About Me
Hello! I’m Robert Major, a seasoned technology expert with an extensive background and experience in automation, scripting, UNIX, and cloud technologies. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and innovation, I’ve developed a comprehensive technical background in several technologies across a large number of diverse technical environments.
I've been a lifelong technology enthusiast, starting with the Commodore 64, writing BASIC, and moving on to 68k Apple computers, PASCAL, PowerPCs, and Windows PCs running DOS/Win3.11, now studying C, HTML and Javascript. My journey included exploring Dialup BBS services and the rapid expansion of Linux technology, learning Bourne, Bash, Perl and Python. This passion led me to a Third Shift Global Support desk job at Fairchild Semiconductor in South Portland, Maine, where I was exposed to a vast array of technologies. My role included troubleshooting, triaging and escalating a wide range of issues across the tehcnology footprint of the entire corporation. With my background I developed a particular interest in the UNIX systems there and spent a significant time studying the ones we supported within the company. Networking while taking Solaris and Linux courses at a local technical college during day I became aware of and secured a job as a UNIX administrator at TD Bank at one of their data centers in Lewiston, Maine. Providing both UNIX and MQSeries support.
At TD Bank, I managed UNIX systems, supported the production infrastructure, and triaged issues from databases to legacy UNIX systems. I then moved to Wachovia Bank, where I served as a Systems Engineer, focusing on Linux and UNIX automation and providing WebSphere ND support for the Brokerage business line. My responsibilities included developing and supporting automation tools for application deployment and patching, and contributing to disaster recovery planning and testing. After Wachovia was acquired by Wells Fargo, I continued to provide WebSphere support for the Brokerage unit and advanced into a Senior Engineering role within the Middleware organization. I specialized in providing Automation, Tools, and Integration engineering support, delivering effective, reliable, and maintainable automation solutions and tools across the corporation. My recent work involved supporting Wells Fargo's Cloud presence on Azure within the AI/ML space, providing solutions to facilitate the company's expansion into the Cloud.
Music is a significant part of my life. As a musician and recording engineer, I play drums, guitar, bass, and synthesizers, and produce music that blends electronic and organic sounds. My albums, released under the name Mechanisma, are available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube. This creative pursuit is my artistic outlet, providing a balance to my technical career. The style is predominantly progressive rock/heavy metal and not for everyone! :)
I lead a vibrant family life with my wife, daughter, and our adopted animal friends Eva and Felix. Cooking is a great passion of mine; whether it's making a quick, easy weekday meal or experimenting with a new recipe, the kitchen is my second home. I am continuously exploring home automation technologies to make life smarter and more efficient. This interest aligns with my professional work and passion for automation (YAML YAML YAML!), allowing me to experiment with and implement smart solutions at home and free up time for other more high-value activities like cooking!
I am currently exploring new opportunities that match my skills and passion for automation, UNIX, and cloud technologies, ideally in a remote work environment. I am furthering my studies in AI and large language model (LLM) technology, integrating these advancements into my own projects to stay at the forefront of innovation. I believe these tools have a very large place in the future of our technology, and it's our responsibility to learn how to implement them effectively and, most importantly, wisely. If my experience and personality sound like it might be a good fit for your team or project, please check out my resume and get in touch.
Current Projects
Copy Base URL
A Firefox extension that allows users to copy the base URL of the current page. This tool simplifies the process of copying URLs by providing a one-click solution directly from the browser. I used GitHub actions for building and packaging the extension as a learning experience.
Technologies used: JavaScript, HTML, CSS, ChatGPT, CoPilot
Mechanisma - Revision
My latest musical release, available on various streaming platforms. Mechanisma is my personal solo music project where I write, perform, record, and produce the music by myself. I play the drums, guitar, bass, synthesizers, and vocals, combining electronic and organic sounds to create a unique auditory experience.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, DistroKid
Concatenated.com
This website! A showcase of my portfolio and projects, hosted on Azure and deployed via GitHub Actions. It demonstrates my skills in automation, cloud technologies, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices.
Technologies used: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Azure Static Hosting, GitHub Actions, ChatGPT (4o and 4o-mini)
Check out my resume page!
Resume
Check out my latest complete resume! PDF Download
Professional Summary
I am a dedicated technology professional with extensive UNIX/Linux, scripting, automation, development and hosting experience with a passion for innovation. I love solving problems, teaching, and learning from others. I am excited and eager find a new home and contribute to a new vision and goal! I'm comfortable learning new technologies quickly, thoroughly and effectively. If you think you may have or know of an opportunity that fits my skills don't hesitate to get in touch.
Skills
My technical background spans multiple platforms, including UNIX/Linux/Windows/macOS, web and application servers, scripting, and automation. I quickly adapt to new technologies and environments and am a highly motivated team player who can inspire others. I bring a professional demeanor coupled with a light, engaging personality and a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Proficient in cross-platform work
- Skilled in automation tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Python
- Experienced in cloud technologies including Azure and GCP
- Familiar with Scrum Agile and Jira
- Experienced with Docker, NGINX, and Kafka
- Proficient in GitHub, Microsoft Visual Studio Code, and MySQL
- Knowledgeable in Selenium and VMware
Work History
Wells Fargo - Senior Software Engineer (2023-2024)
Enterprise Cloud Engineering
In my latest role at Wells Fargo, I focused on cloud automation and integration services. I provided Terraform and cloud support for various Azure Cloud services, including Cognitive Services, Machine Learning, AI Chat, AI Search, Synapse Analytics, Logic Apps, and Application Server Environment (ASE) as well as some GCP support (Cloud Scheduler). I performed code reviews, ensured adherence to standards and best practices, and participated in working sessions with other engineers.
- Gathered customer requirements and advised on solution design and implementation
- Developed BDD/TDD matrices and tests
- Developed custom Terraform modules for internal cloud services offerings
- Provided bugfixes and feature requests enhancements
- Contributed updates and refinements to the corporate iaC codebase
- Provided support for Azure Cognitive Services, Machine Learning, and AI Chat
- Led working sessions and code review sessions
- Maintained documentation for modules and procedures
- Provided Cloud training and certification assistance
Wells Fargo - Senior System Engineer (2010-2023)
Enterprise Integration Services
As a Senior Systems Engineer at Wells Fargo, I focused on delivering comprehensive automation and integration solutions to enhance the enterprise infrastructure and middleware platform. My role involved leveraging advanced technologies to streamline processes, ensure system reliability, and meet the dynamic needs of internal stakeholders. Key contributions during my tenure include
- Designed an Ansible-based software packaging automation system to configure, customize, and build custom internal RPM packages from source for enterprise patching.
- Designed, implemented, and maintained an internal YUM RPM repository used as a source RPM repository for remote Linux patching within the enterprise.
- Configured and managed an internal Linux cluster used to provide enterprise web-based services, applications, and tools. Responsibilities included load balancing, capacity planning, troubleshooting, creating and maintaining custom management tools, and designing and implementing custom integration configurations for internal customers.
- Created a Kafka enterprise environment management tool using Ansible workflows that included server instance management (stop/start/restart, etc.), SSL keystore procurement, renewal, and installation. Provided Kafka platform support.
Wells Fargo - System Engineer (2007–2010)
Enterprise Middleware Services
In my initial role at Wells Fargo I provided extensive support for the enterprise internal Java application hosting platform. This platform provided support for several lines of business our largest being Wealth and Retirement. I played a key role in designing and implementing the Java-based enterprise brokerage environment. My responsibilities included capacity planning, risk remediation, and extensive support for the WebSphere suite for Brokerage applications. I managed application server and cluster configurations, IHS server support, maintained SSL key stores and certificates, and performed monitoring and performance tuning. Additionally, I developed and supported several automation tools for application deployment and patching, and contributed to disaster recovery planning and testing.
- Provided design and support for the enterprise internal Java application hosting platform
- Managed application server and cluster configurations
- Supported WebSphere suite for Brokerage applications
- Maintained SSL key stores and certificates
- Performed monitoring and performance tuning of web and application servers
- Developed and supported automation tools for application deployment and patching
- Contributed to disaster recovery planning and testing
TD Banknorth - IT Systems Administrator II (2005-2007)
UNIX Engineering
At TD Banknorth, I administered UNIX-based systems, performed OS installations and configurations using custom tools and automation, and developed web-based monitoring and management tools for UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ systems. I documented all processes and procedures and contributed to disaster recovery planning and testing.
- Administered UNIX-based systems
- Performed OS installations and configurations
- Developed web-based monitoring system for WebSphere MQ
- Created a web-based system management tool for UNIX systems
- Configured and supported Linux HA and Oracle RAC clusters
- Developed web-based monitoring tools for UNIX and WebSphere MQ
- Contributed to disaster recovery planning and testing
Education and Certifications
My educational background and certifications reflect my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. I have completed numerous certifications in cloud technologies, system administration, and agile methodologies.
- Terraform Associate Certification
- Google Cloud Digital Leader Certification
- Microsoft AZ-900 and AI-900 Certifications
- Scrum Developer Certified
- Various UNIX and Linux system administration courses
Hobbies and Interests
In my free time, I am passionate about audio engineering, music production, cooking, and baking. I enjoy exploring home automation technologies and gadgets and am currently studying machine learning and data engineering concepts. I value spending quality time with my family and spoiling our pets.
- Audio engineering and music production
- Home automation technology
- Cooking and baking
- Machine learning studies
Contact me here!
Contact
I'm currently open to new opportunities! Feel free to reach out to me at robert.major@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn