Achim Grether
About
I'm a software engineer with technical background passionate about crafting software solutions. Always with focus on real use cases and business outcomes. I go where I'm needed, thrive in teams, and do my best in projects from end-to-end. Ready to go the extra mile to deliver reliable, accessible solutions.
Currently, I'm a team lead at Virtual Global Trading AG, where I develop software that integrates energy prosumers with VGT's platform, enabling participation in the flexibility market to enhance grid stability. I'm responsible for software development and maintenance, along with the technical onboarding of customers. Centered on customer value and engineering excellence, I lead a cross-functional team of seven developers and technicians to deliver reliable, production-ready solutions.
In the past, I've had the opportunity to build broad experience and business acumen across diverse environments — from small companies and larger corporations to start-ups.
In my spare time, I'm usually hiking, biking, and like to stay on top of the latest tech trends.
Experience
January 2022 - now As Team Lead, I manage a team of seven developers and technicians, with responsibility for recruitment, mentoring, and performance reviews. I also make key technical decisions and shape the vision for the continued development of the Device Manager software module. In parallel, my team is building another software version with a broader feature set for direct customer deployment, where I contribute hands-on. Beyond development, I work alongside our technicians in day-to-day operations, supporting customers in integrating their energy systems into the VGT platform. To that end, I conduct technical clarifications with OEMs, device manufacturers, software vendors, system integrators, and customer engineering teams.
- C#
- .NET
- Angular
- Redis
- MongoDB
- QuestDB
- Azure
March 2018 - December 2022 In my role as Head of Technology, I led the Engineering and Product Management teams, monitored development projects for functionality, cost, quality, and market readiness, ensured compliance with relevant standards, and was responsible for quality assurance across products and projects. In addition to leadership duties, I handled operational tasks: supporting the sales team with project costings and concept development, creating project-specific solutions, conducting employee training, preparing test instructions, test reports, and product datasheets, analyzing repair statistics, and contributing to complex project executions.
- SolidWorks
- DraftSight
- ReluxDesktop
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV
- Node-RED
October 2016 - June 2017 As Deputy Head of Design & Development, I led customer projects, developed mechanical concepts based on client requirements, and engineered both prototypes and established products (membrane keypads, front panels, input systems, nameplates), including subsequent support through manufacturing. I prepared all production-ready data and documentation. From technical drawings to machine files for data for SMD placement machines and laser cutters. In addition, I compiled request-for-quote packages, updated design guidelines and processes, optimized workflows in collaboration with production, and served as deputy to the team coach.
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
- CorelDraw
August 2013 - September 2016 As Project Manager, I was responsible for developing project-specific LED lighting solutions. I managed project planning and technical execution and supported the sales team with cost estimates. I ensured adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards. I also programmed controllers and visualizations and planned and executed commissioning and acceptance tests.
- AutoCAD
- ReluxDesktop
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV
Projects
2025 Led the rebuild of DeviceManager 2.0 with updated features and a strong UX focus, enabling customers to configure their own electrical assets. Streamlined onboarding so users can add and set up new consumers/producers independently, without requiring involvement from VGT.
- C#
- .NET
- Redis
- MongoDB
- QuestDB
- Docker
- Azure
2025 Launched the first version of my personal portfolio site.
- SvelteKit
- Supabase
2025 Developed a backend service for querying and recording consumption data from electricity meters, providing reliable time-series storage and retrieval; currently in active development with upcoming features planned. Implemented robust polling, data normalization, and fault-tolerant ingestion to ensure accurate, continuous meter readings, with ongoing enhancements on the roadmap.
- C#
- .NET
- MSSQL
2025 Built a lightweight web app that provides handy image-editing features alongside practical utility tools, with all processing performed entirely client-side for privacy.
- SvelteKit
- Supabase
- Vercel
2024 Built an app to register UCom hardware and enable use of the ModbusTCP bridge, streamlining device onboarding and connectivity.
- C#
- .NET
- MSSQL
- .NET MAUI
2024 Proof of concept implementing OCPP 1.6 JSON communication with an e‑mobility wallbox, enabling remote status, metering, and control. Built a minimal, extensible client to validate message handling.
- C#
- .NET