Stargazer Insights — Senior Engineering Micro‑Consulting
I solve high‑impact engineering problems and coach technical leaders.
I'm Scott, a senior backend/data/cloud engineer with 25+ years of experience building mission‑critical systems and leading technical teams. I specialize in small, fixed‑price engagements that remove technical blockers, stabilize infrastructure, develop leaders, and deliver fast, measurable outcomes.
Stuck on a backend, data, or AWS problem? Building your first engineering team? I can help you get unstuck.
⭐ Fixed‑Price Micro‑Services
Starting prices shown. Typical scope covers most engagements. Additional work billed only with your approval.
AWS Cost Optimization Audit
A complete review of your AWS usage with actionable recommendations to reduce spend without sacrificing reliability.
Tech Stack Audited: S3, Lambda, DynamoDB/RDS, CloudWatch, Glue, Athena, and networking cost analysis. Typical Coverage: AWS environments with up to 20 services.
Custom Data Automation
I build Python-based data processing solutions when your data is stuck in Excel, CSVs, or manual workflows. Automate transformations, validations, and reporting.
Automation Scope: Python scripts, scheduled jobs, AWS Lambda automation, S3 workflows, and SQL-based transformations. Best For: Teams drowning in manual operations who need reliable automation. Typical Delivery: Single workflow or report automation.
Database Design & Optimization
End-to-end database services: schema design, implementation, and performance optimization. I design normalized schemas, build production databases, and fix slow queries.
SQL Expertise: 25+ years across PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and MySQL. Optimization Focus: schema design, table relationships, indexing strategy, query optimization, or full implementation. Typical Scope: up to 10 tables OR 5 query optimizations OR complete small database design. Best For: new applications, schema refactoring, or performance bottlenecks.
Leadership & Team Coaching
One‑on‑one or team coaching for engineering leaders on hiring, team dynamics, process improvement, and technical leadership development.
Leadership Context: 15 years at Garmin with 4 promotions to Senior Team Lead. Coaching Scope: up to 3 coaching sessions or 1 team workshop. Best For: first‑time leads, struggling teams, or scaling organizations.
Architecture Review
A senior‑level assessment of your backend, data, or cloud architecture with clear recommendations for scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
Deliverables Included: detailed documentation, architectural diagrams, and prioritized recommendations. Typical System Size: up to 15 components/services.
⭐ Case Study: Forecast My Route (FMR)
Forecast My Route is a marine routing and weather‑forecasting SaaS I designed, built, and maintain.
It demonstrates my ability to deliver:
- End‑to‑end product architecture
- AWS‑optimized infrastructure
- Data ingestion and transformation pipelines
- High‑reliability backend logic
- Real‑world performance under load
- A clean, intuitive user experience
FMR is used by sailors worldwide and runs entirely on a cost‑efficient, automated AWS stack.
AWS Production Topology (Simplified)
Live SaaS architecture built for reliability, cost control, and global usage.
⭐ Leadership Case Study: Trust Audit
A Garmin Director challenged me to lead a manager book study while I simultaneously stepped into a disrupted team with hidden trust issues. I ran a direct Trust Audit, uncovered one repeated blocker across 1-on-1 conversations, and confirmed the real problem was not process or performance, but trust. After addressing that blocker decisively, the team stabilized, collaboration reopened, and delivery momentum returned within weeks.
Read the Full Trust Audit Story⭐ SQL Case Study: Query Plan Bottleneck
A product team had persistent slow pages and high database load, but logs and app-level tweaks were not fixing the issue. I traced the bottleneck to one over-generalized SQL query using OR-based branching that caused unstable execution plans, ignored indexes, and full scans under load. Splitting the logic into specific intention-revealing queries restored millisecond response times and stabilized the product without infrastructure changes.
Read the Full SQL Bottleneck Story⭐ Pricing Model & Terms
All engagements begin with a fixed retainer covering typical project scope. This model eliminates administrative delays and legal red tape so we can skip contract negotiations and jump straight into solving your problem.
How It Works
- 1. Project Brief: You send a short summary of your problem, goals, and timeline.
- 2. Scope Agreement: I confirm the work falls within typical scope, or we adjust pricing upfront.
- 3. Secure Payment: You pay the retainer via Stripe to begin work.
- 4. I Deliver: Work is completed within the scope. If additional work is needed, I notify you before proceeding.
- 5. Additional Fees (if needed): Billed at $150/hour via Stripe invoice, only with your explicit approval.
Response time: I respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. Most projects begin within 3-5 business days of payment.
⭐ Why Clients Work With Me
- 25+ years building mission‑critical systems
- Senior Team Lead, Voice Recognition at Garmin (15 years, 4 promotions)
- Deep experience in backend, data engineering, and AWS
- Fast, senior‑level problem solving
- Clear communication and predictable outcomes
- Fixed‑price engagements that eliminate uncertainty
- Semi‑retired rhythm = flexible availability for urgent issues
⭐ How to Work With Me
Send Project Brief
Share your challenge by email and I will reply with next steps within 24 hours.
Choose a Service
Pick from the menu above or request a custom engagement.
Pay via Stripe
Simple, transparent checkout for each micro‑service.
I Deliver
Fast turnaround, clear communication, production‑ready results.
⭐ Ready to Get Unstuck?
If you have a backend, data, or AWS problem that's slowing you down, I can help.
Send a short project brief and I will recommend the fastest path forward.
I respond within 24 hours. Most projects start within 3-5 business days.
Discovery-call booking will be re-enabled soon.
FAQ & Fine Print
Are retainers refundable? Retainers are non-refundable once work begins because project time and delivery capacity are reserved in advance.
What if my scope is smaller than expected? If effort is meaningfully lower than expected, unused fees may be credited toward future services.
How are out-of-scope requests handled? Additional work is billed at $150/hour and only proceeds with your explicit approval.