Sam Plankis

Franklin,NC

Summary

Seasoned network engineer and software developer with 15+ years of experience tackling complex networking challenges and building practical, scalable software solutions. Primarily focused on Python software development since 2018, complemented by experience in SQL/NoSQL databases, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, REST APIs, and full-stack web development. Considered an organizational SME in software design and engineering, particularly for Python frameworks and applications.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Lead Operations Engineer

CenturyLink / Lumen

05.2019 - Current

Developed a customer network audit tool, including front-end and back-end, using Python, Django, CSS/HTML/JS, Websockets, and MongoDB used by over 300 unique monthly users
Maintains a Django BGP traffic engineering application that directly influences routes on the Internet and is critical to global network operations
Built two separate FastAPI Python API services that support hundreds of network automation workflows and over a million API calls a month
Developed an internal Python repository of important packages to reduce code duplication
Pair programmed a distributed system that uses NATS to orchestrate compute intensive tasks across many servers

Ops Tech 1/2/3 and Lead Engineer

Qwest / CenturyLink / Lumen

03.2008 - 05.2019

Solved difficult and chronic network and TCP/IP issues for enterprise customers
Extensive experience training, teaching, and mentoring junior network engineers
Participated in a 24x7 oncall rotation for advanced technical support
Awarded the Outstanding Service Provider award in 2014 for exceptional customer service

Education

Associate of Science - Computer Networking

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, MN

05-2008

Skills

Coding Languages: Python, Rust, JavaScript
Python Frameworks: FastAPI, Django, asyncio, multiprocessing
Databases: Redis, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, sqlite

Applications: Wireshark, GitLab CI/CD, git, Postman, Docker
Networking: Cisco IOS, JUNOS, TIMOS, QoS, NAT, BGP, TCP/IP, Cisco ASA, firewalls, MPLS, Ethernet, TDM, Internet peering, BGP, VPLS
Certification: CCNA (expired)

Timeline