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James Ward

@jamesward

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Senior Linux systems engineer specializing in cloud migrations and Unix automation with AWX/Ansible and Terraform.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can lead Linux/Unix infrastructure, automate operations with AWX/Ansible and Terraform, and help deliver secure cloud migrations and scalable systems through reliable engineering and strong documentation.

I’m a Senior Linux Systems Engineer focused on Unix/Linux administration, automation, and reliable cloud operations. I bring deep experience managing complex IT infrastructures across multi-cloud environments and optimizing system performance.

In my recent roles, I managed and optimized AWX/Ansible automation across multi-cloud platforms, and I implemented infrastructure-as-code practices to improve deployment efficiency and consistency. I also led automation and workflow improvements using tools like Ansible, bash scripting, Puppet, and Terraform to keep systems secure and dependable.

I’ve supported mission-critical environments by designing scalable server environments, handling server configuration and network infrastructure, and building backup and disaster recovery plans. I also led VMware vRealize version 7 to 8 migration, and I’ve been trusted as a sole Linux administrator supporting both x86 and s390x servers while orchestrating migrations from IBM mainframe to Google Cloud/CentOS.

Earlier in my career, I supported large-scale server fleets (including 200+ servers and 4K servers worldwide), implemented Xen server virtualization, and delivered network improvements such as Infoblox implementation and 10G fiber ethernet planning. I take pride in solving technical issues quickly, documenting systems thoroughly, and maintaining a proactive, detail-oriented approach.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

AWX/Ansible Systems Engineer

Clear Object

Jan 2022 - Jan 2024 (2 years)

Managed and optimized AWX/Ansible automation across multi-cloud environments and applied infrastructure-as-code practices to improve deployment efficiency and consistency.

AWX Ansible Infrastructure as Code Terraform Multi Cloud Environment GCP IBM Cloud Azure AWS

Unix System Administrator

TEKSystems

Jan 2021 - Jan 2021 (0 months)

Led a VMware vRealize migration and managed Ansible Tower to streamline automation processes.

VRealize

Senior System Administrator

Tabula Rasa

Jan 2019 - Jan 2021 (2 years)

Served as a Linux administrator supporting x86 and s390x systems, orchestrating an infrastructure migration from IBM mainframe to Google Cloud/CentOS and administering an Australian subsidiary in Azure.

Google Cloud Platform Linux Administrator Ansible Terraform IBM Mainframe CentOS Azure

Linux System Administrator

ServerPilot

Jan 2018 - Jan 2018 (0 months)

Deployed infrastructure to Google Cloud using Ansible.

Google Cloud Platform Ansible

Senior Linux System Administrator

TEKSystems

Jan 2017 - Jan 2018 (1 year)

Supported campus-wide server operations using Puppet, managed bare metal and VMware virtual servers, implemented Infoblox, and supported RHEL migrations to AWS including AWS and VMware View/Amazon Workspaces administration.

Puppet RHEL CentOS Windows Server VMWare Info Blox AWS Amazon WorkSpaces

System Engineer

TEKsystems

Jan 2014 - Jan 2017 (3 years)

Supported 4K servers worldwide across bare metal and virtual environments, managing RHEL, CentOS 5-6, and Solaris systems.

RHEL CentOS Bare Metal VMWare Softlayer

Software Engineer

IBM Corporation

Jan 2012 - Jan 2013 (1 year)

Tested IBM NAS storage solutions across multiple operating systems and environments and implemented a 10G fiber ethernet network.

Computer Systems Administrator

Tekco

Jan 2006 - Jan 2012 (6 years)

Managed a Linux network of 200+ nodes, implemented Xen server virtualization, and handled network security with daily backups to a RAID array.

Debian Xen Network Security Apache RAID Backups

Systems Administrator

University of Arizona

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Managed server configurations and network infrastructure to ensure reliability and scalability, automating tasks with Ansible and Bash and supporting backup/disaster recovery planning.

Network Infrastructure Ansible BASH Disaster Recovery