About Me:
I am a generalist. Being a generalist is how I wound up at Stout, and is—in a sense—what I do at Stout.
I’ve been programming since before the Y2K bug. I wrote my first lines of code at 13 and—with my father’s help—got my first paid programming gig by 15. In parallel with my career in software, I had an academic career: I hold a double major in math and physics from NYU and a PhD in applied physics from Caltech. I’ve been known to tinker with cars, motorycles, and electronics.
Over the years, my career has taken me through enterprise software, software startups, academic research, a hardware startup, various types of software, and now agtech with Stout.
My Time at Stout:
I was recruited to Stout by two colleagues who I had worked with at a previous job: David and Steven. When he found out that I was available, David, who has since left Stout, reached out immediately. Although my role at Stout was not well-defined at that point, Stout had a lot of “stuff” to do, and I could do a wide variety of “stuff”.
So far, as a software engineer at Stout, my role is diverse. I’ve worked on:
– Cloud software: Code to handle data once it leaves the machines.
– Edge software: Writing code for the smart cultivators’ on-board systems.
– Web development: Collaborating on our website and customer-facing tools.
Every system I touch uses different languages and frameworks, so being a generalist has been a huge asset. I can pivot quickly to support different parts of our technology stack, and that is frequently more important than being the deepest expert in any one area.
One thing I love about Stout is how well-designed the hardware is. As a software engineer, it’s a relief to work with machines that are mechanically robust and reliable. The engineering on the mechanical and electrical sides sets a strong foundation for the software to shine.
Another thing I’ve really enjoyed about working at Stout is the clear utility of what we’re doing: we help farmers grow crops efficiently. It’s very concrete. Before Stout, I had zero ag-related background, but I was drawn to the tangible, real-world impact of this industry. In fact, it’s better than “tangible”: it’s edible!
Concluding Thoughts:
There is interesting work to be found in solving almost any kind of problem. By developing a general skill of technical problem solving, you increase the likelihood that you’ll find work solving interesting problems with interesting people. That’s what I’ve done, and that’s what I’m doing at Stout.
About Henry
Henry Kozachkov is a versatile software engineer with over two decades of programming experience and a passion for solving complex, real-world problems. Holding a double major in Mathematics and Physics from NYU and a PhD in Applied Physics from Caltech, his career spans enterprise software, academic research, and hardware startups. At Stout AgTech, Henry develops cloud, edge, and web software that empowers farmers to grow crops more efficiently. He thrives on Stout’s innovative engineering and the tangible, edible impact of his work in precision agriculture.
About Stout
Stout is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, specializing in precision implements and AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for growers. Committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology, Stout continues to lead the way in developing advanced machinery for the farming community.