Software Engineering Leader - Cloud & AI Platform Architect
Hello! My name is Marian Veteanu, and I’m a Director of Software Engineering and Technology Leader with a deep passion for software development, architecture, and building high-performing teams. I specialize in leading the design and delivery of innovative platforms that drive real-world impact. Whether scaling enterprise solutions, mentoring engineers, or shaping product direction, I bring a balanced approach of technical expertise and leadership experience. In the evenings and late at night, you’ll often find me working on side projects, or diving into emerging technologies and architectural patterns.
My Journey in Tech – From Code to Leadership
My journey in tech began at 13, fueled by curiosity and a ZX-Spectrum 48K clone (HC-90). Like many 8-bit computers of its time, it came with built-in BASIC, which I quickly outgrew as I set my sights on machine-level coding. I dove headfirst into Z80 assembly, spending countless nights coding, optimizing, and reverse-engineering games—laying the foundation for a lifelong fascination with low-level systems and performance optimization. See Atomix developed during this time.
Parallel to this, I gained early access to PCs and immersed myself in DOS, exploring executable file formats, FAT structures, and INT 21h interrupts. During this time, I founded my first "garage" software initiative—VMASOFT—writing DOS software in Pascal and x86 assembly. Many of these early creations still live in my legacy GitHub repository. Among them: graphics libraries like MCGA and windowing systems like VMAWin, and even exploratory work in virus behavior (all safely archived, of course).
From there, I moved into Windows development, mastering Delphi and building commercial products like PowerTests Desktop — a test assessment suite adopted by several schools. This project became a launchpad for my first entrepreneurial SaaS venture: PowerTests.NET, built using classic ASP and the IE 4.0 DOM model. I handled the full lifecycle—from architecture to marketing—and even published technical articles on emerging web technologies of the time.
Scaling Up: Enterprise Engineering and Product Leadership
My entrepreneurial path evolved into enterprise-grade innovation when I joined STARLIMS (later acquired by Abbott). There, I became an early .NET adopter and helped architect the XFD Technology Platform, a model-driven development environment inspired by XAML and Microsoft's RAD tools. XFD enabled rapid delivery of complex LIMS workflows for Fortune 500 clients and government labs.
Over my 10+ years at STARLIMS / Abbott, I held multifaceted roles — Engineering Leader, Architect, Principal Engineer, Product Manager, Security SME, and Researcher. I was frequently at the intersection of technical vision, product strategy, and execution, helping bridge business needs with scalable technical solutions.
I’ve led cross-functional teams, mentored engineers at all levels, and championed best practices in software architecture, security, and product lifecycle management. Whether building greenfield platforms or modernizing legacy systems, I strive to cultivate engineering excellence and a culture of innovation.
Staying Hands-On
Despite my leadership roles, I remain deeply hands-on and connected to the craft of software development. Most recently, I launched codeguppy.com, a platform that introduces young coders to JavaScript through a simplified online coding environment. To support the platform, I’ve also authored educational content and grown its presence across YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram—blending my love for teaching with modern platform delivery.
Hire me
Excited to join an organization where I can make an impact! Let’s connect and explore opportunities — message me on LinkedIn