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 making complex systems approachable.

☁️
Hybrid Cloud
Automation
🔧
DevOps
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Building the future, one system at a time

I'm an automation enthusiast with a passion for solving complex problems. I design hybrid cloud architectures and drive large-scale network automation using tools like Terraform, Ansible, and Kubernetes.

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

Outside of work, I run a comprehensive dual-environment setup: a private homelab for internal services and experimentation, plus a public VPS for externally accessible services. I experiment with everything from AI assistants to game development, automation workflows, and smart home integrations.

"Built, broken, and rebuilt — because the best way to learn is to run it yourself."

5+
Years Experience
50+
Projects Completed
24/7
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

Where to find my projects

Selected works

Python Terraform Ansible

Work-Cisco 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 featuring wake-word activation, contextual memory, and modular backend architecture. Integrates GPT and ElevenLabs TTS to control Home Assistant, Proxmox, and other smart home systems through natural voice and text interaction.

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 break things safely, test new ideas, and build personal projects. Running both a private homelab and public VPS, it's a production-grade environment with on-prem and cloud infrastructure.

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 always interested in hearing about new opportunities, collaborations, or just chatting about tech. Feel free to reach out!