Jess Jacobs
About Jess Jacobs
Jess Jacobs is a Senior Engineering Manager with extensive experience in software development and engineering management. Currently based in Los Angeles, California, Jacobs has worked in various roles across multiple companies, specializing in Cloud Native Architecture and Infrastructure as Code.
Work at Second Nature
Currently, Jess Jacobs serves as a Senior Engineering Manager at Second Nature, a position held since 2024. In this role, Jess is responsible for overseeing engineering projects and managing teams to ensure the successful delivery of technology solutions. The work is based in Los Angeles, California, where Jess applies extensive experience in engineering management to drive innovation and efficiency within the organization.
Previous Experience in Engineering and Development
Prior to joining Second Nature, Jess Jacobs held several significant positions in the tech industry. From 2016 to 2019, Jess worked as Head of Engineering Management at Analytics Fire in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Following this role, Jess served as Director of DevOps/Platform Engineering & Application Development at R-Zero from 2021 to 2022. Additionally, Jess worked as a DevSecOps Engineer at Spathe Systems from 2020 to 2022 and as a Technical Lead & Full Stack Developer at awarnys llc from 2013 to 2016.
Education and Certifications
Jess Jacobs has a diverse educational background, having studied at multiple institutions. Jess attended Berklee College of Music, focusing on Production, Songwriting, and Music Theory from 2003 to 2011. Further studies include music technology at New York University and DevOps & Digital Transformation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Jess achieved certification in 2020. Additional studies at Harvard University covered World History, Sustainable Development, and Communication Protocols.
Technical Expertise and Specializations
Jess Jacobs specializes in Cloud Native Architecture and Infrastructure as Code, with a strong focus on technologies such as Kubernetes, RHEL, OpenShift, Ansible, and AWS. Jess is recognized for engineering award-winning web and audio solutions for high-pressure, non-standard live performances. Additionally, Jess has built platforms, pipelines, and applications to support critical operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
Leadership and Team Management
Throughout Jess Jacobs' career, there has been a consistent focus on leadership and team management. Jess has managed teams ranging from 3 to 50 members across both technical and non-technical roles. Known for building efficient pipelines and maintaining high team morale, Jess is also sought after for the ability to translate technical matters for non-technical audiences and for documentation skills.