
Preston Zen
@prestonzen2
I build secure AI-powered cloud systems and uncover critical application vulnerabilities.
What I'm looking for
At Symation Inc, I build scalable AI-powered tools for data management and ETL while strengthening secure API integrations and cloud infrastructure. I also investigate system failures and security breaches, applying preventative measures to improve resilience.
I've audited a cryptocurrency exchange at EXzi, finding critical SQL injection and authentication-bypass issues through manual and automated penetration testing. At Cybertech Defense, I developed AI-driven penetration-testing platforms and supported SIEM monitoring, network security, risk management, and compliance initiatives.
My AI engineering work includes deploying Rasa and DialogFlow chatbot solutions for Fortune 100 companies at Google, including airport ticketing and third-party Google Cloud API integrations. Through Kaizen Apps, I've built across Python, Flask, FastAPI, C++, Rust, Go, PHP, IoT, computer vision, robotics, and AI/VR projects.
I bring hands-on experience across offensive and defensive security, cloud architecture, AI development, and network operations. I'm committed to using secure, scalable technology for meaningful societal progress.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Senior Software Engineer
Symation Inc
Aug 2023 - Present (3 years 1 month)
Performed root cause analysis on system failures and security breaches, implementing preventive measures to improve infrastructure robustness. Utilized AI language model management systems to build scalable, AI-powered tools for data management and ETL, ensuring secure API integrations and robust cloud system security.
Senior AI Cloud Architect
Kaizen Apps
Aug 2019 - Aug 2024 (5 years)
Developed AI and cloud solutions using Python, Flask, FastAPI, TensorFlow, and Pandas. Worked on IoT networks with C++ for Arduino, Rust for robotic sensors, PHP on Laravel for e-commerce, and Go for real estate skip tracing.
Vulnerability Auditor
EXzi
Jan 2023 - Aug 2023 (7 months)
Conducted thorough penetration testing for a cryptocurrency exchange, identifying critical vulnerabilities through automated and manual testing. Uncovered and mitigated high-impact issues like SQL injection and authentication bypasses, ensuring robust defenses across APIs and web applications.
Security Solution Engineer
Cybertech Defense
Jan 2019 - May 2023 (4 years 4 months)
Assessed security protocols and identified vulnerabilities in networks, systems, and applications, leading risk management initiatives. Utilized Elastic and Splunk SIEM stacks, provided AI-assisted cybersecurity testing and event monitoring, and managed network infrastructure including firewalls, proxy, DDI, PAM, and NAC systems.
Deployed AI chatbot solutions for Fortune 100 companies using Rasa, Google DialogFlow, and Google Cloud Platform. Developed tailored chatbots for critical applications, improved internal communications with AI-driven enhancements, and facilitated third-party integrations via Google Cloud APIs.
Cyber Security Analyst
Emagined Security
Mar 2019 - Aug 2019 (5 months)
Monitored and analyzed live network traffic using AlienVault's SIEM to detect and respond to security threats. Conducted risk analysis, created documentation, and led development of AI-driven systems for secure handling of sensitive corporate documents.
Network Operations Center Technician
Burwood Group
Aug 2016 - Sep 2017 (1 year 1 month)
Handled resolution of trouble tickets at high volume via ServiceNow, configuring and managing Palo Alto firewall policies and Cisco router protocols. Managed Cisco switches and ensured smooth operation of network data collectors and configurations for Citrix Virtual Environment Managers.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Columbia University
MicroMasters, Artificial Intelligence & IoT
2019 - 2021
Activities and societies: Contributed to AI workshop series on YouTube, broadening global impact.
Completed a MicroMasters program specializing in AI and IoT via edX, focusing on the integration of AI with IoT devices to enhance intelligent automation and insights.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Google Tag Manager
Dialogflow
Microsoft Azure
GitHub
Kubernetes
Jenkins
CircleCI
Salesforce
MySQL
PostgreSQL
MongoDB
MariaDB
Cassandra
Node.js
Django
Databricks
Zendesk
OpenCV
Redis
Terraform
Jira
React
JavaScript
Python
Java
PHP
Kotlin
JSON
Perl
PowerShell
XML
TensorFlow
PyTorch
Keras
Kafka
RabbitMQ
Grafana
Prometheus
Ubuntu
Debian
Linux
Kali Linux
Heroku
Elasticsearch
Serverless
TypeScript
Docker
NGINX
Zapier
SQL
Rasa
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Salary expectations
Job categories
Skills
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