James Lyons

Serve as a Level 4 Data Center Operations Technician providing senior-level, hands-on support for AWS data center network infrastructure. Mentor technicians on troubleshooting and operate a multi-vendor Cisco/Juniper environment to resolve routing, switching, and firewall connectivity issues supporting core AWS services.

Teach cybersecurity courses including Cloud Security, Network Security, Linux Security, Python, Ethical Hacking, DFIR, and Threat Analysis. Develop training materials and lead sessions on current threats, technologies, and best practices.

Design, implement, and support on-premises data center and LAN/WAN solutions (Cisco ACI and enterprise connectivity). Secure and maintain cloud infrastructure across AWS and Microsoft Azure, including threat analysis and vulnerability/compliance management using Splunk, Wazuh, Qualys, and OpenVAS.

Architected and secured AWS network infrastructure (VPCs, subnets, route tables, security groups) to support secure cloud and on-prem connectivity. Deployed Fortinet FortiGate firewalls and implemented operational security and compliance controls, including AWS Systems Manager patching and Amazon Inspector vulnerability identification.

Designed and managed network infrastructure across multiple production and QA/development data centers, corporate sites, and customer connections. Led migrations to AWS and Azure (including PCI-aligned security), established AWS Direct Connect connectivity, and built secure AWS VPC architectures using transit gateways and peering.

Designed and managed network infrastructure for an HQ data center and multiple virtual/remote colocation sites while overseeing system administration and cybersecurity compliance. Migrated firewall infrastructure from Checkpoint to Cisco ASA 5525 and upgraded wireless networking to Cisco 802.11ac.

Designed and supported customer networks, including Cisco Wireless Controller, Cisco ASA, and Cisco UC560 Voice implementations. Worked with Cisco Meraki cloud-managed networking and SilverPeak WAN optimization, delivering Cisco DMVPN/SD-WAN WAN connectivity solutions across 35+ sites.

Led a team of professional services engineers resolving wireless LAN issues, conducting site surveys, and designing WLAN/VoWLAN solutions. Designed and maintained Cisco ASA firewall solutions and Cisco 7600 series routers using VRF for MPLS connectivity.

Supported software and hardware product development by designing test plans and test labs to meet quality and project goals. Planned and executed hardware/software release testing to help ensure secure, stable network operations.