Senior Systems Cloud Engineer
Resume:
BLAINE A. HIGGINBOTHAM
************@*****.***
**** ****** **., *******, **. 70460
Senior Systems/Network/Cloud Engineer
TS/SCI W/CI Polygraph
SUMMARY:
Highly experienced and seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience in systems and network administration, specializing in system virtualization. Security +, with a proven track record of designing, implementing, and securing IT infrastructures for diverse industries. Adept at quickly analyzing and optimizing environments to ensure seamless operations and robust security. Strong communicator with excellent collaboration skills.
SKILLS:
Infrastructure: Microsoft Azure (Cloud/Hybrid), Fedora Red Hat Linux, VMware (vSphere), Windows Server (2000-2019), AWS, COMSEC, Kubernetes, GitLab Applications: Microsoft Defender/Endpoint Manager, Microsoft SQL/MySQL, Trend Micro Internet Security, Active Directory/Group Policy, KnowBe4 Security Training, SolarWinds Web Help Desk, ServiceNow ITSM (IT Service Management), Veeam Backup Software, Microsoft SharePoint, Bit Defender, Infralytics, Jira/Confluence, Science Logic, NetAPP, Dell Isilon
Programming Languages/Web Design: Python, Java, Microsoft Visual Basic, C++, Microsoft PowerShell, Adobe Dream Weaver
Network and Communication: Ethernet/Fiber Cabling, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, VoIP Network Design and Configuration, FortiGate UTM Firewall/VPN, Cisco, Call Manager, Change Management Controls, SIEM
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
LATG
Stennis Space Center, MS
Senior DevOps Engineer
November 2024 – March 2025
• Designed, implemented, and troubleshot software-defined networking solutions, ensuring compliance with DoD security protocols and STIG standards.
• Leveraged GitLab CI/CD pipelines to automate container development and deployment, maintaining secure, high-availability distributed systems.
• Managed VPN configurations for secure remote deployments and optimized Kubernetes workloads using Helm charts.
• Utilized AWS services and Ansible for automation, configuration management, and deployment of Linux-based technologies.
• Applied Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles to enhance cybersecurity in government and DoD environments.
• Collaborated with NRL and other government agencies, adapting quickly to mission- critical requirements with minimal supervision.
Raytheon Technologies
Stennis Space Center, MS
Senior Systems Administrator
September 2023 – October 2024
• Performed routine and preventative maintenance such as general computer tasks, application loads, disk utilization, system loading, and system monitoring.
• Managed over 600 physical and 2500 virtual servers, providing second-tier support for 1500 workstations.
• Expertly detected, isolated, documented, swiftly reported, and resolved system outages or problems, including collection of diagnostic data and development of workarounds.
• Supported SpaceX with rack drawings and modifications, ensuring operational success.
Federal Information Systems, Inc.
Fort Bragg, NC
VTC/GCCS-J Engineer
December 2022 – August 2023
• Served as an audio-visual (AV) and video teleconference (VTC) systems subject matter expert for HQ, USFORSCOM systems.
• Evaluated, designed, and implemented VTC equipment systems, including Cisco SX/DX units and MS Teams/WebEx/Zoom integration.
• Managed Cisco CMM/CMS servers, applying STIGs and version updates, and oversaw GCCS-J servers and NetAPP storage devices. OWL Cyber Defense
Morrisville, NC
Senior Systems Administrator
June 2021 – October 2022
• Performed user account administration within Active Directory and Azure Active Directory environments.
• Utilized ticketing tools like SolarWinds to resolve incidents, enabling reduced employee downtime.
• Managed numerous VMware ESXi host environments within vCenter critical to company earnings success.
• Efficiently used Veeam technologies to backup and restore critical intellectual property.
• Deployed and managed Cisco Meraki Access Points for a small footprint of 50-100 users and devices.
CACI
Fort Bragg, NC
Cyber Security Engineer, SCA (Security Control Assessor) February 2021 – June 2021
• Performed cybersecurity scans and assessments on high-visibility systems to ensure NIST/RMF/ICD 503 compliance.
• Identified deficiencies, developed Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M), and provided solution recommendations.
• Supported certification of a secure DoD cloud infrastructure, achieving accreditation 3 months ahead of schedule.
Novetta
Fort Bragg, NC
Linux Systems Engineer
February 2019 – February 2021
• Supported Linux/Unix systems (RedHat, CentOS, Scientific Linux) in an enterprise production environment.
• Provided expertise in TCP/IP networking, system scripting (bash, Python), and No- SQL/SQL database management.
• Migrated COP services to AWS Cloud, enhancing visibility for the combatant commander.
Field Systems Engineer
Fort Bragg, NC
February 2018 – September 2018
• Supported configurations for Linux-based Ringtail/AIDE platforms in virtual and physical states.
• Solved complex IT problems and provided technical guidance to forward-deployed Field Systems Engineers.
Atlantic Digital
Fort Bragg, NC
LAN/WAN Engineer, CISCO
September 2018 – January 2019
• Configured Cisco routers and switches for the USASOC enterprise domain.
• Provided Tier-1 customer support and managed IP addressing, DNS, and routing protocols.
Information Management Group
Fort Bragg, NC
Network/System Engineer II, Trojan Network Control Center February 2017 – February 2018
• Provided software support for CISCO routers/switches, Dell PCs, Sun Servers, and Juniper routers.
• Managed Active Directory Group Policy, Cisco ASA Firewall, and security monitoring systems.
U.S. ARMY
Various Locations
1997 – 2017
• Superbly managed and motivated up to 12 personnel, maintaining 100% accountability of 600+ COMSEC items for 1.2K users.
• Administered Windows/Linux systems, VMware, NetApp, and network infrastructure in garrison and deployed settings.
• Developed TPFDD to support deliberate and crisis action operations. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (Summary):
• Information Technology & Security: Proven success in demanding environments, maintaining COMSEC accountability, and managing network operations.
• Leadership & Supervision: Led teams with a focus on training and mentorship, improving organizational performance.
• Problem-Solving & Analysis: Implemented effective solutions, restructured SOPs, and spearheaded SIPR network accreditation.
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
Certifications: DoD 8570 IAT Level II; CompTIA SEC+; NET+ Military Occupational Specialties: 25B – Information Technology Specialist (15+ years) Selected Military Training: Security+, COMSEC Inspector Certification, Advanced Leader Course (ALC), Airborne, Information Assurance Certification Program Selected Awards: Army Commendation Medal (x3), Army Achievement Medal (x3), Army Good Conduct Medal (x6), Parachutist Badge
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