Steve Boone

About Steve Boone

I’m Steve — a 25-year IT veteran and Unix/Linux aficionado who builds and manages rock-solid infrastructure that keeps mission-critical operations humming. At Kaiser Aluminum, I leverage deep Unix/Linux expertise to design, maintain, and secure systems that support our aluminum processing and ensure on-time delivery to aerospace and automotive industries.Beyond the OS level, I bring a comprehensive skill set in virtualization, network security, and storage—deploying VMware clusters on Cisco UCS hardware, integrating NetApp and EMC storage solutions, and fortifying networks with Checkpoint firewalls. My background includes leading large-scale virtualization and complex network projects at LifePoint Health, covering over 100 facilities.I’m passionate about automation, system hardening, and building resilient environments that empower teams with secure and reliable access to the applications and data they depend on. When it comes to Unix/Linux, I don’t just manage it—I optimize, troubleshoot, and innovate.

Experience

1. Senior Systems Engineer

   Kaiser Aluminum

   Nov 2022 — Present · Spokane Valley, WA, US

   As a Senior Systems Engineer at Kaiser Aluminum, I specialize in Unix/Linux systems, with significant experience in Windows systems and networking. My role involves managing complex infrastructure, virtualization, and storage solutions while ensuring high availability and performance for Kaiser\'s Flat Rolled Products facility. Key Responsibilities:System Administration: Manage and support Unix/Linux and Windows servers, ensuring system reliability, security, and performance.Virtualization Expertise: Lead virtualization efforts using VMware technologies, including vSphere, vSAN storage, NSX-T networking, and the VMware Aria automation suite.Storage Solutions: Configure and maintain Netapp and EMC storage systems to optimize performance and support data integrity.Networking: Provide advanced networking support, including LAN/WAN configuration and network troubleshooting.Azure Dynamics Rollout: Assist in the rollout of Azure Dynamics, including system updates, scripting for CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure management.Kubernetes Deployment: Work on the deployment and orchestration of Kubernetes clusters, focusing on scalability and containerization.Product Recommendations: Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to provide recommendations on hardware, software, and services that align with organizational needs.Automation & Scripting: Develop automation scripts (e.g, Bash, PowerShell) to streamline operations and improve efficiency.Skills & Technologies:Unix/Linux and Windows system administrationVMware (Aria Automation, NSX-T, vSAN)Netapp, EMC storage systemsNetworking (LAN, WAN, firewalls)Azure Dynamics and cloud infrastructureKubernetes and containerizationBash and PowerShell scripting