Profile
Accomplished Principal Infrastructure Support Engineer with 12+ years of progressive DevOps expertise, specialising in Azure cloud architecture and actively expanding multi-cloud expertise through self-directed AWS learning. Proven track record of independently identifying opportunities for improvement, leading to both cost savings and improved system uptime. Self-motivated professional who consistently stays ahead of technology trends, currently developing AWS proficiency to complement extensive Azure expertise.
Employment
Bede Gaming Ltd.
Operations Engineer
(2013-2026)
- Developing Infrastructure as Code solutions using automation tools HashiCorp Terraform and Puppetlabs Puppet.
- Maintaining cloud services and servers – Windows and Linux (CentOS and Debian) – in Microsoft Windows Azure and other data centres.
- Testing in house developed services on the Azure platform.
- Administrating web hosting software, including IIS, Nginx (OpenResty), and Apache.
- Managing various high availability database solutions including MySQL (Including: MariaDB, and Percona) MSSQL, SQL Azure, Redis, and FoundationDB.
- Working with continuous integration services and deployment software such as TeamCity, Jenkins, and Octopus Deploy.
- Administrating OpenVPN.
- Managing a large ElasticSearch cluster.
- Ensuring gaming services remain functional.
- Troubleshooting network issues.
- Writing BASH, Perl, Python, and PowerShell scripts.
- Maintaining Git repositories and administration in both GitHub and private servers.
- On Call duties maintaining services and applications out of hours.
- Being part of an active Line 2 and Line 3 service desk.
Opia Ltd.
Data Entry
(2013)
- Checking customers’ claims for cash back for various promotions.
- Updating company database.
- Responding to customers’ emails.
Argos
Stockroom Assistant
(2012-2013)
- Stock picking (retrieving items quickly and efficiently for customers).
- Re-binning stock (putting stock back on the shelves if returned to the store).
- Tidying shelves to keep the stock room running efficiently.
Myself
Web Design and Server Administrator
(2003-Present)
- Building a webserver.
- Installing and configuring server software.
- Managing server updates.
- Writing Valid (X)HTML/PHP code.
- Maintaining a multisite WordPress installation.
St. John’s Church, Whorlton
Sound Engineer
(2002-2014)
- Setting up Mics.
- Working a 16 Channel Sound Desk.
- Recording/Editing/Mastering Services.
S1MP3.org
Site Administrator & Forum Moderator
(2005-2012)
- Moderating the forum.
- Answering questions asked about the MP3 player’s current firmware.
- Beta Tester.
Aspire Technology Solutions Ltd.
IT Infrastructure Technician (Apprentice)
(2009)
- Answering Support Calls.
- Installing software.
- Installing hardware.
I had the opportunity to work alongside Robert while contracting for Bede Gaming for an Azure migration project. Robert is very knowledgeable and he was excellent in getting me up to speed with the existing solution architecture. He contributed greatly in the creation of the documentation for the new MS SQL Always On infrastructure and was pivotal in testing the features that I developed for the Systems Admin team.
Robert is very friendly and enthusiastic about his role at Bede and he made me feel welcome and part of the team. I look forward working with him again in the future.
Robert was a fantastic addition to the team during his work placement in my store. He was hard working and looked to apply his academic knowledge to make every day tasks easier for himself and colleagues. Robert also possessed good communication skills and could be relied on to complete tasks as part of a team or individually.
Robert was a hardworking student who produced very good work throughout his time with us on his Foundation Degree at Gateshead College. Robert has good communication skills, is a good team worker and has excellent technical skills.
Education
Higher Education
University of Sunderland
(2011-2012)
B.Sc. (Hons) Degree: Network Systems (Second Class Honours, Upper Division – 2:1)
Higher Education
Gateshead College
(2009-2011)
Foundation Degree: I.C.T. Support
Secondary Education
Ponteland Community High School
(2003-2008)
A-Levels: Media Studies; Physics
AS-Levels: I.C.T.; Maths
9 GCSE (Grades A-C) including: English; Maths; Science
Other Qualifications
2019 – ITIL v4 Foundation (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
2017 – ITIL v3 Foundation (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
2009 – ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)
2007 – Full UK Driving Licence
1999 – 2007 – ABRSM Practical Piano Grade 4 and Grade 3 theory.
Technical Skills
In addition to Linux, I also have years of experience managing Windows servers, in particular Active Directory, Internet Information Services (IIS), as well as the proprietary company software. I am also a competent user of the Apple MacOS system.
I have extensive experience working with Microsoft Azure, maintaining virtual servers and applications with both the web based portal and PowerShell Cmdlet tools, as well as 3rd party automation solutions such as HashiCorp’s Terraform.
I am also experienced with Cisco’s IOS platform used on their routers and switches. My knowledge extends to the following: OSPF & EIGRP routing, zone based firewalls, SNMP, and VLANs.