Richard Mussell III
Infrastructure & Systems Engineer
Building enterprise-grade infrastructure with a focus on automation, security, and scalability
Infrastructure Engineer specializing in cloud-native systems, container orchestration, and enterprise security. I design and implement scalable infrastructure solutions that balance performance, security, and operational excellence. With hands-on experience across the full stack—from network configuration and system hardening to CI/CD automation and cloud architecture—I bring a comprehensive approach to infrastructure engineering.
My work focuses on applying enterprise-grade practices to build reliable, secure, and maintainable systems. Whether deploying Kubernetes clusters, automating infrastructure with Terraform, or implementing security controls, I prioritize solutions that are production-ready and aligned with industry best practices.
Professional Background
Homelab Engineering & Linux Systems Management
CORE EXPERTISE
Hands-on experience running a multi-device homelab centered on secure application hosting, Linux systems management, and cybersecurity experimentation. Skilled in virtualization, container orchestration, automated deployments, log centralization, system hardening, and OpSec best practices. Maintain and secure self-hosted services across Ubuntu Server and Raspberry Pi environments.
Cybersecurity Specialization (University Program)
CORE EXPERTISE
Experience in system hardening, enterprise security architecture, SIEM operations, secure network design, incident response procedures, and adversarial techniques mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Training in Red Hat Linux administration, digital forensics workflows, applied security principles, and implementing security controls aligned with industry standards.
Security Operations Exposure (SOC Training)
CORE EXPERTISE
SOC-modeled environment through the PISCES (Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System) program, monitoring municipal networks and contributing to real-time threat detection for public-sector organizations. Strengthened capabilities in SIEM operations using Kibana, advanced log analysis, incident triage and escalation, event documentation, and end-to-end threat investigations. Completed specialized training focused on cybersecurity support for schools, local governments, and nonprofits, including instruction in security telemetry, early threat detection, incident response procedures, threat hunting, intrusion detection, vulnerability assessment, and operational security best practices.
System Hardening & Security Configuration
CORE EXPERTISE
Experience applying security hardening standards to Windows and Linux systems using CIS benchmarks, baseline policies, and configuration workflows. Tasks include firewall rule setup, service minimization, privilege reduction, secure authentication, system hardening with Windows hosts, implementing SSH hardening, and secure logging.
Cisco Networking Academy
CORE EXPERTISE
Completion of the CCNA Introduction to Networks curriculum, including configuration of rack-mounted Cisco routers and switches, device initialization, interface setup, VLAN and trunk configuration, port security enforcement, routing implementation, and verification using show/debug commands. Practical network topologies, connecting switches and servers, structured troubleshooting, subnetting, IP addressing schemes, executed pathing, ARP and DHCP behavior, and validated end-to-end connectivity in lab environments.
Resume Hosted on GCP
My resume is hosted on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and configured with Terraform for infrastructure as code, demonstrating expertise in cloud infrastructure automation and best practices.
View Resume PDF →Core Skills
Cloud Platforms (Azure & AWS)
Proficient in designing and deploying cloud architectures across Azure and AWS. Experience implementing secure, scalable, and cost-optimized solutions. Integrating compute, networking, storage, and identity services into cohesive environments.
Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
Building modular, production-ready Infrastructure as Code solutions using Terraform. Skilled in managing remote state, implementing reusable modules, enforcing version control workflows, and applying 'git-ops' best practices across multi-environment deployments.
Containerization (Docker)
Developing and maintaining containerized application environments. Experienced with containerized flexible builds, multi-stage workflows, image hardening, and enabling container-based development and testing pipelines.
CI/CD Pipelines
Capable of designing and maintaining automated CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps. Experience integrating build automation, security scanning, infrastructure deployments, and environment promotion workflows into streamlined delivery processes.
Systems Administration (Windows & Linux)
Strong operational background across Windows server and Linux systems. Skilled in directory services, Group Policy, system hardening, patching, workflow, shell scripting, and troubleshooting across hybrid cloud and on-premises environments.
Virtualization & Homelabs
Building advanced lab environments using Hyper-V, Raspberry Pi clusters, and virtual networks to simulate cloud-like and hybrid infrastructure scenarios. Leveraging homelabs for continuous skill development, testing, and automation experiments.
Networking & Hybrid Connectivity
Robust understanding of networking concepts including routing, VPN, load balancing, DNS, firewall rules, and VPC/VNet architecture. Experience operating secure cloud networking, on-premises connectivity, and troubleshooting multi-layer network issues.
Secrets & Identity Management
Managing identities, service principals, and secure credentials across cloud platforms. Implementing RBAC, MFA enforcement, least-privilege models, automated secret rotation, and secure vault integrations to protect infrastructure and workflows.
Cybersecurity & Cloud Security Practices
Applying security best practices across infrastructure, implementing defense-in-depth strategies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Monitoring, Logging & Observability
Designing and implementing end-to-end observability solutions using tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, Azure Monitor, CloudWatch, ELK/Elastic, or Loki. Skilled in metric collection, alerting, log aggregation, tracing, and optimizing system health visibility.
Let's Connect
Interested in discussing infrastructure challenges, automation strategies, or potential collaboration opportunities?