP servers that securely connect AI to your internal tools, databases, and APIs
  • Full-stack integration: React/TypeScript frontends, modern backend (Node.js, Postgres/Redis), LLM orchestration, evals, observability

Engagements:

  • Pilot: $25–50K USD, 6–8 weeks — one specific problem solved, working prototype, measured outcomes.
  • Fixed-fee project: $80–160K USD, 3–6 months — complete production system, docs, knowledge transfer.
  • Ongoing retainers: $8–12K/month — iteration, new features, priority access.

You’re a great fit if:

  • Off-the-shelf tools (Tableau, PowerBI, generic AI wrappers) fall short
  • Your data or workflows are too complex for standard solutions
  • You have budget for specialized work ($25K+ minimum)
  • You value shipping over process

Not a fit for: generic chatbots, simple marketing sites, staff augmentation, hourly work, or problems solvable with existing SaaS.

Why me instead of hiring:

  • Start in 2–3 weeks vs. 4–6 month recruitment cycle
  • Fixed price + defined scope vs. open-ended salary risk
  • Rare combination: deep React + data visualization + production AI experience
  • Pilot de-risks everything — $25–50K proves value or you walk away clean

Availability: Christchurch, New Zealand (APAC timezone, async-friendly with US/EU).

Currently open for 1–2 new pilot projects. Most pilots can start within 2–3 weeks.

Contact: info@orbital.co.nz

(Yes, I’ll still take the occasional pure Node.js/backend-only project if it’s interesting and outcome-driven.)