JOSHUA KIPERS
Tucson,AZ
Summary
I love to share my passion for cybersecurity! I am a highly dynamic IT professional with a proven record of managing a high-demand data center. I am skilled in network engineering, firewall administration and Cyber Threat Intelligence. I am an experienced leader committed to fostering a secure, real-world learning environment for others seeking their future in cyber. With hands-on expertise in database management, DevOps, and community engagement, I lead projects that empower future cyber professionals while enhancing cybersecurity resilience for local and federal agencies.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Security Operations Center Manager
Arizona Department of Homeland Security
01.2025 - Current
- Mentoring and training student analysts, providing hands-on instruction in threat intelligence, SIEM tools, and operational procedure
- Building and managed a on-job internship that focuses on workforce development by building strong professionals for the state of the Arizona
- Support the AZ Statewide SOC Manager in executing statewide threat detection, incident response, and security policy enforcement.
- Leading a real-time monitoring and investigation of cybersecurity incidents, working with IT/security teams around the state to ensure timely containment and remediation.
- Working and developing working and professional relationships with stakeholders, customers and employers statewide.
Core IT Specialist
Savage Game Development
12.2023 - Current
- DevOps and Security Specialist with a strong focus on secure, efficient operations for development teams. Skilled in database/server management, vulnerability patching, and Cyber Threat Intelligence to protect against network threats.
- Maintain stable, secure environments.
- Implement secure, streamlined workflows.
- Defend infrastructure from network attacks.
- Regularly assess and log for compliance.
- Facilitate team productivity with GitHub pull requests.
- Cultivate a collaborative team environment.
- Worldwide scope working on projects with more that 200 concurrent users
Range Manager (Volunteer)
Arizona Cyberwarfare Range
09.2023 - Current
- Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Analyst and Community Engagement Leader at AZCWR Cyber Warfare Range, committed to advancing cybersecurity awareness and supporting government efforts to protect against cyber threats. Skilled in CTI production, community education, and interactive range demonstrations to foster public interest and understanding of cybersecurity.
- Generate and distribute actionable CTI insights to local, state, and federal government agencies, strengthening defenses against emerging threats.
- Promote cybersecurity awareness by developing and leading educational tours, presentations, and interactive discussions with diverse audiences.
- Design and implement CTF challenges that build skills and engage participants in realistic cybersecurity scenarios.
- Actively engage with the public to share cybersecurity knowledge and foster a deeper understanding of the range's role in national security.
- Inspire interest in cybersecurity among new and seasoned practitioners, creating an environment where knowledge and passion for the field are freely shared.
Data Center Specialist
Pima Community College
01.2023 - 03.2025
- Dedicated IT professional with a proven track record in managing a high-demand, enterprise-level data center environment. Skilled in providing a secure virtual infrastructure to support the educational needs of over 800 students each semester.
- Oversee daily operations for a student-run data center, ensuring seamless access to 1,200 virtual machines in VMware.
- Implement and manage network configurations to optimize performance and security across all systems using a Juniper backbone.
- Configure and monitor state of the art Palo Alto firewalls. Built multiple SIEMs to visualize and report on network security.
- Build positive relationships with students and partners to support the Center of Excellence's mission and educational goals.
- Address and resolve daily operational challenges by proactively identifying issues and implementing effective solutions to ensure uninterrupted service. Collaborated with team members to refine processes and enhance the overall efficiency of service delivery.
- Built and maintain a documentation server. Building and disseminating standard operation procedures within the Pima Center of Excellence Data Center. Working to build a Incident Response procedures based on National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) frameworks.
Team Manager
AFNI
03.2010 - 09.2013
- Strong focus on fostering a collaborative team culture and ensuring exceptional client service. Earned renown for building high-performing overnight teams that exceed sales targets and for developing client-focused metrics in partnership with contract primes.
- Cultivated a supportive, skilled team environment that boosted sales performance on limited call volume.
- Collaborated with contract partners to create metrics focused on enhancing client satisfaction and service delivery.
- Empowered team members with essential sales skills, driving consistent client-focused results.
- Presented performance insights to the board, aligning team goals with broader organizational objectives.
Education
AAS - Cybersecurity
Pima Community College
05.2023
BAS - Cyber Operations: Network Defense/Forensics
University of Arizona
05.2025
Skills
- Fast Learner
- Adaptability
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Communication Skills
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Training
- Security Operations
- SIEM Administration
- Linux Administration
- Systems Administration
- Content Creation and Delivery
- Public Speaking and Presenting
- LDAP/Active Directory
- Virtualization (VMware/Proxmox)
- SOC planning and implementation
- Leadership
Timeline
Regional Security Operations Center Manager
Arizona Department of Homeland Security
01.2025 - Current
Core IT Specialist
Savage Game Development
12.2023 - Current
Range Manager (Volunteer)
Arizona Cyberwarfare Range
09.2023 - Current
Data Center Specialist
Pima Community College
01.2023 - 03.2025
Team Manager
AFNI
03.2010 - 09.2013
BAS - Cyber Operations: Network Defense/Forensics
University of Arizona
AAS - Cybersecurity
Pima Community College
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