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.
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.
Smarter Healthcare with AI
Joined early when the team was just five people, and helped set the technical direction from the ground up. Designed 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.
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.
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.
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 teams build high-quality products and grow engineering practices that actually work. Depending on what’s needed, I write code, lead teams, or step in as a fractional CTO to help shape technical direction.
- Write clean, maintainable code and build systems that scale without falling apart later
- Design system architectures that are practical, stable, and easy to work with
- Lead engineering teams with a focus on autonomy and accountability
- Set up and manage processes that support focus and delivery, without getting in the way
- Plan technical roadmaps that can deal with shifting priorities and surprise scope changes
- Work with founders and execs to shape tech strategy and prioritize what actually matters
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 from the ground up, helped shape the architecture and implementation of the Web app, and played a key role in developing a custom hardware gadget with its software stack
- Took over the mobile team, then the full engineering org (mobile, desktop, web, hardware) – including hiring, team structure, and engineering processes
- Stepped into the CTO role, joined the executive team, and owned everything tech: strategy, operations, and roadmaps
Owner & Managing Director
4inchworks - mobile solutions
Built and ran a small consultancy focused on custom Android apps. Took projects from vague ideas to production-ready software, wearing all the hats: developer, consultant, project manager, and business owner.
- Developed Android apps for clients in industries like sports, retail, and health
- Managed everything from tech architecture to client communication and project timelines
IT Project and Product Manager
Lufthansa Technik Logistik
Oversaw Lufthansa Technik’s group-wide RFID infrastructure – a business-critical system supporting global logistics operations.
- Held full product responsibility, including budget and cost center ownership
- Managed day-to-day operations and long-term development of the system
- Led cross-functional project teams and coordinated external service providers
- Took on project management for IT strategy initiatives
Dual Study Program
Lufthansa Technik / Technik Logistik / Revenue Services
Spent four years rotating through different IT departments while studying Business Information Systems. I managed small IT projects and got some exposure to enterprise software systems and processes. Included a placement at a small LA-based subsidiary.
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. Included a semester abroad at the University of Auckland, 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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