Michael Manker
Sioux Falls
Summary
Dynamic Systems Engineer with a proven track record at the University of South Dakota, excelling in network security and IT project management. Spearheaded the deployment of PacketFence, enhancing infrastructure resilience. Adept at vulnerability assessment and fostering collaboration across teams, ensuring optimal performance and security compliance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Systems Engineer
University of South Dakota
Vermillion
11.2024 - Current
- Deployed PacketFence Network Access Control system across University of South Dakota WiFi network, implementing three Debian servers to manage 100+ nodes and support over 100,000 devices across South Dakota Board of Regents infrastructure.
- Deployed Ansible Infrastructure using Azure DevOps.
- Implemented PerfSonar Network Monitoring across all SDBOR campuses, configuring 17 Linux nodes with Logstash, Opensearch, and Grafana for enhanced network visibility.
- Upgraded new Tenable Nessus server from CentOS 7 to Windows Server 2025 with zero downtime.
- Launched 8 new Cisco XDR ONA Sensors across the USD network.
- Utilize Cisco Kenna to mitigate vulnerabilities in the University’s Infrastructure.
- Manage University emails for individuals and shared emails through on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft 365 for a full hybrid mail system.
- Deployed Ansible across USD system to maintain active IT Linux and Science Linux/Unix infrastructure, while managing PerfSonar and Grafana deployment.
- Authored 30+ Knowledge Base articles on Azure infrastructure, Linux deployment, and security best practices to support staff training and knowledge sharing.
- Created a Docker test environment for the Software Development and DevOps Teams.
- Administer LDAP connection for Cisco Unified Calling Manager.
- Update all CA Certificates using InCommon Certificate store for all Linux, Windows, and application services including Cisco Tomcat for Cisco Unified Calling Manager (CUCM).
- Help deploy Intune across all of USD campuses.
- Integrated Entra ID into our PacketFence infrastructure as the Identity Provider (IdP).
- Enhance workflow using Windows PowerShell and BASH Scripts for automation.
Information Technology Specialist (System Administration)
Social Security Administration
Sioux Falls
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Managed 16 Windows Server 2022 servers, 8 Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers, and 200 plus end user systems.
- Administered Microsoft Active Directory and Azure Entra ID for centralized management of end users and devices in hybrid enterprise system.
- Managed device and application deployment through Microsoft SCCM and Intune, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Utilized Microsoft DHCP and DNS programs to deploy new systems including Microsoft IIS instances, RHEL Apache instances, and new application servers.
- Ensured 99.99% uptime with Teleconferencing during Federal Court Trials utilizing a mixture of PolyComm Telecommunications Equipment, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco VoIP telephones.
- Provisioned and deprovisioned federal employees across 16 locations, ensuring timely access to necessary systems.
- Deployed 22 new PolyComm Telecommunication devices into Federal Court Rooms.
IT – Linux / WebLogic Administrator
PrivateerIT
Remote
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Maintaining 24 Linux servers blended between Debian and Red Hat to ensure that Single Sign-On for the VA Hospital system is at 99.99% utilizing CA Certificates.
- Deployed, monitor and maintain all Linux Systems deployed for the VA Healthcare System for the PKI Infrastructure.
- Produced, deployed, and maintained CA Certificates for compliance with Department of Treasury, VA, and other governmental standards.
- Updated security and performance for all Linux systems through automated scripting using PowerShell, BASH, Python, Ansible, and Java.
- Utilize Java with Java Keystore in conjunction with HID GLOBAL hosted on 8 Debian and 16 Red Hat Servers.
- Work with HID global to ensure all OCSP servers are updated and load balancing properly.
- Maintained 4 Apache load balancers to optimize OCSP service performance.
IT - Security Analyst
Carsforsale.com
Sioux Falls
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Created and implemented new security procedures with enhanced technologies to have a 90% reduction in security alerts.
- Orchestrated PowerShell scripts to automate security alerts using GrayLog, enhancing monitoring of network traffic for security threats.
- Utilize both Jira Core and Target Process to create and distribute work to security team to investigate and document all security tickets created to ensure that all clients are safe and secure from outside intruders.
- Oversaw management of the DevOps Docker environment to ensure optimal performance and integration.
- Deployed both Target Process and PowerShell on Linux to optimize security solutions to enhance security team’s responsiveness lowering response time by 17 minutes per incident.
- Incorporated automatic messaging through Microsoft Teams within Security Incident and Event Management solution, expediting incident remediation.
- Facilitated PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL databases to store and implement security scripts, streamlining security automation processes.
- Utilized Kali Linux with NMAP, Wireshark, Metasploit, Ghidra, GDB, with various other tools.
- Employed GitHub and Azure DevOps for Script repository including but not limited to PowerShell, Ansible, Python, Docker, and BASH.
- Worked with DevOps Architect and Engineer to ensure proper handling of system and program life cycle.
- Collaborated with the DevOps team to determine system readiness for production deployment.
- Debugged systems while in testing phase with the DevOps Team to ensure seamless transition to production.
- Partnered with the Network Architect and DevOps Team to ensure that the 16 HAProxy load balancers kept a 99.99% uptime.
IT Supervisor
United States Navy
Norfolk
02.2014 - 04.2021
- Led team of 14 Sailors to ensure fleet readiness by supporting Information Technology needs across 3 command directorates.
- Managed 16 onsite physical servers running a combination of Windows Server 2012 r2 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
- Serviced and maintained 200+ endpoint users, upgrading systems from Windows 7 to Windows 10 to enhance user experience.
- Trained end users on Cybersecurity techniques, reducing risk of unauthorized access and data loss.
- Facilitated daily meetings to ensure that IT infrastructure was maintaining 99.99% uptime.
- Scheduled all patching and updates to both servers and endpoints systems to ensure proper security posture in accordance with DoD and NSA guidelines.
- Managed new users and new devices through Microsoft Active Directory.
- Establish chain of custody for devices that were Top Secret or higher.
System Administrator
DakotAbilities
Sioux Falls
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Maintained IT infrastructure for non-profit, minimizing downtime and implementing organizational upgrades.
- Oversaw 150 plus Active Directory Users and 200 plus Computers to ensure proper security and policies.
- Managed Group Policies to align with state and federal HIPAA guidelines.
- Supervised network administration through deployment and maintenance of Cisco Meraki NGFW and Cisco switches.
- Created and maintained site-to-site and client VPNs to ensure access to Medical and Financial records.
- Upgraded 60 plus client systems from Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro.
IT Technician
Win Chill, LLC
Sioux Falls
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Professionally handled all Level 1 and Level II support tickets to maintain zero production down time.
- Supported 100+ client systems to ensure that safety and productivity was always preserved.
- Administered two Windows 2016 Servers with 10 plus virtual machines hosted on Microsoft Hyper-V.
- Maintained 30+ Microsoft Licenses to ensure that day-to-day operations continue towards company success.
- Managed HighJump, SQL-based warehouse inventory software, guarantee all inventory was properly handled.
- Maintained fleet of Zebra Label Printers and Zebra Scanners while executing warranty claims.
- Oversaw companywide physical and digital security needs.
Education
Master of Science - Analytics and Advance Artificial Intelligence
Dakota State University
Madison, SD01.2026
Bachelor of Science - Cyber Operations
Dakota State University
Madison, SD01.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy Studies
Duke University
Durham, NC01.2004
Skills
- System deployment
- Network security
- Incident response
- Vulnerability assessment
- Cloud computing
- IT project management
- Data analytics
Certification
- CompTIA Security+, CompTIA, 01/01/24
- General Class Amateur Radio License, Federal Communications Commission, 01/01/23
Timeline
Systems Engineer
University of South Dakota
11.2024 - Current
Information Technology Specialist (System Administration)
Social Security Administration
01.2024 - 11.2024
IT – Linux / WebLogic Administrator
PrivateerIT
01.2023 - 01.2024
IT - Security Analyst
Carsforsale.com
03.2021 - 12.2022
System Administrator
DakotAbilities
09.2020 - 03.2021
IT Technician
Win Chill, LLC
01.2020 - 08.2020
IT Supervisor
United States Navy
02.2014 - 04.2021
Master of Science - Analytics and Advance Artificial Intelligence
Dakota State University
Bachelor of Science - Cyber Operations
Dakota State University
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy Studies
Duke University