BOULDER, COLORADO

Engineering leader. Climbing instructor. Mountain athlete.

I’m Jacob, based in Boulder, Colorado. I lead software teams and teach climbing. In both, I care about sound judgment, sharing knowledge, and helping people grow.

See my work Beyond software

Jacob Wolniewicz running on a trail above Loch Lomond during the 2025 West Highland Way Race. — Loch Lomond, West Highland Way Race · 2025

SOFTWARE / TEACHING / MOUNTAINS Scroll to explore ↓

01 / WORK

Lead with judgment.
Build for change.

I’m a director of software engineering at Uplight. My career also includes Microsoft and technical leadership at BP.

I studied computer science at the University of Colorado Boulder with a focus on human-computer interaction. My work centers on maintainable software, clear technical decisions, and helping engineers grow.

Professional background

UPLIGHT

Engineering leadership

Leading software teams, mentoring engineers, and keeping maintainability part of the decision, not an afterthought.

Technical leadership

Experience guiding technical work in a large enterprise environment.

MICROSOFT

Software engineering

Early career experience at Microsoft, grounded in a lasting interest in how people understand and use software.

02 / OUTSIDE

Teach what you know.
Keep learning.

I got my start in the Colorado Rockies. The Cascades brought me to technical climbing, and a community of volunteers inspired me to teach.

The Mountaineers

Former chair of the Seattle Climbing Committee, volunteer instructor, and course leader. I teach multipitch trad and water ice with an emphasis on judgment and risk assessment.

Volunteer profile

Colorado Mountain Club

Volunteer instructor and course leader since 2020, sharing mountain skills and helping others build confidence outside.

Volunteer background

WEST HIGHLAND WAY RACE · JUNE 21, 2025

Milngavie to Fort William

I completed the 96-mile route in 34:08:41, with roughly 14,760 feet of climbing through the Scottish Highlands.

Race record

96MILES

14,760FT OF CLIMBING

A longstanding Peakbagger log records the summits along the way. The next one is still the interesting one.

03 / CONTACT

Let’s talk.
Software or mountains.

For conversations about engineering leadership, mentoring, documentation, or a good day outside.

jacob@wolniewicz.com