Hi, I’m Henning Dodenhof
Software Engineering Jack of All Trades
I help startups and teams build high-quality products and grow engineering practices that actually work.
About Me
Helping teams build solid software and actually make progress.
I’m an experienced software engineer and technical leader with over 15 years spent building high-quality systems, leading teams, and helping early-stage startups move fast without breaking everything. I’m the person jumping in when things get messy to help get things back on track – whether that means hands-on coding, fixing processes, or just making sure the tech side doesn’t slow everything else down.
I’ve worn a lot of hats – engineer, manager, CTO – and I enjoy
switching between high-level strategy and getting into the code. I’m pragmatic, calm under
pressure, and I’m all about helping teams stay focused and
actually ship, not just talk about it. These days, I’m
especially interested in projects that matter – like tackling
climate change or building tech that supports social good. If
that’s something you need a hand with,
Outside of work, you’ll find me on a bouldering wall, out
running, or making an overly complicated espresso at home. I
believe good software is like good coffee: thoughtful,
well-crafted, and best shared with others.
I’m based in Hamburg, Germany, and while I enjoy the flexibility of remote work, I currently prefer a hybrid setup – work’s just better when you’re not always talking to a screen.
Services
What I do
From hands-on coding to team leadership to big-picture tech strategy.
Software Engineering
Building web and mobile applications that are clean under the hood and easy to grow.
- Full-stack development that’s actually maintainable
- APIs that make integration smooth, not stressful
- System architectures that stand the test of time
- Performance tuning that makes your users (and servers) happy
Engineering Management
Helping teams ship great work without burning out or getting tangled in endless process.
- Building and leading healthy, motivated teams
- Tailoring Agile to fit your team’s real-world needs
- Streamlining processes without becoming that manager
- Charting realistic, flexible technical roadmaps
Fractional CTO
Tech leadership for startups and growing teams – without the full-time salary and politics.
- Turning big ideas into solid technology strategies
- Planning scalable architectures from the start
- Helping you pick vendors that won’t bite later
- Doing the technical due diligence investors actually care about
Projects
Stuff I’ve worked on
A closer look at some things I’ve helped shape.
Smarter Healthcare with AI
Joined early when the team was just five people, and helped set the technical direction from the ground up. Built core parts of the product, shaped the engineering process and worked closely with the founders on strategy – helping them launch an AI-assisted tool making healthcare just a little bit smarter.
Rethinking Urban Mobility
Worked with a major urban transportation provider to expand their mobile app with an integrated ride-pooling service. Played a key role in the development of the feature connecting a third-party ride provider directly into the app. Also helped the remote engineering team improve communication and delivery processes.
Medical Communication Platform
Stepped in as Fractional CTO and Head of Engineering to support a major pivot and integrate a new product direction. Streamlined engineering workflows, strengthened the team, and helped sharpen the company’s technical strategy. Also represented the company in cross-industry technical discussions.
Packaging Marketplace
Helped build a B2B marketplace connecting packaging manufacturers with customers, with a focus on surfacing more sustainable options. Shaped the product direction, gathered requirements, and developed the backend architecture – including a custom rule engine for the core matching algorithm.
Tech Lead Coaching
Worked one-on-one with a newly promoted tech lead at a startup, helping him navigate the shift from individual contributor to leadership. Focused on prioritization, team communication, and establishing technical direction. Also supported the company during a successful due diligence process.
CircleImageView
Created and continue to maintain CircleImageView, a lightweight Android library for circular image display. With about 15,000 stars on GitHub, it has been widely adopted by apps across the ecosystem. Kept the project minimal and reliable, with a stable API and no dependencies – by design.
Testimonials
What clients have to say
Just one voice for now, but a good one.
You wouldn't fancy coming back soon, would you?
No matter which freelancer we get, the team wants you back.
- Robert R., CTO
Experience
How I Got Here
15+ years of building software and leading engineering projects and teams.
Software Engineer, Engineering Manager and CTO
Freelance
Since 2019, I’ve been helping startups and growing teams build better products, grow stronger teams, and avoid future tech headaches. My role depends on what’s needed:
- Writing code that’s clean under the hood and built to last
- Leading teams that actually like working together (and still ship great stuff)
- Turning ambitious ideas into practical tech plans that don’t fall apart when things get real
CTO & Head of Engineering
LifeTime
Started as one of the first engineers, writing the first lines of code and setting up how we build stuff. Along the way:
- Built the Android app, contributed to the Web app and helped develop a custom hardware gadget and its software stack
- Grew into leading the mobile team, then the full engineering org (mobile, desktop, web, hardware)
- Stepped into the CTO role, joined the executive team, and owned everything tech: strategy, operations, roadmaps, scaling
Owner & Managing Director
4inchworks - mobile solutions
Did my own thing for a while. Built custom Android apps end-to-end for clients – from sketching out ideas to shipping polished products. Learned a lot about wearing all the hats: developer, consultant, project manager, client wrangler.
IT Project and Product Manager
Lufthansa Technik Logistik
Managed critical IT operations for Lufthansa Technik Logistik. What I got to work on:
- Took ownership of Lufthansa Technik’s group-wide RFID infrastructure – keeping a business-critical system running smoothly and leading improvements
- Managed cross-team IT projects, balancing the needs of internal stakeholders, external service providers, and logistics operations
- Oversaw budgets and coordinated vendors to keep everything on track
Dual Study Program
Lufthansa Technik / Technik Logistik / Revenue Services
Spent four years rotating through different departments, combining hands-on work with academic studies in business information systems. Highlights:
- Managed small IT projects and got some early exposure to enterprise software systems and how big companies actually get stuff done (or not)
- Learned to navigate complex organizations, balancing technical challenges with business realities
- Spent a few months working at a small subsidiary with a four-person IT department in Los Angeles, being involved in literally all things tech
Education
Where I Picked Up My Skills
Plenty of theory and late nights.
Business Information Systems, Diploma
NORDAKADEMIE University of Applied Sciences
A dual study program that mixed computer science with business topics like process management and product development. The hands-on setup gave me a solid start in software engineering and helped me see how tech can solve everyday problems. As an added bonus, I spent a semester abroad at the University of Auckland, broadened my perspective, and fell completely in love with New Zealand.
Contact
Let’s Chat
Got a project in mind or curious how I might be able to help? Drop me a line.
Send a Message
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