Michael A. Van Valen
********.*******@*****.***
Summary:
Performed extensive work as Datacenter Engineer Operations Technician, I operate, maintain and respond to abnormal condition. I operate switchgear and building control systems for both air cooled and chiller buildings. I report operational trends and provide data to leadership. I find solutions for challenges which can be implemented frugally and quickly and are also scalable. During daily rounds I inspect systems for operational efficiency and confirmation of monitoring systems as well as all aspects of safety. I perform repairs on AHUs as well as proactive actions which provide deliverables to the customer.
Leading the following projects:
Water Penetration Mitigation - I found a way to shape HAC to mitigate the damage of roof leaks on the electrical equipment.
Refeed Due to transformer failure: Refeed approximately 40 racks to mitigate risk of being on catcher while storm is expected to ensure there is no customer impact.
Attained RDWF trainer to assist team - This allows an additional resource on night shift to keep the team current in required certifications.
Qualification card signer - Ensuring others have the necessary subject matter for a clear and concise foundation to build a career and respond to our environmental and perky challenges.
Community Outreach AWS - I am moving to facilitate the resources (such as the STEM and AWS Girls' Tech Day) provided to Loudoun County schools, and develop availability of the same resources in Clarke County.
Training peers on BHNs and FHNs on board prep and one line drawings - I utilize multiple teaching styles for adult learners at different levels. I collaborate with FMs and CEs who are board members such as Josh Tops. I ensure that those I coach understand the operation and concepts necessary to be successful.
Network Audit - Collect and confirm data against FIT and CF.
Professional Summary:
Data center operations, building racks and calculating loads, ATS switch gear, cooling, monitor building systems software.
Negotiating and supporting vendor operations. Monitoring scope of work for handoff on deliverables.
FAA Air Frame and Powerplant license – provides experience in all aircraft flight systems as well as mechanical and electrical. Experience in recognition of critical components and maintenance schedules.
Project Coordination\Management, maintaining professional relationships with internal and external clients.
Commercial electrical apprentice experience in Colorado and Utah.
NFPA 70 class completion.
Professional Experience:
Amazon, Herndon, VA November 2019 to Present
AWS Data Center Engineering Operations Technician
Monitoring building systems and environmental factors to maintain optimal PUE using BMS and Eaton software as well as making rounds.
Operation of air cooled and HVAC buildings in the Northern Virginia area. I volunteer in facilities around the cluster to gain a broad base of experience and to increase my skill set.
Order parts when needed and performing audits.
Maintaining and repairing CRAHs, Switchgear, and UPSs to unsure no downtime in the data center. I also repair the building facilities and drywall as needed.
I am actively participating to establish, create and follow best practices and refine operational procedures.
I created a new use for plexiglass and HAC containment material which was adopted by leadership.
I have worked every shift and overtime in over 15 buildings in the cluster to grasp the nuances of new technology as it is implemented.
Amazon, Herndon, VA July 2018 to November 2019
AWS Network Technician II
Utilizing and creating processes in a dynamic environment to drive the stability and sustainability of our next-generation networks and making direct contributions in the development of innovative ways to automate and scale the network. Troubleshooting Juniper and Cisco devices.
While on the LEVER project provided scaling support of all data center locations in the IAD and CMH clusters and day to day assistance with capacity management and encryption.
Committing to deliverables closely with internal customers and external vendors to facilitate smooth project execution as directed by Network Scaling Leadership and Technical Program Managers.
Leading a team of 7 on night shift spanning 2 to 3 sites while on Lever project. Setting a record for completing an MCM in a 5-hour window utilizing my experience in project management and process improvement.
Actively participating to establish, create and follow best practices and refine operational procedures.
Frontier Airlines, Denver, CO March 2018 to May 2018
IT Configuration Analyst
Working directly under the manager of the project managers to address tasks as assigned to facilitate project completion.
Hilton Hotels Consulting, Memphis, TN January 2018 – February 2018
Lead Server Migration Tech
Supervising two team members in the decommissioning and installing new servers, Cisco2400 series switches, cabling, and workstations at Hilton Hotel project.
DaVita, Denver, CO May 2016 - August 2017
Datacenter Engineer/Analyst
Install/Decommission Data center devices (Servers, switches, routers, SAN devices, etc.).
Racking, stacking, Cable management (Pantech and Corning fiber), customer cabling creation and installation.
The Beck Group, Dallas, TX October 2014 - May 2016
IT Analyst / Data Center Technician
Managing Denver office IT operations.
Traveling to remote job sites to perform all IT related issues.
CoBiz Financial, Denver, CO July 2014 - September 2014
Blackberry Server Decommission/Project Management
Sole management of project for blackberry server decommissions at CoBiz financial contacting users and Verizon.
Lutheran Medical Hospital, Englewood, CO March 2014 - June 2014
Windows 7 Migration/Desktop
Windows 7 migration using SCCM.
Comcast, Denver, CO October 2013 - February 2014
Datacenter Engineer/Analyst
Install/Decommission Data center devices (Servers, switches, routers, SAN devices, etc.).
Ludvik Electric, Lakewood, CO February 2006 - November 2006
Electrical Apprentice
Assisted on the following premier electrical projects, Ameristar Casino, Blackhawk, CO, Denver News Agency Building, Denver, CO, and the Micron Computer Plant in Lehigh, Utah.
As a lead apprentice, assigned to a Utah project due to project management logistical skills to enhance material scheduling and reduce slack time.
AutoZone, Denver, CO September 2005 - January 2006
Assistant Manager
Managing the opening of new store, managing inventory, sales, deposits, loss prevention, accounting entries and scheduling, customer service.
Vanmore Contracting, Denver, CO April 1991- September 2005
Managing Partner
Managing a crew of 12 people we specialized in old home renovation and kitchen and bath remodel.
Bidding and closing, layout and design, materials and research, purchasing, record keeping, custom building wall cabinets and granite and marble work.
Calling on vendors and suppliers to keep open relations and essential communications.
Education and Trainings:
Regis University, Denver, CO,
Liberal Arts – BA, GPA 3.93.
Aurora Community College, Aurora, CO,
Computer Information Systems – AAS, Dean’s List, every semester, GPA 3.82.
U S Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO,
Math major, Full Academic and Military Studies.
New Horizons Technical School, Englewood, CO,
SharePoint Administration – MS Office and SharePoint Admin 2010, GPA 3.83
Amazon New Hire Data Center Engineering Operations training
Recently joined - Data Center Pulse