Theodore R. Smith CEO, Autonomo by Autonomous Programming, LLC +1-832-303-9477 | [email protected] GitHub: github.com/hopeseekr | Packagist: packagist.org/users/hopeseekr/
CEO and technology innovator with 20+ years of experience in AI, software architecture, and autonomous system development. Expert in building and training foundation models and large language models (LLMs), and delivering agentic AI autonomous applications. Proven track record of leading engineering teams, mentoring developers, and designing scalable, secure, and maintainable systems. Strong background in education through team leadership, training, and development of developer tools and SDKs.
- AI & Machine Learning: Architected and trained foundation LLMs for complex systems modeling (Linux, POSIX). Built AI-powered autonomous tools such as Distroless Docker Image Generators.
- Leadership & Education: CEO of Autonomo by Autonomous Programming, LLC, with experience mentoring junior to senior developers. Led international teams and successfully trained replacements and new team leads. Conducted extensive developer training on secure coding, Scrum, and modern frameworks.
- Full-Stack Development: Deep expertise in PHP, C#, C++, Go, JavaScript (React, Vue, Angular), Laravel, Symfony, and Node.js.
- DevOps & Cloud: Expert in Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and legacy system modernization in cloud environments.
- Databases: Advanced skills in MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Solr; optimized queries and data models for performance at scale.
- Languages: Fluent in Spanish, beginner Arabic.
Autonomo by Autonomous Programming, LLC (CEO) May 2024 – Present
- Lead research and development of foundation LLMs, including training models on Linux system internals and POSIX APIs to enable AI-based autonomous applications.
- Developed agentic AI applications capable of autonomous task execution, including a Complex Distroless Docker Image Generator that creates minimal Linux containers automatically.
- Created the industry-standard PHP SDK for OpenAI’s ChatGPT API, enabling seamless AI integration for developers.
- Provided leadership and mentorship focused on AI tooling and advanced system design.
IBM (Technical Consultant & Team Lead) Feb 2021 – Sep 2024
- Managed PHP SDK team for IBM’s WatsonX API, steering AI platform integration efforts.
- Spearheaded migrations from PHP 4.4 through 8.1, building custom Docker images and Kubernetes deployments for legacy systems.
- Designed and implemented automated Docker microservice rebuild systems, eliminating tens of thousands of security vulnerabilities.
- Acted as on-call expert for critical technical support, assisting cross-functional teams in cloud and AI development.
- Delivered training on upgrading legacy platforms and best practices in modern DevOps workflows.
PHP Experts, Inc. (Team Lead / Senior Architect) 2012 – Present
- Led multinational development teams, driving adoption of RESTful API architectures with Symfony and Laravel.
- Conducted weekly mentorship sessions and developer training in secure coding, object-oriented design, and Scrum.
- Designed and deployed training materials and coding tools to elevate team capabilities.
- Successfully transitioned multiple teams to modern PHP versions and integrated advanced testing frameworks.
- Founded PHP University programming bootcamp from 2012-2016.
- Consistently promoted junior developers to senior roles through personalized mentorship and hands-on training.
- Led coding workshops and secure programming trainings for internal teams and client organizations, notably at Bahamas Customs and TIAA-CREF.
- Established developer onboarding and continuing education programs emphasizing modern PHP, AI tool integration, and DevOps best practices.
- Developed open-source projects and SDKs used as learning tools by thousands of developers worldwide.
- Zend Certified PHP 5 Engineer (ZEND005639)
- MySQL 5 Certified Developer & DBA
- Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1 & LPIC-2)