About Me

I am a Principal DevSecOps Engineer with 20+ years of experience architecting secure, scalable infrastructure and leading high-impact engineering teams. As an AWS Beta Tester since 2006, I have deep expertise in cloud evolution and enterprise transformation.

I specialize in AI Prompt Engineering for development acceleration, chaos engineering tools, and Infrastructure as Code. I have built and deployed 15+ open-source DevOps tools used by teams worldwide for Kubernetes chaos testing, AWS automation, and CI/CD pipeline optimization.

My expertise spans AWS, Kubernetes, Terraform, Python, Go, and modern AI-assisted development workflows. I founded Beyond The Horizon Labs (BTHL) and maintain active projects in streaming technologies, database automation, and chaos engineering.

Core Competencies

AI Prompt Engineering

Expert-Level Prompting AI-Accelerated Development Code Generation Workflow Automation Pattern Recognition

DevSecOps & Cloud

AWS (Beta Tester) Kubernetes Terraform Jenkins CI/CD Docker Ansible

Software Development

Python Go PHP JavaScript C++ SQL

Chaos Engineering

Tool Development Kubernetes Chaos AWS Disruption Resilience Testing Fault Injection

Robotics & Embedded

Arduino Raspberry Pi Embedded C++ IoT Real-time Systems

Leadership & Mentoring

Team Leadership Technical Mentoring Cross-functional Collaboration Strategic Planning

Featured Projects & Open Source Tools

IaC AWS Jenkins Terraform Automation

Mar 2024 - Present

I showcased the automation of Jenkins deployment on AWS using Terraform. This includes configuring Jenkins on an EC2 instance, setting up an Elastic Load Balancer (ELBv2) with SSL offloading, and automating SSL certificate updates via Lambda. With Terraform, I made infrastructure deployment seamless, ensuring consistency and reliability in CI/CD workflows.

AWS EC2 ELBv2 Lambda Jenkins Terraform SSL/TLS Python
View on GitHub

Chaos Engineering Suite

Jan 2024 - Present

I developed a comprehensive suite of chaos engineering tools including Punk My Pod (Kubernetes pod disruption), GhostedMe (volume deletion), Kuber Kludge (resource termination), Docker Sabotage (container chaos), and Loose Cannon (AWS infrastructure chaos). These tools help DevOps teams identify weaknesses, fortify resilience, and inject controlled chaos into their environments.

Python Kubernetes Docker AWS EC2 Chaos Engineering Helm
View Punk My Pod

The Packet Collector

Dec 2023 - Present

I built ThePacketCollector, a Go application designed to collect network traffic on specified interfaces and send it to a Graylog syslog server. It includes an internal HTTP server for monitoring and logging, demonstrating my expertise in network administration and Go programming.

Go Network Administration Graylog HTTP Server Monitoring
View on GitHub

AWS Automation Suite

Jun 2023 - Present

I developed a comprehensive AWS automation suite including CloudFormation templates, Lambda functions, and Python reporting tools. The suite includes cost estimation, EC2 management, Route53 automation, and Excel report generation with CI/CD integration across multiple platforms.

AWS CloudFormation Lambda Python 3 Cost Optimization Excel Reporting Route53
View CloudFormation

GetStoodUp - AWS Multi-Account Manager

Jun 2023 - Present

I created GetStoodUp, a DevOps ToolSmith project for rapid AWS resource creation following CI/CD best practices. It facilitates multi-account AWS management for SOC 2 compliance and account isolation as part of DevSecOps best practices, powered by the CI/CD Institute.io.

AWS Python SOC 2 Multi-Account DevSecOps CI/CD
View on GitHub

SqlBake - Database Migration Tool

Jun 2012 - Present

I developed SqlBake, a powerful database management tool for SQL scripting, schema changes, and automated operations. Originally developed in 2012 with PHP 5.5/7.1, I updated it to PHP 8.2 with CI/CD database migration capabilities. It's application and codebase agnostic, supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Aurora.

PHP 8.2 MySQL PostgreSQL Database Migrations Docker Aurora
View on GitHub

CastIt - Broadcast Control Panel

Sep 2001 - Present

I built CastIt, a fully-featured legacy Windows broadcasting tool originally in Visual Studio 6. I'm currently reviving and modernizing it for Visual Studio 2022, demonstrating my long-term software maintenance and modernization skills. It's a broadcast streaming control panel with server statistics built in C++ MFC/Win32.

C++ MFC Win32 Visual Studio Legacy Modernization Broadcasting Streaming Media
View on GitHub

Beyond The Horizon Labs (BTHL)

2024 - Present

I founded Beyond The Horizon Labs (BTHL), a pioneering R&D think tank focused on AI-driven healthcare, quantum physics, space exploration, and consciousness research. We're pushing boundaries in human potential, medical science, and cosmic understanding - where the impossible becomes possible.

AI Healthcare Quantum Research R&D Leadership Innovation Consciousness Tech Space Exploration
View Organization

Professional Experience

DevSecOps Lead & AI Prompt Engineer

ClubSpeed (Racing Technology Platform)
Apr 2024 – Dec 2024 | 9 months

I led development of complex hybrid CI/CD pipeline architecture supporting C# Windows desktop applications deployed on-premise at racing event centers, integrated with cloud-based microservices API infrastructure. I implemented AI-assisted development workflows for accelerated code generation.

🏆 Key Achievement:

I built end-to-end CI/CD pipeline supporting desktop application deployment to 50+ racing venues. I reduced deployment complexity from manual 8-hour multi-venue process to automated 30-minute deployment using AI-optimized automation scripts.

C# Desktop Apps Jenkins CI/CD AWS ECS/ECR Kubernetes Node.js Python AI Prompt Engineering

DevSecOps Lead & Infrastructure Developer

MTI - Mobile Technologies Inc.
Jul 2023 – Dec 2023 | 6 months

I led Infrastructure as Code (IaC) implementation with Jenkins CI/CD, CloudFormation, Terraform, and Terragrunt for scalable deployments. I orchestrated Kubernetes containerized applications on Amazon EKS, kOps, and EKS Anywhere.

🚀 Key Achievement:

I built automated CI/CD pipeline that reduced deployment time from 2 hours to 15 minutes while implementing comprehensive testing and automated rollback procedures.

AWS EKS Terraform ArgoCD Helm Python Groovy

Lead DevSecOps Engineer

Various Agencies (Private NDAs)
Jan 2021 – May 2023 | 2+ years

I delivered cutting-edge projects in AWS CI/CD and assisted in Terraform migrations for improved Total Cost of Ownership. I specialized in Bare Metal to ECS and EKS migrations, ensuring SOC2 compliance.

🏅 Key Achievement:

I led Kubernetes bare metal migrations and implemented high availability solutions using Nginx for critical projects. I contributed to development of internal Java Spring tooling.

AWS Terraform Chef Kubernetes Ansible Java Spring

Head of Engineering

FDCServers.NET
Feb 2021 – Nov 2021 | 10 months

I spearheaded establishment of cutting-edge SaaS Business Unit, crafted visionary system architecture, and led multi-project teams with focus on agile methodologies.

🌐 Key Achievement:

I established GEO platform supporting diverse endpoints worldwide, optimizing bare metal MEC capabilities while pioneering revolutionary infrastructure solutions.

Strategic Planning Team Leadership Azure/AWS Hybrid Cloud

Sr. DevOps Engineer & Robotics Developer

Verizon Location Services (MapQuest)
Sep 2016 – Jan 2021 | 4+ years

I led migration of MapQuest's bare metal systems to AWS cloud while developing robotics prototypes and embedded systems. I built autonomous office mapping robots with C++/Python embedded programming.

🤖 Key Achievement:

I designed autonomous office mapping robot with real-time navigation. I was ranked #3 All-Time Contributor in MapQuest enterprise repository system. I successfully deployed embedded Arduino systems in production drones.

C++ Embedded Python Robotics Arduino Raspberry Pi AWS Migration Terraform

Sr. DevOps Engineer

Huron Consulting Group / MyRounding
Mar 2015 – Sep 2016 | 1+ years

I developed full LAMP Stack applications and custom Nagios plugins. I deployed VPN/IPSEC/Openswan/Libreswan across multiple health organizations maintaining HIPAA compliance.

🛡️ Key Achievement:

I successfully achieved SOC2 Type II and HIPAA compliance certifications through technical infrastructure and automated compliance monitoring, directly enabling Huron's acquisition of MyRounding platform.

LAMP Stack HIPAA Compliance SOC2 Jenkins CI/CD AWS

Sr. Software Engineer & Embedded Systems Developer

Roomlinx, Inc.
Oct 2012 – Mar 2015 | 2+ years

I led full product (WifiLinx) life cycle management from creation to deployment. I developed and successfully deployed custom wifi hotspot system to over 60+ Hyatt Hotels during a 3rd party vendor shutdown.

📶 Key Achievement:

I architected and deployed remote firmware update infrastructure supporting thousands of embedded Windows CE devices across hotel properties, achieving reliable over-the-air updates.

Embedded Windows CE LAMP Stack Android Development Firmware Updates

Sr. Network Engineer

Spacial Audio
Dec 2006 – Nov 2009 | 3 years

I designed and deployed Audiorealm YP infrastructure including MySQL 5 cluster with Keepalived and VRRP protocol for high availability. I deployed LAMP stack across 100+ servers supporting global audio streaming platform.

📡 Key Achievement:

I successfully architected and deployed high-availability streaming infrastructure that supported thousands of concurrent audio streams worldwide, demonstrating early expertise in cloud-based media streaming.

MySQL Clustering LAMP Stack Streaming Media High Availability

Founder & Chief Technology Officer

Mediacast1.com (Internet Broadcasting Pioneer)
Mar 2000 – Dec 2006 | 6+ years

I founded and developed one of the first scalable internet radio hosting platforms. I built comprehensive streaming infrastructure supporting hundreds of radio stations with automated load balancing.

⭐ Key Achievement:

I successfully built, scaled, and executed M&A exit of streaming platform serving over 500 radio stations worldwide. I maintained 99.7% uptime during peak Winamp era, demonstrating early expertise in reliable, scalable system design.

C++ Streaming PHP/MySQL Linux Business Development

Professional Recommendations

BB

Bill Baker

Technical Solutions Architect at Dev IQ® • ClubSpeed Team

"David is a competent and passionate DevSecOps engineer. He knows what scalable infrastructure looks like and can speak intelligently to cloud architecture best practices. If you have Jr DevOps team members, David would be a good guy to mentor them."
April 16, 2024
WM

Wil Moore III

AI-native products & rescue code specialist • MapQuest/Verizon Team

"I had the chance to work alongside David at MapQuest/Verizon, and he consistently brightened our team's workdays. Not only is David a genuinely nice and positive gentleman, but he also brings a wealth of knowledge and resourcefulness to the table. He has a knack for coming up with practical solutions and sharing insights that really help move projects forward. David's ability to foster a positive team atmosphere, coupled with his readiness to tackle challenges, makes him a standout team member."
April 12, 2024
JR

Jason Roy

Full Stack, DevSecOps Software Engineer IV at Boeing • Former Colleague

"David St John has a deep understanding of technology and systems engineering. As a mentor to me in my early career, I have had the opportunity to work alongside him and have seen the effort he puts into his work; from his dedication to continuous education of the ever-changing technology landscape to developing strong team relationships and the continuous improvement and delivery of the software systems he works on. David is a great force multiplier to any team."
February 22, 2024
TR

Terence Rarick

ISO 27001, ISO 9001, GDPR Consulting Services • Security Committee

"I worked directly with David on the Information Security Steering committee, in preparation for the ISO 27001 surveillance audit. David's knowledge in data protection and compliance requirements was extremely impressive. He was one of the main reasons in maintaining the certification."
December 6, 2023
MB

Meghan Bucher

Software Engineer at MTI • Web, Android, & iOS Developer

"I had the privilege of working alongside David on the same engineering team at MTI, where he was our DevSecOps Lead. David's deep knowledge, care, and passion for his work are evident in everything he does. David always listens to the team attentively, identifies pain points, and finds creative ways to improve existing systems. His expertise in streamlining operations and implementing efficient, scalable solutions has been invaluable to our team. Beyond his technical abilities, David brings an infectious positivity to the workplace. His upbeat attitude and genuine enthusiasm for his work always increased team morale."
December 2, 2023
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Daniel Lingenfelter

Strategic Visionary & Consultant • Former Colleague

"David is an excellent contributor and tireless in his efforts to always improve the products. Consistently the first one in the office and working across different departments using his skills to move projects forward. David listened and was always able to find creative and constructive solutions to difficult problems. His work habits are excellent and I would look to bring David on to any team with whom I may be working. With David's passion and desire to provide excellent service I would highly recommend him to any organization."
June 6, 2013

Let's Connect

I'm always interested in discussing new opportunities, sharing insights about DevSecOps best practices, or collaborating on innovative projects. Whether you're looking for technical leadership, mentoring, or just want to connect with a fellow engineer, I'd love to hear from you.

Ready to transform your infrastructure? Let's discuss how my 20+ years of cloud evolution experience can accelerate your DevSecOps transformation.

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