Brian Downs

Highly motivated, goals driven, IT professional with over ten years of achievements providing cutting edge and cost effective technical solutions allowing businesses to meet and/or exceed their goals.

Technical Expertise

• Languages: Go (golang), Python, Java, Perl, HTML, Jinja
• AWS: EC2, RDS, Route53, SES, VPC, CloudFront
• OpenStack: Neutron (Havana, Juno), OpenvSwitch
• Automation: SaltStack, Chef
• Web: Apache, Uwsgi, Nginx, JBoss, Tomcat
• UNIX/Linux: BSD, Solaris, HP-UX, RedHat, Debian
• Database: MySQL, Oracle, SQLite, Redis
• VoIP: Asterisk, OpenSer/Kamailio
• Shell: sh, bash, zsh, csh
• Microsoft: Windows Server 2000/2003/2008, Active Directory, DFS
• Net Services: DNS DHCP NFS PXE TFTP SMB

Education

• 2002 - 2003 Cittone Institute, Plymouth Meeting, PA

Diploma in Specialized Technology & Network Administration - GPA: 4.0.

Certifications

• Cisco – CCNA
• Microsoft – MCSA, MCP
• CompTia – Security+, Network+, A+.
• IBM – Netvista, ThinkCenter, ThinkPad Systems.
• Mitel – 3300 ICP Certified, MAS 6000 Teleworker Solution Certified.
• Captaris – RightFax 9.3 Certified.
• FEMA – Initial Ethics Orientation, Basic Workplace Security Awareness, Civil Rights and FEMA Disaster Assistance, and Active Shooter Training

Professional Experience

• Shutterfly, Phoenix, AZ Apr 2015 to present

  Sr. Site Reliability Engineer

• IO Data Centers, Phoenix, AZ Apr 2014 to Apr 2015

  Software Development Engineer

  • Responsible for maintaining IO’s customized version of OpenStack (Havana, Juno) Neutron and OpenvSwitch as well as tools for automation (Saltstack, custom in-house tools written in Python and Go), administration, and data aggregation in the public and private cloud.
  • On monthly on-call schedule to handle customer related issues during off-hours that includes issues related to all OpenStack services.

• LeaseHawk, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ Jul 2012 to Apr 2014

  Sr. Application / Development Support Engineer

  • Responsible for maintaining and enhancing the legacy environment that consists of WebLogic, JBoss, Asterisk and OpenSer server allowing for calls to be connected, recorded, reviewed and reported on.
  • Designed AWS infrastructure and security as well as supporting applications utilizing RDS, SES, SNS, SQS, Elastic Beanstalk as well as other Amazon offerings.
  • Provided training materials for other departments to streamline IT interaction and increase productivity on both sides.

• InterFlex Payments, LLC, Frisco, TX Jul 2009 to Jul 2012

  Director or IT / Information Security Officer

  • Primary responsibilities include managing a team tasked with designing, implementing and maintaining around 60 UNIX and Windows servers, mobile device network, IP telephony system and users across 2 offices and remote users in 20 states.
  • Managed a complete security overhaul of the infrastructure, which resulted in HIPAA compliance, SAS70/SSAE16 Type II readiness and passing scores for a PCI self-assessment. Implemented a security awareness programs for IT staff as well as general employees which focused on industry standards and the company’s security expectations for individuals and their departments. Designed and implemented a security framework for managing, and maintaining compliance corporate-wide.
  • Managed team developing new applications for internal and client-side service delivery to maximize customer security and satisfaction for service consumption.

• NASDAQ OMX, Philadelphia, PA Sep 2008 to Jul 2009

  Systems Analyst I

  • Responsible for monitoring and administering a *NIX based server farm consisting of over 2000 servers. Responsible for starting, stopping and monitoring of the core trading, clearing and trade reporting systems. Daily activities include starting or stopping (depending on shift) the systems, identifying bottlenecks, writing scripts to automate tasks, work with the development group, manage and roll out software changes, and work with MarketWatch, the Trade Desk, and Subscriber Services to resolve customer issues, account additions and deletions.

• Learning By Grace, Philadelphia, PA Feb 2007 to Sep 2008

  Senior Systems Administrator

  • Worked on a team of two. Tasks included designing and maintaining a web environment of twenty servers that consisted of load balanced Apache web servers, master/slave replicated MySQL database servers, replicated BIND DNS servers. Responsible for the internal corporate network and server infrastructure consisting of a Windows 2003 Active Directory Domain. Responsible for the configuration and maintenance of network equipment consisting of Juniper NetScreen firewalls, Cisco Catalyst 1900 switches and Cisco Catalyst Express switches.

• Watson Communications, King of Prussia, PA May 2006 to Feb 2007

  Convergent Systems Engineer

  • Responsible for clients’ Cisco PIX router/firewall configuration, Cisco 2600 Series and HP ProCurve switch configurations including QoS and VLAN’s for voice and data traffic. Installation, configuration, troubleshooting and training on Captaris RightFax software and hardware as well as MAS 6000 Teleworker Solution.

• STI Computer Services, Norristown, PA May 2003 to May 2006

  Network Engineer, April 2004 – May 2006

  • Responsible for maintenance, upkeep, upgrade, and design of a three site network consisting of Windows Server 2003, RedHat Enterprise Linux and FreeBSD environments which provided service and storage solutions. Responsible for all of client PC upkeep, VLAN, T1 router and Internet router/firewall configurations.

  Helpdesk Technician, May 2003 – April 2004

  • Worked with clients over the phone troubleshooting PC, WAN/LAN, and application issues. Also responsible for all client PC, monitor, and network hardware repair.

Volunteer Work

• Robinson Ranch Equine Assisted Learning & Therapeutic Riding Center, Phoenix, AZ Aug 2012 to Apr 2013

  Ranch Hand

  • Responsible for mucking stalls, feeding, grooming, and occasional class assistant.

Organizations

• Golang Phoenix Meetup, Phoenix, AZ January 2014 to Present

  Assistant Organizer