Anthony Pena
Maryville,TN
Summary
Security Clearance: SECRET (Active)
Air Force Veteran
Bringing over a decade of experience in the IT field, I am a seasoned DevOps Engineer whose expertise spans containerization, Kubernetes, and hybrid solutions that fluidly integrate on-premises and cloud environments. My proficiency in orchestrating containerized applications has become a cornerstone of creating adaptable, scalable, and resilient systems tailored for hybrid architectures. I thrive in collaborative settings, effectively communicating and working alongside diverse teams to drive project success and operational efficiency. My technical acumen, coupled with a team-oriented mindset, has consistently delivered optimized deployment pipelines and a seamless transition between on-prem and cloud infrastructures. As a dedicated professional, I am committed to leveraging my extensive experience to orchestrate complex environments that meet the high-paced demands of modern businesses while promoting a culture of innovation and shared learning in every team I engage with.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Cloud Computing Engineer
SAIC
02.2024 - Current
- Senior engineer supporting multiple government mission systems (SAOCDE, C1SERCDE), managing AWS GovCloud infrastructure, network normalization, IAM, secure file transfers, virtualized workloads, database hosting, and multi-tier backup strategies across high-security enclaves.
- Designed, deployed, secured, and automated cloud infrastructure using Terraform, Terragrunt, and Ansible, enabling scalable, repeatable, and compliant deployments for mission applications including Maestro, Rave, and 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX).
- Architected and operationalized the Lights On/Lights Off (LOLO) automation framework, replacing legacy Lambda solutions with robust AWS Systems Manager Automation Documents integrated via Terragrunt and CloudWatch Events reducing EC2/RDS operating costs while improving governance, flexibility, and maintainability.
- Developed advanced automation using Python for dynamic discovery of EC2 instances using wildcard tags, enabling precise SSM targeting for mission tenants and significantly reducing manual overhead in environment scheduling and resource optimization.
- Built and maintained Jenkins CI/CD pipelines (Groovy, shared libraries, integration with Artifactory/GitLab), automating application deployments, infrastructure provisioning, STIG compliance scanning, and multi-environment release processes for Maestro, Rave, and 3DX systems.
- Engineered, hardened, and operated containerized platforms using Docker, Kubernetes (EKS/RKE2), and Linux-based automation, improving deployment velocity, resiliency, and operational consistency across complex multi-tier environments.
- Created and maintained Bash and Python automation scripts to improve system reliability, streamline patching and compliance workflows (Evaluate-STIG, AIDE), troubleshoot application stacks, and standardize operational tasks within GovCloud environment.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex performance and platform issues in 3DX, including search indexing failures, thumbnail generation gaps, metadata dictionary inconsistencies, TLS misconfigurations, and security group inheritance problems—restoring service stability and ensuring engineering teams could operate at scale.
- Collaborated closely with developers, platform engineers, cybersecurity teams, program leadership, and government stakeholders to deliver mission-critical systems, ensuring deployments met strict security, compliance, and operational requirements.
- Authored comprehensive documentation including LOLO SOPs, Terraform module guides, Ansible operational runbooks, 3DX smoke test reports, troubleshooting playbooks, and onboarding materials improving team efficiency and reducing operational risk.
Senior Cloud Platform Administrator (DevOps)
Agile Defense
06.2019 - 02.2024
- Led and collaborated with a cross-functional DevOps team to design, implement, and maintain Kubernetes clusters, ensuring high availability, scalability, and seamless orchestration of containerized applications.
- Effectively configured and maintained VMware vCenter and fine-tuned RedHat virtual servers while orchestrating RKE and Rancher Kubernetes clusters to enable seamless application deployments in both on-prem and air-gapped environments, showcasing adaptability and expertise across diverse operational scenarios.
- Expertly administered and managed MongoDB clusters, implementing YAML-based HAProxy configurations to facilitate load balancing and replication of data to geographically distant MongoDB instances, resulting in enhanced data redundancy, improved disaster recovery capabilities, and consistent data availability while minimizing potential downtime.
- Successfully integrated Helm and Kustomize to streamline Kubernetes application deployment processes, achieving improved resource management and enhanced system scalability.
- Proficiently orchestrated the DevOps pipeline by managing GitLab CI/CD processes, maintaining version control with Harbor repositories, overseeing Docker containerization, and implementing ArgoCD for automated application deployment.
- Conducted regular coordination meetings with the DevOps and Solutions teams, fostering collaboration and open communication to ensure project alignment, while consistently providing leadership with comprehensive updates, enabling well-informed decision-making and strategic progress tracking.
- Produced and managed architecture and platform documentation, serving as a vital resource for design, implementation, and troubleshooting, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and seamless knowledge dissemination within the organization.
GCCS Senior System Administrator
Agile Defense
07.2015 - 06.2019
- Subject Matter Expert (SME): Global Command and Control System - Joint (GCCS - J) and Integrated Intelligence and Imagery (I3).
- Analyzed and resolved technical issues associated with hardware, operating systems, and application software.
- Managed user accounts for workstation/server access; worked with the Information Assurance Manager (IAM) and Information Assurance Office (IAO) to ensure proper security verification for all users.
- Monitored workstation/server logs for discrepancies and performed the appropriate troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Responsible for configuring/troubleshooting 240+ weapon system servers and 7K+ network systems valued at $65M, classified and unclassified servers for USAFCENT.
- Provided technical engineering analysis, guidance and support for the GCCS-J system to include hardware selection, server and client software selection, compatibility and configuration, data backup solutions, and communication link requirements.
NGEN IT OPS Support
HP
03.2015 - 07.2015
- Excelled as a Desk Side Support Technician for the US Navy, specializing in troubleshooting and maintaining workstations within the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN), ensuring mission-critical tasks were performed without technological hindrances.
- Effectively resolved intricate network communication issues specific to the Naval NGEN network infrastructure, displaying in-depth knowledge of Cisco routers, firewalls, and load balancers to sustain secure and reliable network operations.
- Acted as a pivotal second-line technical support provider, adeptly identifying and rectifying system, production, and equipment errors across all government-furnished IT systems, ensuring continuity of service and minimal impact on Navy operations.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Information Technology
Western Governors University
Millcreek, UTHigh School Diploma -
Munford High School
Munford, TN05-1999
Skills
- Kubernetes
- Docker
- Helm
- Linux
- Gitlab
- VMware
- Rancher
- Hybrid Framework
- Accountability
- Creative Thinking
- Training and Mentoring
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Certification
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Cloud Native Computing Foundation
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate Microsoft
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner AWS
VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization 2019 VMware
Project+ | Security+ | Linux+ CompTIA
Timeline
Senior Cloud Computing Engineer
SAIC
02.2024 - Current
Senior Cloud Platform Administrator (DevOps)
Agile Defense
06.2019 - 02.2024
GCCS Senior System Administrator
Agile Defense
07.2015 - 06.2019
NGEN IT OPS Support
HP
03.2015 - 07.2015
Bachelors of Science - Information Technology
Western Governors University
High School Diploma -
Munford High School