Michael Calabrese
Systems Engineer
About me
I love building things and automating anything I can. I'm always looking to learn something new or improve processes.
I love learning new skills and expanding my knowledge.
I started my IT career in the Air Force supporting Windows workstations and servers at the base level and worked my way up to a domain administrator position over 22 different domains across the entire globe.
After I got out I started working on networks that had a mix of Linux and Windows systems and I’ve enjoyed expanding my knowledge. Throughout my journey I have always looked for different ways to automate mundane or repetitive task. I’ve written many different PowerShell tools and some of them are still in use by the Air Force today.
I think what really sets me apart is my drive to learn. I have set up a home lab that I use to learn new operating systems, software, automation and much more. I’m even self hosting this website in a docker container at home!
What I do
From setup and configuration of servers and workstations to maintaining directory and authentication services for an enterprise and anything in between.
Scripting & Automation
I have been writing scripts to automate daily tasks in PowerShell, Bash, and even Python. I've automated SCAP/STIG compliance checking for Windows environments and CIS hardening of RHEL systems. I've also written a number of scripts and automations for installing operating system updates and software.
Authentication & DNS
I have experience supporting multiple Active Directory (AD) deployments, one with over 600 domain controllers and around 900,000 objects. I've also supported relatively small Linux LDAP environments with under 100 users. I've managed DNS integrated with AD and Red Hat Identity Management and even independent BIND deployments.
Server Management and provisioning
I have years of experience building, configuring, and maintaining Windows servers with tools like MDT, WDS, SCCM, and Group Policy. I also have experience with Linux servers using tools like kickstart, Red Hat Satellite, and Ansible.
Skills
My Experience
2023-Presen
LS Technologies LLC, Anchorage, Alaska
Systems Engineer for faa asti
Support the Federal Aviation Administration by maintaining satellite communications infrastructure between over 48 sire and remote locations. Primary systems administrator for hundreds of RHEL, Ubuntu, and Windows systems across 2 operational networks and 4 lab enviroments. Maintain hardening compliance across multiple operating systems in accordance with the latest CIS baselines by autoring bash scripts. Complete on-site deployment of new and replacement equipment including workstations, servers, switches, and routers at multiple locations across the state.
2022-2023
GDIT, JBER, Alaska
DCGS-A Senior Field service representative
Assisted with software installation, configuration, patching, and maintenance of both RHEL and Windows systems.Configures NetApp Storage and Cisco switches along with VMware ESXi hosts. Responsible for backup and disaster recovery of Linux and Windows systems. Regularly performed software, hardware, and network troubleshooting and problem identification and resolution. Helped to coordinate between different offices to facilitate troubleshooting efforts.
2020-2022
USAF, Langley AFB Virginia
Directory Services Supervisor
Section supervisor to 30 technicians. Managed workflow and communication between work center and outside agencies. Oversaw build and configuration of enterprise authentication servers. Managed, supervised, and performed planning and implementation of projects. Engineered automated compliance enforcement mechanism for 17 domains. Automated DISA SCAP/STIG compliance using PowerShell. Created multiple PowerShell tools to increase efficiency of daily tasks.
2018-2020
USAF, Langley AFB Virginia
Directory Services Technician
Provided Directory Services by maintaining Active Directory and DNS. Managed secure authentication methods utilizing public key infrastructure (PKI) technologies. Standardized user privileges and system settings using automated deployment tools such as Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) and Group Policy Administrator (GPA). Created, administered, and audited computer and user accounts. Processed, documented, and coordinated resolution of trouble calls from lower echelons. Planned and implemented configuration changes based on customer requests. Managed domain wide backups utilizing Recovery Manager for Active Directory (RMAD).
2016 -2018
USAF, Misawa AB Japan
Network Operations Technician
Implemented server and workstation security fixes, operating system patches, and antivirus software updates. Applied computer security policies to safeguard systems and information. Performed system-wide backups and data recovery. Managed two file and 3 print servers supporting 11,000 users. Automated operating system deployment and patching solutions via Windows Deployment Server and PowerShell scripts.