Stephen Ulrich

Sr Systems Engineer

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States

About

Virtualization & Storage Expert | Datacenter Management | VMware ESXi, vSAN, NetApp | Driving Hybrid Cloud & Automation Solutions 26+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, data center operations, and systems engineering. Skilled in designing, implementing, and managing complex computing environments. Proven track record in cost optimization, vendor negotiations, and team leadership. Clearance: TS/SCI (Active) Certifications: - Security+ - Microsoft Certified - VMware Certified Education: B.S. in Computer Information Systems EDUCATION & TECHNICAL TRAINING DeVry University • BS Computer Information Systems Reh Hat • RHEL9 Openshift Administration Training / Level 1 & 2 System Source IT Training • VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage NetAPP • NetApp Datacenter Administration • v 8.2 / 8.3 / 9.1 / 9.3 CALC/Canterbury • Citrix Administration CERTIFICATIONS: • Defense Acquisition University • Acq101 / Sys101 (2010) • VCP, VMWare Certified Professional (v6) • vSphere 6 • VCP, VMWare Certified Professional (v5) • vSphere 5 • Security + ce Certified • CompTia • NJ IT Centers • Edison, NJ • Webmaster Certificate • MCP, Microsoft Certified Professional • CLS, IBM Certified Lotus Specialist (Development– R5) • CLS, IBM Certified Lotus Specialist (Administration– R5) Techical Proficiencies: • VMware vSphere ESXi, vCenter (Versions 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), vSAN • VMware Workstation Pro, Sun OpenBox, Qemu • VMware Converter, OVFtool, Tools, PowerCLI, Baseline Patching and Updates • Ubuntu Kubernetes (K8s), Red Hat 9 Openshift Deployments • Windows 2008-2022 Server, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Roles, GPO’s, OU’s • Windows Clients Management and Troubleshooting(ALL) • Large Scale NetAPP SAN/NAS Systems/Filers (Storage over 7 PetaBytes) • Powershell and Bash Scripting to Automate Repatative Tasks • RHEL 9 & Ubuntu Enterprise Linux Systems • Networking Fundamentals; TCP/IP, Subnetting, WiFi, VPN, Cable Pulling, Mgmt & Termination • Computer, Laptop, Server, SAN Hardware Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair • Technical Documentation; As-Built, How-To, SOP’s, Inventory, Lifecyle Tracking, Requirements Gathering • Lab and Datacenter Design, Management, and Implementation • Coaching, Mentoring, Teaching of Interns, Junior Staff, and Colleagues • Managed, Tracked and Multi-Million Dollar Annual Budgets

Experience

  • T2S Solutions (On-site)
    • Sr Systems Engineer / Virtualization / Cloud
      Dec 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

      • Designed and deployed VMware infrastructure across Development, Integration, and Production environments, including mobile Jump Kits and stationary server racks. Ensured licensing was meticulously tracked and managed. • Under the guidance of seasoned leaders, continuously honed skills in Linux RHEL/Ubuntu administration, leveraging its versatility, speed, and cost-effectiveness to save the program thousands annually. • Proactively updated Jump Kit firmware before critical events and US Army unit testing, ensuring seamless performance. • Applied stringent DISA STIGs to all Windows Servers, VMware infrastructure, and associated Vms. • Worked in tandem with the Information Assurance team to guarantee the availability and updates of DISA scanners. • Traveled worldwide to provide immediate support for system testing and deployment. • Crafted PowerShell and BASH scripts to streamline Active Directory configurations, bulk user account creation, dynamic VM deployment, and OpenShift Environment setup. • Assembled, installed, and meticulously cabled server racks for efficient deployment. • Managed a comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOM) for Jump Kit deployments, ensuring seamless execution. • Authored and refined documentation for repeatable processes, ensuring seamless executions and retaining institutional expertise. • Provided flexible support across all teams, fostering collaboration to meet deadlines.

    • Lab Architect and Manager
      Sep 2019 - Dec 2022 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      • Led a team of two direct reports, successfully managing a multi-million dollar budget to achieve the standup of an 11,900 sq ft software and hardware testing facility. • Oversaw the allocation, optimization and spending of a $1 million budget, ensuring efficient resource utilization and maximizing ROI. • Designed, deployed, and managed a robust virtual and network infrastructure, including a high-speed 10Gb network and a precise low-loss RF network. • Optimized Network Performance: Installed a cutting-edge 10Gb network to ensure lightning-fast data transfer and minimal delays. • Ensured Accurate Timing: Implemented a reliable low-loss RF network, incorporating time, GPS, 10MHz, and PPS signals for precise synchronization.

    • Sr Systems Engineer / Operations
      Jul 2016 - Sep 2019 · 3 yrs 3 mos

      • Assume the role of the TSIF Lab Technical Lead • Work closely with management to coordinate, schedule, and provide logistic support for Program Managers and Program Executive Offices whom would like to remotely connect to the TSIF, and or bring their software and equipment into the TSIF Facility • Worked side-by-side with other operations personnel to begin the arduous task of collecting specifications, requirements, and regulations associated with the TSIF becoming FaNS (Federation of Netcentric Sites) accredited. FaNS accreditation will allow the TSIF to be leveraged as a remote site during AIC (Army Interoperability Certification) • Implement, Configure, Test, and provide feedback for the new Tactical Server infrastructure known as TSI. I received 14 full TSI server stacks each consisting of Two Dell Servers, a NetApp FAS 2552, and a Mellanox Switch. Solely configured all 28 physical servers for VMware ESXi integrations and created custom script packages to deploy the FAS 2552’s to ensure consistent Configuration Management • Implement, Support and Maintain an Enterprise level virtual environment exceeding 1600 Virtual Machines spanning 98 physical servers and thirty-one separate Enterprise storage solutions. • Provide 3rd level technical support • Deploy all Mission Command enterprise servers for each test enclave initialized within the T-SIF • Stand up and configure physical and virtual infrastructure to support a new Classified Enclave within the T-SIF. Physical hardware and software such as Dell Servers, NetApp SAN’s, ESXi 5.5 Hypervisor, vCenter Server, Active Directory, and SQL Enterprise Edition • Implement and Manage virtualized server disaster recovery plan for Management servers and infrastructure • T-SIF’s software librarian tracking and managing thousands of various versions, patches, and engineering releases totaling upwards of 60TB • Configuration Management duties for 12 test enclaves • Maintain all 30,000 IPs across all test space

  • Senior Systems Engineer at UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies
    Mar 2016 - Jul 2016 · 5 mos

  • Engineer II at Government Contractor
    May 2014 - Mar 2016 · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Implement, Support and Maintain an Enterprise level virtual environment exceeding 1200 Virtual Machines spanning 70 physical servers and three separate Enterprise storage solutions. • Provide 3rd level technical support in the areas of Virtualization, Storage Management, Active Directory, Microsoft Servers, Applications, and Hardware Repair • Consistently deploy and configure Mission Command enterprise servers for each test enclave initialized within the T-SIF, consisting of 40 plus virtual machines for every test enclave and training event • Stand up and configure physical and virtual infrastructure to support a new Classified Enclave within the T-SIF. Physical hardware and software such as Dell Servers, NetApp SAN’s, ESXi 5.5 Hypervisor, vCenter Server, Active Directory, and SQL Enterprise Edition • Work closely with management, peers and support staff to facilitate multiple software and network baselines allowing for concurrent high visibility demonstrations, risk reduction and integration events • Implement and Manage virtualized server disaster recovery plan for Management servers and infrastructure • Act as the T-SIF’s software librarian tracking and managing thousands of various versions, patches, and engineering releases totaling upwards of 25 Terabytes storage • Perform configuration management duties for test enclaves so subject matter experts, developers and management can track and identify deployed software in a single location • Maintain and control all tactical IP space for the nine test enclaves which span several facilities, in several buildings across the APG campus as well nationwide when leveraging assets on different military installations

  • Systems Engineer at Scientific Research Corporation
    Aug 2006 - May 2014 · 7 yrs 10 mos

    • Implement and Manage a Virtual Machine infrastructure to be utilized in the PEO C3T Tactical-Systems Integration Facility(T-SIF); whereas the PEO family of systems can test and integrate their software prior to certification and fielding • Interface with the Army Corp of Engineers, APG Dept of Public Works, Electrical and Structural Engineers to convert and develop 8,000 square foot of office space to a Tactical Systems Integration Facility • Implement and maintain VMware infrastructure with 60 physical Host servers, 290 Terabytes of storage, supporting 800+ Virtual Machines • Develop an asset tracking database to allow facility staff to track and manage warranty status, inventory, and hardware location; reducing risk to the PM’s integrating in the T-SIF • Implement Microsoft Exchange Email server and Microsoft SharePoint Server; allowing staff to communicate and collaborate in real-time across multiple locations • Provide cost analysis and ROI to management for hardware and software procurement • Reviewed Engineering Documentation and provided comments and worked with authors to find a resolution • Lead for Network Transport IPT, lead team of 15 engineers, assess requirements, provide input, hold weekly tag ups, build slide decks and present

  • IT Manager at PM FCS
    2006 - 2010 · 4 yrs