Tanel Y Helmik

Software Engineer & Adjunct Professor

Hi, I'm Tanel Y Helmik.

This is where you can see my work, learn a bit about me, and get in touch.

See my work Get in touch

Work

Mobile appAndroid

Throne Breaker

Throne Breaker is an Android card game with serverless multiplayer, so you can play friends over the internet or on the same local network without a game server in the middle.

Built with Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, with Coroutines and StateFlow in an MVVM structure, and WebRTC DataChannels for the peer-to-peer connections.

KotlinJetpack ComposeMVVMWebRTC

About

I'm Tanel Y Helmik, a software engineer and adjunct professor based in Oregon, and the person behind Throne Breaker.

I have 15+ years of combined experience in software development, education, and military leadership, with a distinguished academic record that includes President's Honor List and Dean's Honor List recognition. I work across multiple programming languages, cloud computing, embedded systems, and cybersecurity, and I enjoy mentoring technical teams and delivering high-quality software for a range of industries.

I enjoy every moment I spend working with electronics. When a problem or a tough circumstance comes my way, I strive to solve it. I'm hard working, and I don't give up on a task until it's complete.

I'm always learning, and I have a huge interest in future technologies. Getting something new to learn and play with is what excites me most.

At a glance

Based in: Oregon

Focus: Android apps with Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, and peer-to-peer multiplayer with WebRTC

Currently: Adjunct Professor at Oregon Institute of Technology, and working on Throne Breaker and other side projects in code

Languages: English and Estonian (native), Russian (limited working)

Experience

Adjunct Professor, Oregon Institute of Technology

January 2024 - Present · Wilsonville, OR

  • Teach advanced computer science courses: Software Data Structures, Cloud Computing, Computer Organization, Concepts of Programming Languages
  • Develop curriculum and assess student performance in cutting-edge technologies
  • Mentor students in software engineering best practices and career development
  • Maintain high student satisfaction ratings through engaging instruction methods

Client Services Manager, Keen Healthcare

February 2020 - March 2021 · Portland, OR

  • Coordinated delivery and pickup routes for durable medical equipment serving 100+ clients
  • Trained client service representatives on equipment setup and customer communication protocols
  • Implemented process improvements that enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency
  • Managed client relationships through active listening and conflict de-escalation techniques

Systems Software Developer, Oregon Institute of Technology

June 2019 - December 2019 · Wilsonville, OR

  • Developed C++, C#, and Python applications for Meta Morph Tools source code
  • Created virtual test bench for advanced additive manufacturing processes
  • Researched and programmed Fanuc robot arm automation solutions
  • Built Python program converting text files to Fanuc robot code, improving workflow efficiency by 40%
  • Documented development processes using GME (Generic Modeling Environment)

Federal Work Study Teacher Assistant, Oregon Institute of Technology

November 2017 - June 2019 · Wilsonville, OR

  • Graded assignments and provided tutoring for C++ Programming, Object-Oriented Programming, Computer Organization, and Computer Architecture
  • Assisted students during laboratory sessions in embedded programming
  • Supported faculty in curriculum development and student assessment
  • Maintained detailed records of student progress and performance metrics

Package Handler, UPS

November 2015 - February 2016 · Portland, OR

  • Preload package handler responsible for efficient package sorting and loading
  • Maintained high productivity standards in fast-paced warehouse environment
  • Demonstrated reliability and attention to detail in time-sensitive operations

IT Administrator & Video Editor, His Way Family Church

August 2012 - November 2014

Skills

Programming languages

Expert: Kotlin, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python

Proficient: HTML, CSS, Visual Basic, Lua, Prolog, Bash, PHP

Tools and platforms

  • IDEs: Visual Studio, Android Studio, Eclipse, Arduino Studio, Atmel Studio
  • Version control: Git, GitHub
  • Cloud and DevOps: Cloud Computing Platforms, ArgoCD, CI/CD Pipelines
  • Databases: SQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Firebase Firestore
  • Hardware: Arduino, Embedded Systems, 3D Printing (FDM), Terrasic DE10 Lite

Specialized technologies

  • Android Mobile Development
  • Machine Learning & AI (TensorFlow, OpenCV)
  • Parallel Programming & Compilers
  • Web Development (Full Stack)
  • Network Administration (Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange)
  • Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking
  • RESTful API Development

Spoken languages

  • English: Native/Bilingual Proficiency
  • Estonian: Native/Bilingual Proficiency
  • Russian: Limited Working Proficiency

Let's connect

Have a question about Throne Breaker, or want to say hello? Send a message, or email me directly.

vigilantmaster@gmail.com

GitHub: vigilantmaster

LinkedIn: Tanel Helmik