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 make sure the technical side supports the business effectively, whether that means hands-on coding, fixing processes, or guiding a team to stay focused and keep momentum.
I’ve worn a lot of hats – engineer, manager, CTO – and I enjoy
switching between high-level strategy and diving into the code. I’m pragmatic, calm under
pressure, and focused on turning ideas into reliable, working
software. 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 made to be enjoyed.
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 reliable, maintainable web and mobile applications that grow with your business.
- Writing clean, understandable code that lasts beyond launch
- Designing APIs that actually simplify integration
- Creating system architectures built for scale and stability
- Optimizing performance so users stay happy and servers don’t choke
Engineering Management
Leading teams to ship quality work without burnout or bureaucratic nonsense.
- Growing motivated teams that get stuff done
- Cutting Agile processes down to what actually helps
- Removing blockers and keeping focus on results
- Planning technical roadmaps that adapt to real-world change
Fractional CTO
Experienced tech leadership without the overhead or politics of full-time executives.
- Translating your vision into clear, practical tech strategy
- Prioritizing features to balance speed and quality
- Planning scalable, maintainable architecture from day one
- Vetting vendors so you don’t get burned later
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 tool that makes everyday healthcare a bit less painful.
Rethinking Urban Mobility
Worked with a major urban transportation provider to expand their mobile app with a ride-pooling feature. Played a key role in building the integration to a third-party ride provider and was closely involved in finalizing the UI and user flow. Also helped the remote engineering team improve their workflows.
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 sharpened the company’s technical direction. 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 built the backend architecture – including a custom rule engine for the core matching logic.
Tech Lead Coaching
Worked one-on-one with a newly promoted tech lead at a startup, helping him adjust to the shift from individual contributor to leadership. Focused on prioritization, team communication, and setting 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’s widely used across the ecosystem. Kept it minimal and reliable, with a stable API and no dependencies – on purpose.
Testimonials
What clients have to say
Just one for now – but a flattering 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
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)
- Turning ambitious ideas into practical tech plans that survive reality
CTO & Head of Engineering
LifeTime
Joined as one of the first engineers, writing the first lines of code and setting up how we build stuff. Over time:
- Built the Android app, contributed to the Web app, and helped develop a custom hardware gadget with its software stack
- Took over 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
Ran my own small shop building custom Android apps end-to-end – 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:
- Took ownership of Lufthansa Technik’s group-wide business-critical RFID infrastructure, keeping it running and driving improvements
- Coordinated internal teams and external vendors to keep projects on track
- Balanced logistics needs, stakeholder demands, and the usual enterprise headaches
Dual Study Program
Lufthansa Technik / Technik Logistik / Revenue Services
Spent four years rotating through different departments while studying 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 don’t)
- Learned to navigate complex organizations, balancing technical challenges with business reality
- Spent a few months at a tiny LA-based subsidiary, being "the IT department" and doing a bit of everything
Education
Where I Picked Up My Skills
The groundwork before the real work
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 showed how tech solves real-world problems (and sometimes creates new ones). As a bonus, I spent a semester abroad at the University of Auckland – broadened my perspective, and fell completely for New Zealand.
Contact
Let’s Chat
Got a project in mind or wondering how I might help? Drop me a line.
Send a Message
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