Lead Systems Engineer @ UW Credit Union

Building scalable infrastructure for the modern web

I'm Max Thomas, a Lead Systems Engineer at UW Credit Union based in Madison, WI. I specialize in hybrid cloud architectures, network automation, and building resilient infrastructure at scale.

☁️
Hybrid Cloud
Automation
🔧
DevOps
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Solving complex infrastructure challenges

I architect hybrid cloud solutions and automate enterprise-scale infrastructure using Terraform and Ansible. I design hybrid cloud architectures and drive large-scale network automation across complex environments.

I specialize in Cisco and Meraki network automation with deep API integrations, making enterprise-scale infrastructure manageable and scalable.

Outside of work, I maintain a dual-environment homelab: a private cluster for experimentation and a public VPS for production services. I build everything from AI assistants to game development tools, automation workflows, and smart home integrations.

"Hands-on experimentation with production-grade infrastructure—where learning meets real-world implementation."

5+
Years Experience
50+
Projects Completed
99%+
Homelab Uptime

Technologies & Tools

Cloud & Infrastructure

Terraform Ansible AWS Proxmox

Container Orchestration

Kubernetes Docker Rancher Portainer RKE2

Networking & Security

Cisco Meraki BGP Network Automation AdGuard Home Traefik Authelia

Development & Automation

Python JavaScript Git CI/CD API Design N8N

Storage & Monitoring

TrueNAS ZFS Checkmk Graylog Gitea

AI & Smart Home

Ollama GPT Integration ElevenLabs TTS Voice Control Home Assistant

Technical Portfolio

Selected works

Python Terraform Ansible

Enterprise Network Automation Toolkit

A unified automation toolkit supporting both Cisco on-prem infrastructure and Meraki cloud networks. Streamlines device management, configuration, and BGP peering setup across hybrid environments.

AI Python Voice

Jarvis AI Assistant

Voice-activated Python assistant with wake-word detection, contextual memory, and modular architecture. Uses GPT and ElevenLabs TTS to control Home Assistant, Proxmox, and smart home systems through natural conversation, reducing common administrative tasks from minutes to seconds.

AI Game Dev Python

Roy: AI Life Simulator

An experimental AI-driven life simulator inspired by Rick and Morty's "Roy" game. Combining large language models, dynamic memory, and multi-agent systems to create emergent, replayable life paths.

My testing ground

My homelab is where I experiment safely, validate new technologies, and build production-grade personal projects. Running both private on-prem infrastructure and a public VPS, it mirrors enterprise hybrid cloud environments.

Virtualization & Storage

  • 4-node Proxmox VE Cluster + Backup Server
  • TrueNAS Scale (iSCSI + ZFS)

Orchestration

  • Kubernetes (Rancher, RKE2)
  • Docker + Portainer

Networking & Security

  • AdGuard Home
  • Traefik (Reverse Proxy)
  • Authelia (SSO)

AI & Automation

  • Ollama (Local LLMs)
  • N8N (Workflow Automation)
  • Home Assistant

Media Services

  • Jellyfin

Monitoring & Development

  • Checkmk, Graylog
  • Gitea, Wiki.js
View full setup on Wiki

Let's work together

I'm open to discussing new opportunities, technical consulting engagements, and collaborative projects. Let's discuss how we can work together on your next infrastructure challenge.