Open to opportunities

Thomas McMillan

@thomasmcmillan

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Junior cybersecurity analyst focused on security operations, threat detection, and incident response.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for an entry-level cybersecurity role in security operations/SOC work where I can analyze Windows and Linux logs, support incident response, and apply risk, policy, and vulnerability concepts in a disciplined environment.

I’m a cybersecurity student and U.S. Air Force Reservist with hands-on lab experience and an active Secret clearance. I bring “A grades” in cybersecurity and Python coursework, plus real practice in security operations and incident-response planning.

In labs, I worked through Cyberbit, zyBooks, and TryHackMe exercises that strengthened my ability to investigate Windows events and processes, review Linux command-line activity, and analyze logs for meaningful signals. I’m comfortable navigating tools like Windows Event Viewer and Sysmon, and using Sysinternals Process Monitor and Process Explorer to understand what’s happening on a system.

My focus is security operations: understanding threats and vulnerabilities, applying risk and security policy concepts, and supporting incident response with access controls and contingency planning. I also built a foundation in SIEM fundamentals and threat-detection concepts, including malware and phishing awareness.

I’m mission-focused and process-driven, with a background in technical troubleshooting, documentation, procedural compliance, and cross-functional coordination. I’m eager to contribute to a security team where careful investigation, clear reporting, and operational discipline directly support protecting critical systems.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freight Conductor

Current

CSX Transportation

Jan 2026 - Present (7 months)

Executed safety-critical rail operations under federal regulations and company procedures while maintaining situational awareness. Inspected equipment, identified hazards, and coordinated by radio with engineers, dispatchers, and yard teams to document and escalate issues.

Safety Critical Procedures Situational Awareness Equipment Inspection Radio Communication

Current

Aerospace Propulsion Technician (E-2)

Current

United States Air Force Reserve

Oct 2024 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Inspected, maintained, and troubleshot turbine propulsion systems using technical orders, schematics, diagnostic equipment, and maintenance data. Analyzed faults, determined corrective actions, and recorded maintenance activity while applying configuration control, quality assurance, tool accountability, and compliance standards.

Turbine Propulsion Maintenance Technical Orders And Configuration Control Quality Assurance Tool Accountability Compliance

Systems Testing Contractor

Target Distribution Center

Jan 2024 - Sep 2024 (8 months)

Performed functional and safety testing on conveyor and automated warehouse systems and documented anomalies against engineering specifications. Partnered with engineers to validate corrective actions and supported repeatable test execution, issue tracking, and compliance verification.

Functional Testing Conveyor Systems Testing Anomaly Documentation Engineering Specification Validation Issue Tracking Compliance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Kennesaw State University

Cybersecurity Certificate, Cybersecurity

Concurrent Cybersecurity Certificate at Kennesaw State University, expected Dec 2026 (one semester remaining).

Kennesaw State University

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity

Activities and societies: Completed all 12 assigned Cyberbit labs (Linux commands/logs, processes, permissions, discovery, Windows Event Log, Sysmon, Process Monitor/Explorer, shadow copies) and zyBooks/TryHackMe exercises on malware, access controls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, cryptography, enumeration, detection, IR, and hardening.

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Kennesaw State University (expected Dec 2027), with A grades in cybersecurity and Python-related coursework covering threat/vulnerability concepts, risk, and incident response.