Topher Kessler

Experience

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  UC Davis

  Mar 2005 - Oct 2015

  Senior Research Associate

  I applied in-depth IT and computational expertise in an educational and research environment, including building and maintaining desktop and server systems (BIND9, Samba, LDAP, Apache services), complex custom scientific and computational equipment, and establishing core computing and facilities infrastructure.This included building directory structures for Samba-based Windows domains and localized DNS to centralize workgroup management, as well as implemented custom backup scripting routines for end-user and data-acquisition workstations. I also architected databases for asset, data, and project management, established VPN connectivity for secured remote access to data, RADIUS authentication for local wireless needs, and built custom Web sites using PHP, HTML, Javascript, and CSS. I also provided helpdesk support for configuring workstation operating systems (Mac, Windows), software, peripherals, and troubleshooting problems.In addition, I developed highly optimized data analysis routines for research projects, and worked with architects and facilities to design new laboratories, and expand and optimize existing facilities to meet demands of growing workgroups. Show less

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  CNET

  Apr 2008 - Apr 2014

  MacFixIt Author

  Contributing technical content on expertise with the Mac OS operating system, and maintaining relations with blog readers.

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  MacIssues.com

  Mar 2014 - Mar 2016

  Editor and Author

  Founder and sole contributor on technical how-to and troubleshooting content for the Mac OS operating system and Apple computing hardware. This site was discontinued in 2018.

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  MacWorld

  May 2014 - Jun 2015

  Writer and Contributing Author

  Contributing technical content on expertise with the Mac OS operating system.

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  Blue Apron

  Nov 2015 - Jan 2018

  Sr. Systems Administrator

  I work closely with team members to build and maintain core networking and IT infrastructure for ensuring 24-hour industrial plant operation of a rapidly growing meal-kit business. This included building out local vSphere clusters and AWS-based cloud solutions for establishing highly available core IT services like DNS and DHCP (RHEL linux), as well as hosting core management services for industrial packing, sorting, and printing operations (Zebra and Datamax) on Linux and Windows platforms. I also establish proper network segmentation with VLAN and routing management for VPN access, site-to-site VPN, and local network segmentation for management and security.To help mitigate outages and disaster recovery, I implement alerting and escalation structures using Zenoss and custom scripting solutions, relying on Chef for configuration management, and Jamf Pro for managing MDM deployments.This job also requires extensive interfacing with engineering, security, operations, and facilities teams for designing IDF and network infrastructure placement, as well as managing construction, cabling, and ISP vendors to implement these designs and provide power and connectivity needs for complex industrial machinery.In addition, I regularly worked across teams to develop data acquisition and management solutions, building custom status dashboards for environmental sensors, reporting for product quality audits, and custom checkout/checkin solutions for assets and supplies.Lastly, this job requires constant self-education and development (RHCSA, CCNA, CCA, MSCSA content), extensive teamwork and project planning, and teaching and mentoring of colleagues. This has been core in all that I have been involved with. Show less

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  Cisco Meraki

  Jan 2018 - now

  • Enterprise Architect

    Oct 2023 - now

  • Solutions Architect, Enterprise Infrastructure Engineering

    Oct 2022 - Nov 2023

  • Systems Architect, IT Engineering

    Jan 2018 - Oct 2022