Hello, I'm
Jesse Chenhalls

Full Stack Infrastructure Engineer & Cloud Consultant

With over 18 years of experience, I specialize in architecting, automating, and optimizing complex Linux, Virtualization, and Cloud environments. My expertise drives efficiency, enhances stability, and delivers measurable impact for leading enterprises.

Jesse Chenhalls Profile Picture

About Me

I am Jesse Chenhalls, an Infrastructure Engineer and Cloud Consultant with a passion for building robust, scalable, and automated systems. My career spans over 18 years, during which I've specialized in Linux, virtualization (VMware), storage, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. I thrive in dynamic environments, transforming complex technical challenges into streamlined solutions that drive business value.

My expertise extends from hands-on system administration and engineering to strategic consulting and technical account management. I have a proven track record of resolving critical outages, optimizing performance, and developing comprehensive documentation and processes. I'm adept at bridging the gap between technical teams and C-level stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on critical projects.

A significant part of my work involves automation, leveraging tools like Puppet and scripting (Bash, Python) to enhance efficiency and reliability. I've been instrumental in building 24x7 infrastructure support teams and contributing to some of the largest sales in VMware's history. My focus is always on delivering measurable results and fostering continuous improvement.

Experience

18+ years of professional experience in infrastructure engineering and cloud solutions

Certifications

Multiple industry-leading certifications (AWS, VMware, Linux Foundation, Puppet)

Education

Self-taught professional with extensive hands-on experience and continuous learning through certifications.

Location

Denver, Colorado, United States
Available for remote and hybrid engagements

Services I Offer

  • Cloud Infrastructure Design & Deployment (AWS, Azure)
  • VMware vSphere & vSAN Optimization
  • Linux System Administration & Engineering (RHEL, Ubuntu, CentOS)
  • Automation & Scripting (Puppet, Bash, Python)
  • Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Planning
  • Technical Consulting & Incident Management

Work Experience

My professional journey in designing, deploying, and optimizing complex IT infrastructures.

Linux | Virtualization | Cloud - Consultant | Contractor

Freelance | Aug 2023 - Present

Providing expert consulting services to large enterprises, focusing on automation, infrastructure support, and cloud migration strategies.

  • Automated VMware vSphere feature and stability testing for a major telecom, integrating processes into Gitlab within a SAFe Agile framework.
  • Established a 24x7 internal Infrastructure Support team for the world's largest hotel chain, overseeing outsourced L1-L2 teams for critical incident management across thousands of RHEL, AIX, Windows, Azure, and AWS servers.
  • Provided critical network troubleshooting and planning for medical practitioners, ensuring robust and reliable infrastructure.
Automation Cloud Computing VMware Linux AWS Azure

Staff Product Engineer

VMware | Jun 2016 - Dec 2022

Served as a hybrid Product Support, Systems Engineering, and Technical Account Manager, addressing complex technical challenges and driving solutions for large enterprises and government organizations.

  • Resolved complex technical issues involving VMware products integrated with servers, storage, networks, Linux, Windows, and cloud providers (AWS, Azure, Google).
  • Collaborated with engineering teams on vSphere, DR/Replication, vSAN, Virtual Desktop, and Tanzu Container platforms to identify and rectify bugs and performance bottlenecks.
  • Successfully de-escalated critical situations, bringing customers back from severe outages and providing strategic guidance to C-level executives. Recognized with MVP and Outstanding awards for consistently high customer satisfaction.
VMware vSAN vSphere Cloud Computing Linux Troubleshooting Disaster Recovery

Senior Infrastructure Engineer - Service Delivery

Hosting - Now Ntirety | Jun 2012 - Jun 2016

Responsible for the deployment, management, and optimization of customer server, networking, and storage array systems, ensuring seamless service delivery.

  • Deployed and managed large-scale customer environments, including vSphere virtualization and various Linux/Windows operating systems with applications like Nginx, Apache, MySQL, and IIS.
  • Developed new processes for the company's initial ventures into AWS and Azure Cloud offerings, facilitating early cloud adoption.
  • Automated repeatable tasks using Puppet and scripting, significantly improving efficiency and reliability compared to existing Chef-based systems.
Provisioning Puppet VMware Storage Linux Cloud Consulting

Freelance Web Developer and Host

Self Employed | Mar 2009 - Jun 2012

Designed, developed, and maintained custom web solutions, and managed server infrastructure for various clients.

  • Developed and maintained Drupal and Magento websites using PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Managed CentOS Linux servers running Nginx, MySQL, and Postfix for web hosting and email services.
  • Implemented a complete system for customer self-service ordering, management, and support, and automated VPS deployment using Puppet and bash scripting.
Web Development PHP MySQL Linux Scripting Puppet

Technical Skills

My expertise spans across various technologies and frameworks critical for modern infrastructure and cloud environments.

Cloud & Virtualization

VMware vSphere 95%
AWS & Azure 85%
VMware vSAN 90%
Cloud Consulting 90%
Disaster Recovery 88%

OS & Automation

Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu) 95%
Bash Scripting 90%
Puppet 85%
Python 75%
Windows Server 80%

Networking & Storage

Networking 90%
SAN/NAS Storage 88%
Network Security 80%
Fibre Channel/iSCSI 85%
Firewalls 78%

Other Skills & Technologies

Docker Cloud Foundry (PCF) MySQL LAMP Administration Troubleshooting Project Management Customer Service Consulting Data Center Operations Web Development (PHP, HTML, CSS, JS)

Get In Touch

Have a project in mind or want to discuss a potential collaboration? I'd love to hear from you!

Contact Information

Location

Denver, Colorado
United States

Working Hours

Flexible for remote and project-based work

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