Hi, I'm Petr.

Software Engineer · Automation · Open Source · Maker

I'm an engineer who enjoys turning complex problems into reliable, thoughtfully designed solutions that make people's lives easier.

I believe good engineering starts with understanding the problem, the people involved, and why a solution matters. Technology is only part of the equation. The real challenge is building something useful, maintainable, and dependable — something people can rely on long after the initial implementation.

My engineering journey

My career began in industrial automation, where I worked on control systems and engineering solutions for industrial facilities. Later, I moved into software engineering, specializing in test automation, development infrastructure, and TestOps.

To me, this wasn't a change of direction. It was a continuation of the same engineering journey.

Whether I'm working with industrial equipment, software, or testing infrastructure, the underlying principles remain the same: understand how things work, identify what needs improvement, design a solution, and make sure it works as intended.

Over the years, I've learned that some of the most important engineering problems are discovered through conversations rather than code. Understanding what colleagues and stakeholders actually need helps me set priorities, bring people together, and build solutions that make a lasting difference.

One example is a system of grouped GitLab pipelines I developed to simplify automated testing across multiple automotive platforms. Because many pipeline configurations repeated the same steps, I identified situations where they could be combined. Instead of managing separate pipelines for each platform, teams could run coordinated testing for a single build. This reduced pipeline proliferation, addressed GitLab infrastructure limits, and created a solution that continues to be used.

I also enjoy mentoring and technical leadership. Explaining complex ideas in simple terms, sharing knowledge, and seeing other engineers gain confidence in their understanding are some of the most rewarding parts of my work.

Building beyond work

My professional interests include software development, test automation, TestOps, and applying AI to repetitive engineering tasks.

I also build open-source tools because I believe useful engineering solutions shouldn't always be limited to a single employer or project.

Projects such as Shepherd RM and Zephyr Python API reflect this approach: identifying recurring problems in engineering workflows and creating tools that other people can use, adapt, and build upon.

I'm particularly interested in how AI can change the way we develop, execute, and maintain automated tests — making automation more accessible, adaptive, and less dependent on repetitive manual work.

Beyond the keyboard

Engineering doesn't stop when I finish my working day.

I enjoy experimenting with electronics, programming small devices, designing mechanical parts, and bringing ideas into the physical world with 3D printing.

Sometimes that means building a useful household accessory. Other times, it's designing an enclosure, assembling electronics, or automating something that would otherwise require manual effort.

What I enjoy most is the entire process: understanding a problem, exploring possible solutions, designing the parts, putting everything together, and finally seeing it work.

These projects give me the freedom to explore different technologies and remind me why I became an engineer in the first place.

Why I write

I often find myself exploring ideas, solving unexpected problems, or learning something worth sharing.

This blog is where I document those experiences — from software engineering and open-source development to electronics, 3D printing, and personal experiments.

I hope some of these stories help others solve their own problems, discover new approaches, or simply feel inspired to build something.

And if something I share makes another person's work or everyday life a little easier, that's a good reason to keep writing.

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You can find my work on GitHub, explore Zephyr Python API on PyPI, or connect with me on LinkedIn.