Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Paul Cassidy

Summary

Information Technology Specialist with a combined 26 years in military IT, managing network integrity and security for high-stakes environments. Proven ability to lead assessments and audits, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency across multiple systems. Bilingual communicator with strong problem-solving skills, capable of thriving in both team and independent settings.

Overview

1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Information Technology Specialist

US Spaceforce
Colorado Springs, Colorado
05.2022 - Current

o As a Cross Domain Solution (CDS) SME I developed and implemented a comprehensive training plan for military members, reducing routine task reliance on specialized teams in deployed settings and eliminating critical outages in remote environments.

o Collaborated on a performance analysis of backup satellite command servers, diagnosing and replacing multiple faulty hardware cards across server chassis to secure seamless failover capability and protect critical mission data.

o Restored a failed Cross-Domain Solution (CDS) within one hour by reconstructing a degraded RAID array under tight security protocols, securing classified communications and training military personnel on the disaster recovery process.

o Configured and deployed a backup Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) disaster recovery server, securing operational continuity and guaranteeing zero downtime for critical cryptographic key distribution during system failures.

o Orchestrated remote teams to troubleshoot and validate a critical maintenance release software upgrade, securing seamless failover capabilities and protecting active satellite command missions from disruption.

o Resolved a critical C2 outage within by diagnosing and correcting a fiber optic communication failure, immediately restoring the Advanced Satellite Mission Control Subsystem link to safeguard active space assets.

o Mitigated 1,230+ critical vulnerabilities by patching and cyber-hardening 5 mission-essential cryptographic systems, aligning global satellite operations with NSA security standards and securing communications for 1,500+ worldwide terminals.

o Streamlined AEHF mobile C2 deployment procedures, cutting cryptographic initialization times and accelerating over-the-air key distribution to secure immediate command of on-orbit satellite assets.

o Partnered with engineers to diagnose and resolve a recurring SQL database mismatch for End Cryptographic Units, implementing new continuity procedures that successfully eliminated C2 database errors across nearly all operations.

o Proactively mitigated critical hardware recovery gaps across mobile platforms by staging pre-configured cold-spare hard drives for critical servers; reduced potential system downtime by 97%, ensuring continuous, high-reliability operations for deployable AEHF satellite services.

o Hardened the security posture of seven mission-critical cryptographic systems by managing a multi-phase software vulnerability patch cycle; mitigated operational deficiencies to safeguard the integrity and availability of strategic satellite communication links.

o Staged and configured a spare CDS testbed to diagnose a high-risk shutdown vulnerability; spearheaded root-cause analysis in collaboration with Radiant Mercury to eliminate potential file corruption and ensure continuous MCCS mission readiness.

o Diagnosed and permanently resolved a Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) system fault caused by misconfigured system services; eliminated all downtime to ensure seamless cryptographic key delivery for AEHF satellite systems.

o Diagnosed a critical SQL database error on a Key Translation Element (KTE) flagged by ASMCS; collaborated with the NSA to analyze system logs, resulting in the development of corrective scripts and a new ECU registration protocol that prevented future mismatches.

o Leveraged Linux expertise to recover an inoperable Cross Domain Solution (CDS) degraded by saturated audit logs; restored system functionality to ensure the KTE deployment was completed 100% on schedule for critical testing.

o Led the installation and staging of a local, non-operational KTE and CDS training laboratory; established a sandboxed environment for hands-on technical mentoring, disaster recovery drills, and scenario-based training without risking live production systems.

o Executed critical High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) software upgrades; configured and validated a ready-spare device, slashing potential downtime and safeguarding mission-critical communications.

o Diagnosed and resolved a critical Group Policy (GPO) misconfiguration on the Windows Server operating system that blocked user authentication; restored full login capabilities to secure uninterrupted AEHF tactical satellite communications for deployed forces.

AEHF Crypto Planner

Infinity Systems Engineering
Colorado Springs, Colorado
05.2021 - 05.2022
  • Managed cryptographic planning for mission planning subsystem, validating over 463,000 data points monthly before key authorization generation.
  • Enabled seamless cryptographic support for over 1,332 satellite terminal users globally.
  • Provided 24/7 system administrator support for Linux-based security suite, ensuring full connectivity among satellite subsystems and central key management station.
  • Developed web-based ticketing system for regional satellite support centers, completing two-year project in two weeks. Replaced aging database accessible only by Schriever Space Force Base with centralized ticketing system. Reduced 1,600 labor hours annually through improved tracking and collaboration on issues across multiple sites.

Cyber Transport Systems

United States Air Force
, USA
02.2000 - 02.2020
  • Managed Defense RED Switch Network (DRSN) assessments for the Department of Defense (DoD). Directed accreditation for a $1.2M secure voice network of 48 systems at 42 locations.
  • Authored DRSN security control matrix that guided transition from Director of Central Intelligence Directive 6/3 to Risk Management Framework and Intelligence Community Directive 503.
  • Tested and evaluated information systems for DoD and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) security standard compliance and network interoperability.
  • Identified 322 security vulnerabilities as inspection team lead, tracking with Plans of Action and Milestones.
  • Discovered DRSN security software bug—directed corrective actions that secured $1.2M voice network.
  • Modernized three networks by identifying and replacing three end of life domain controllers, four network switches, and 16 encryption devices.
  • Replaced faulty RAID card in a primary Domain Controller with no data loss restoring services for critical Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission.
  • Rapidly restored network connectivity to 70 users by discovering misconfigured network switch.
  • Configured and installed secured Video Teleconferencing capabilities with limited resources in a remote location in Afghanistan.
  • Led a $104M Technical Control Facility with 25 technicians maintaining three network enclaves with Windows Servers, Linux Redhat, encryption devices, and various Cisco devices.
  • Served as a Contracting Office Representative directing eight General Dynamics contractors supporting 75 projects valued at $1.1M.
  • Stood up training lab environment and updated work center job qualifications standards for entire work center after discovering major deficiencies for 25 technicians.
  • Air Force representative to Raytheon for all security matters on technical DRSN implementations.
  • Coordinated network service interruptions for 37 installations and 265 sites.
  • Coordinated a $200,000 uninterruptible power supply replacement service interruption for 54,000 users.
  • Directed repair on a Trans-Oceanic Trunk that restored 24% of lost bandwidth to 29,000 users.
  • Oversaw the replacement of three degraded space vehicles that restored iridium coverage to AFRICOM Theater.
  • Coordinated upgrade path for long haul communications, enhancing bandwidth capabilities by 300%.

Education

Team Leadership Course -

Non-Commissioned Officer Academy

First-line Supervisor Course -

Airman Leadership School

Skills

  • Top Secret Clearance
  • Network security
  • Vulnerability assessment
  • Risk assessment
  • Incident management
  • System auditing
  • Project management
  • Strong troubleshooting skills
  • Server administration
  • Network administration

Certification

  • Comptia Sec+
  • Comptia A+

Timeline

Information Technology Specialist

US Spaceforce
05.2022 - Current

AEHF Crypto Planner

Infinity Systems Engineering
05.2021 - 05.2022

Cyber Transport Systems

United States Air Force
02.2000 - 02.2020

Team Leadership Course -

Non-Commissioned Officer Academy

First-line Supervisor Course -

Airman Leadership School
Paul Cassidy