Andrew Lafko

About Andrew Lafko

With over a decade of experience, I currently serve as Manager of Solutions Architecture at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where I lead a dynamic team of solutions architects addressing complex scientific and security-focused challenges. My passion lies in fostering team growth, driving impactful solutions, and advancing scientific discovery through cloud-enabled automation and intelligent instrument-centric architectures. By integrating advanced technical strategies and mentoring team members, I aim to contribute to meaningful advancements in the science and technology landscape.At AWS, I have built and scaled a high-performing team, mentored solutions architects, and facilitated supercomputing initiatives by coordinating resources and conducting hands-on technical testing. I\'m passionate about starting with the science and the instruments themselves, then designing cloud-enabled automation and intelligent architectures to accelerate discovery across physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and genomics. I have also driven security remediation processes, including delivering impact analyses to senior leadership and implementing robust policy enhancements. My approach combines strategic oversight, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership to meet and exceed organizational goals.

Experience

1. Manager Solutions Architecture

   Amazon Web Services (AWS)

   Jul 2021 — Present · Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, US

   Built and scaled a high-performing team of solutions architects supporting complex scientific and security-focused challenges• Mentored 10+ solutions architects across multiple teams on career development and technical advancement• Facilitated major supercomputing initiatives through resource coordination and hands-on technical testing• Owned delivery of US Federal-wide technical goals through data analysis, education, and strategic support• Spearheaded security remediation process following policy violation discovery—delivered impact analysis to senior leadership and implemented strengthened policies• Developed staffing and resource allocation strategies integrating scientific and security expertise into hiring, development, and technical account coverage• Leading strategic engagement across AI for science within Federal Civilian team, leveraging scientific expertise to align cloud strategy with customer needs• Enabling scientific instruments in physics, chemistry, genomics, and biochemistry through AWS cloud and AI capabilities

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  BS, Chemistry

  2002 — 2006

Skills

• Ip
• Cloud Computing
• Solution Selling
• Ccna
• Cisco Nexus
• Saas
• Managed Services
• Security
• Cisco Ios
• Switches
• Cisco Technologies
• Ccnp
• Network Security
• Routing
• Networking
• Virtualization
• Storage
• Unified Communications
• Vmware
• Technical Support
• Wireless
• Network Design
• Voip
• Channel Partners
• Data Center
• Bgp
• Linux
• Network Architecture