I build production-ready AI apps. You launch faster.
3+years building production AI solutions and vector database integrations.13+years of professional engineering experience.
Ready to elevate your product with AI? Let's chat.
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
Specialized AI Engineering Services
Now exclusively offering high-impact, project-based engagements — no hourly development work.
Custom Next.js + Vercel AI Solutions
Deliver fast, scalable AI-driven apps built with Next.js on Vercel using the AI SDK for real-time inference.
Production-Ready Vector Database Integration
Expert implementation of Pinecone, Weaviate, and other vector databases for enterprise-grade semantic search.
Retrieval-Augmented Generation with LLMs
Build sophisticated RAG systems that combine the power of LLMs with your proprietary data for accurate, contextual responses.
Infrastructure as Code for AI
Scalable, reliable AI infrastructure using AWS, Terraform, and modern DevOps practices for production deployments.
Trust & Experience
As a former staff-level developer advocate at Pinecone, I built their first AWS-based production example that's now used as a reference architecture. With years of end-to-end experience in AI model integration, vector database hosting, and infrastructure as code, I bring rare expertise to your project.
Portfolio Highlights
Selected projects showcasing my expertise in AI engineering and vector database integration.
Legal Semantic Search Application
Fortune 500 Client (NDA)
- Built an AI-powered legal document search system
- Reduced research time by 70% for legal team
- Leverages semantic search across case files
- Deployed on Vercel with Next.js and Pinecone
Pinecone AWS Reference Architecture
Official Reference Architecture
- Developed production-ready integration between AWS and Pinecone
- Now used as official reference architecture
- Implemented IaC with Terraform for reproducibility
- Created comprehensive documentation and tutorials
Pinecone Assistant Sample App
Technical Publication
- The official Pinecone Assistant frontend client and Next.js template
- Implemented vector search with Pinecone
- Built with Next.js and React
- Used by thousands of developers worldwide
Office Oracle - RAG Chatbot
Personal Project
- Built a RAG chatbot trained on The Office TV series
- Implemented vector search database
- Created with Next.js and OpenAI
- Demonstrates context-aware responses and character mimicry
About Me
I combine deep technical knowledge with practical experience to deliver solutions that are both innovative and production-ready.
My background spans from large enterprise systems to startup environments, giving me a unique perspective on what works at different scales.
As a full stack open source developer with over 13 years of experience, I've contributed to various projects that improve developer workflows and system architectures.
Professional Experience
My professional experience
- Company
- WorkOS
- Role
- Developer Education
- Date
- Company
- Pinecone.io
- Role
- Staff Developer Advocate
- Date
- Company
- Gruntwork.io
- Role
- Tech Lead
- Date
- Company
- Cloudflare
- Role
- Senior Software Engineer
- Date
- Company
- Cloudmark
- Role
- Software Engineer
- Date
- Company
- BrightContext
- Role
- Software Engineer
- Date
Why Work With Me
Specialized expertise in a rapidly evolving field where experience matters.
Expertise & Specialization
- Laser-Focused Expertise:
Specialized in Next.js + Vercel + AI with a multi-year track record in a space where many are just getting started.
- Production-Scale Experience:
Background in building systems that handle real-world scale, reliability, and performance requirements.
- End-to-End Knowledge:
Rare combination of AI model expertise, vector database implementation, and infrastructure as code skills.
My Process
Discovery & Strategy Call
We start with a free consultation to understand your goals, challenges, and technical needs. I'll help clarify what's possible and outline potential approaches.
Project Minimums & Rates
I exclusively take on high-impact projects with a minimum engagement of $20,000. I require 50% payment up front to begin work, with the remaining 50% due upon delivery. This ensures I can deliver the quality and attention your project deserves.
For detailed pricing based on your specific requirements, use the Project Calculator or schedule a strategy call.
What Others Say
Feedback from clients and colleagues on my work and expertise.View all testimonials →
“When I ran your software, I felt joy”
Jim Brikman
Co-founder of Gruntwork, OpenTofu and author of Terraform Up and Running
“He is a brilliant engineer who truly cares about his code and the people who use it. He has the remarkable ability to pick apart hard problems (technical or otherwise) and put together a solution that benefits everyone.”
Sachin Fernandes
Technical Lead at Cloudflare
“Zack thinks fast, adapts to shifting requirements, and has proven he can quickly ramp up on the latest technologies to put them to good use.”
Steven Fusco
Senior Engineering Manager at Kryptowire
“Zack was clearly the most talented, skilled and hard working developer in his team. I frequently tapped his brain for technical questions and he was always there to help.”
Christian Paulus
VP Product Marketing at Cohesity
Ready to Build Your AI-Powered Solution?
Let's discuss how my specialized expertise can help bring your vision to life.