Peter Engels
About Peter Engels
Peter Engels is a Linux System Administrator at the U.S. Geological Survey, specializing in automation and security. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Network Security and Administration from Dakota State University and a Master's degree in Computer and Information Systems Security from Western Governors University.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Peter Engels has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Linux System Administrator since 2018. In this role, he has automated various processes, significantly improving efficiency. His work includes automating quarterly data calls for hundreds of machines, which has reduced the time required for these tasks from days to minutes. He also automated system list generation for the Security team at EROS, enhancing the accuracy of asset generation.
Education and Expertise
Peter Engels holds a Bachelor's degree in Network Security and Administration from Dakota State University, which he completed from 2017 to 2020. He further advanced his education by obtaining a Master's degree in Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance from Western Governors University in 2022. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in Linux system administration and automation.
Technical Skills and Proficiencies
Peter Engels is proficient in Python and Bash, utilizing these programming languages primarily for automation tasks. He employs Python and Ansible to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency. His technical skills include automating reporting on vulnerabilities, ensuring timely notifications for vulnerabilities that exceed allowed thresholds, and monitoring thousands of data points for system integrity.
Automation and Process Improvement
Engels has a strong focus on automation and process improvement. He thoroughly documents any code written and procedures developed, adhering to best practices for automation. His initiatives include automating monitoring of mount changes and firewall alterations, which allows for immediate actions to resolve issues as they arise. This proactive approach contributes to maintaining system security and operational continuity.