I build automation that turns repeatable infrastructure work into reliable code. My background spans 15+ years across Windows, VMware, on-prem systems, Azure/AWS, and the practical tooling that keeps teams moving without another round of manual clicking.
- Infrastructure automation specialist with hands-on experience across hardware, Windows Server, virtualization, cloud, and operational support.
- Daily PowerShell user with practical Bash and Python experience for scripting, glue work, and repeatable systems tasks.
- Strong focus on provisioning, patching, VM lifecycle automation, configuration files, and tools that reduce manual operations.
- Comfortable working across on-prem, hybrid, and cloud environments, including VMware vSphere, Azure, and AWS.
- Peer-recognized for automation work, including four peer-nominated awards in three months.
- Active in VMUG Salt Lake City and volunteer IT support for local community services.
| Area | Skills |
|---|---|
| Automation and scripting | PowerShell, Bash, Python, scheduled jobs, repeatable admin workflows |
| Infrastructure | VMware vSphere, vCenter, PowerCLI, physical servers, VM provisioning, server lifecycle automation |
| Windows engineering | Windows Server, unattended installs, autounattend.xml, IIS, PSWindowsUpdate, Chocolatey |
| Cloud | Azure, AWS, ARM/Bicep, Terraform fundamentals |
| Configuration and data | YAML, JSON, Git, GitHub, configuration as code |
| Containers and platforms | Kubernetes fundamentals, Windows containers, Linux fundamentals |
| Tooling and development | C#, .NET/WPF utilities, GitHub Pages, CI/CD basics |
| Operations | Troubleshooting, documentation, incident response, end-user support |
Infrastructure automation for building fresh Windows VMs from ISO instead of depending on manual steps or stale templates.
What it handles:
- Downloads or stages a clean Windows ISO.
- Generates a custom
autounattend.xmlanswer file. - Talks to vCenter through automation to create the VM.
- Mounts installation media, starts the build, patches the system, and deploys the application.
- Uses YAML-driven configuration so the process can be repeated and reviewed like code.
The goal is simple: make clean server builds predictable, auditable, and fast.
- Deepening Terraform and Bicep skills for repeatable cloud deployments.
- Sharpening Kubernetes and Windows container workflows.
- Building more polished automation around provisioning, inventory, cleanup, and operational tooling.
- GitHub: github.com/mikedopp
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikedopp
- Website: mikedopp.com
- Location: Utah