Resume
Ikwhan Chang
장익환 / 張翼煥
ML Infrastructure Engineer · System Designer · Builder of Future Tools
About Me
I’m a software engineer with deep focus on machine learning infrastructure, model serving, and backend systems that support scalable, intelligent applications. I believe infrastructure isn’t just backend plumbing — it’s the engine that enables creativity at scale.
Currently, I’m at Google, helping evolve systems behind critical services. Outside work, I explore the intersection of AI, generative music, and tools for creators.
💼 Experience
Software Engineer – Google
2021 — Present
Designing and maintaining infrastructure that supports machine learning model validation, deployment, and system resilience at scale.
- Focused on enabling rigorous pre-production testing for ML-powered systems
- Built and optimized backend components supporting ML lifecycle workflows
- Collaborated cross-functionally to drive improvements in system reliability, debuggability, and developer efficiency
Teaching Assistant – Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Spring 2021
Assisted with graduate-level course on Distributed ML and Optimization (18-667)
Founder & CEO – Urhyme
San Francisco, CA · Jan 2016 – Dec 2018
Launched and scaled a quantified self platform combining personal analytics, habit tracking, and AI journaling.
- Led product design, system architecture, and team management
- Raised $1M+ in venture funding, secured multiple strategic partnerships
Co-Founder & CTO – CyberBoss
San Jose, CA · Jan 2019 – Sep 2019
Architected cloud-based edtech tools, including a distributed online code sandbox and a blockchain certification engine.
- Implemented CI/CD, test automation, and scalable backend infra
- Led cross-functional agile team of 5 developers
Software Engineer – Webcash Inc.
Seoul, South Korea · Aug 2010 – Mar 2012
Built scalable fintech platforms handling large-scale customer financial data.
- Reduced latency and improved service stability for tuition and medical payment systems
Software Engineer – Elancer Co., Ltd
Seoul, South Korea · Mar 2009 – Jul 2010
Core developer for Korea’s largest freelance marketplace.
- Led performance optimizations and developed reusable CMS frameworks
🛠 Core Skills
- Programming: Go, Python, Kotlin, TypeScript, SQL
- Infra & Tools: GCP, Docker, Terraform, Firebase, Cloud Run
- AI/ML: LLM Inference, Model Serving, Vector DBs (Pinecone, Weaviate), LangChain
- Creative Tech: MIDI, Audio DSP, Modular Synths, Logic Pro, Max/MSP
- Dev Culture: Test Infra, Developer UX, Product-minded Engineering
📂 Selected Projects
DeepSynth (2024 – current)
Prompt-based sound design engine using AI-controlled modular synth environments. Focused on generative patch creation and audio-mapped LLM control.
Urhyme (2015–2018)
Social habit-tracking platform that combined gamified routines, community engagement, and data visualization.
- Developed from scratch in Scala + Play Framework with D3.js and MongoDB
- Experimented with early LLM-like prompts and AI-based journaling before GPT-2 era
- Pivoted multiple times, forming the groundwork for future productivity tools and self-coaching systems
Carnegie Mellon University – M.S. in Software Management
Aug 2020 – Aug 2021, Mountain View, CA
- Focus on large-scale system design, AI product management, and software entrepreneurship
- Coursework included: Distributed ML Systems, Software Architecture, and Lean Startup Practice
Columbia University – Graduate Certificate in Applied Machine Learning
Sep 2020, Online
- Covered supervised/unsupervised learning, ML pipelines, and AI model deployment techniques
Chung-Ang University – B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering
Mar 2006 – Feb 2015, Seoul, South Korea
- Capstone in real-time systems, web infrastructure, and early AI applications
🌱 Currently Exploring
- LangChain for RAG infra
- AI agents that act like micro-startups
- Live-coded music using generative models
- Synth patch generation with OSC/MIDI + GPT