Background

I'm Caleb. A hardware-to-cloud builder who left a steady job to chase harder problems and make more art. Founder of Iris Automation Systems; also a photographer, filmmaker, tinkerer, and reader. I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with my partner Megan, two orange cats, and an English Setter.

Two doors:bring me a hard problem to build, or let's make something together.

Engineering

I'm the founder of Iris Automation Systems LLC, an engineering studio. Its flagship is CapstanCloud, a multi-tenant production-tracking platform that replaces paper forms and spreadsheets on the shop floor — today it handles tens of thousands of form submissions a month across multiple manufacturing facilities. I also build computer-vision systems (weld and parking counters that turn a two-hour manual count into a few minutes) and custom firmware on ESP32, STM32, and ATtiny hardware. With a background in embedded software and electrical engineering, I orchestrate hardware, software, and web/cloud into things that actually ship.

I've developed software for combines and harvesters at CNH Industrial, designed instrumentation and control systems at Exelon's Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, set up VFDs on conveyor systems in package distribution centers, and re-tuned ultrasonic sealers on 1970's Mitsubishi PLCs for a Swiffer production line migrated from Japan. My professional experience spans industries and continents, with cross-functional collaboration in the U.S., Belgium, Brazil, and India.

Photography & Film

I practice photography daily as a way to connect with the world and tell stories through a timeless medium. My work spans portraiture, editorial, weddings, events, and wildlife. I also produce short films and video projects for nonprofits, musicians, and community organizations.

DIY & Prototyping

I enjoy building things that bridge my interests. A solid state relay powering a soup heater to keep a water bath within ±1°C. A ripped-apart Kodak slide projector converted into a film slide digitizer producing higher fidelity images than any other reasonable option, automated to do eighty slides at a time. Check out my projects and GitHub.

Community

I serve as Secretary of the Board for The Common Wheel, a nonprofit bike shop that provides youth and adult programming while promoting cycling in Lancaster. I'm also Vice Curator of the Global Shapers Lancaster Hub, a group of young leaders addressing local needs through focused community projects. I help organize Ride, Roll, Stroll Lancaster, improving active transportation in our city, and facilitate Photo Jam, a community photography meetup.

Read more on the community page.

At Home

When I'm not working on a project, you'll find me reading old literature or classic science fiction. I believe in building things that matter, showing up for the people around me, and staying curious about everything.