CV
Ruan Steyn
DevOps Engineer | Automation & Cloud Specialist | Infrastructure Architect
📍 Rotkreuz, Switzerland
📧 [email protected]
📞 +41 (0)79 192 9357
About Me
I’m a DevOps Engineer with a strong focus on automation, infrastructure, and cloud platforms. My passion lies in building reliable, efficient, and scalable systems — whether on-premises or in the cloud. I thrive in environments where creative problem-solving and technical precision drive results.
My career spans nearly two decades in virtualization, automation, and systems engineering, with extensive experience in VMware, Tanzu Kubernetes Grid, Azure, AWS, and Terraform. I’m currently working remotely from Switzerland, supporting Discovery Holdings’ global platform engineering and automation initiatives.
Languages
- Afrikaans — Full Professional Proficiency
- English — Full Professional Proficiency
- German — Conversational (A2/B1 level)
Core Skills
- Infrastructure Automation (Terraform, vRealize Automation, SaltStack, CodeStream)
- Cloud Platforms: Azure, AWS, VMware Cloud Foundation
- Scripting: PowerShell, Bash, Python, JavaScript
- Kubernetes (Tanzu Kubernetes Grid, k3s, on-prem and cloud deployments)
- Performance troubleshooting and capacity planning
- CI/CD pipelines and environment standardization
- Cloud Security and Compliance Automation
- System architecture, virtualization, and lifecycle management
Career Progression
DevOps Engineer — Discovery Holdings
August 2021 – Present | Johannesburg, South Africa (Remote from Switzerland)
- Manage and automate on-prem Kubernetes clusters using Tanzu Kubernetes Grid (TKGm).
- Deploy and manage Azure and AWS environments.
- Build automation pipelines for provisioning, patching, and compliance.
- Implement security and operational standards across hybrid cloud environments.
- Develop scripts and tools to automate repetitive tasks using PowerShell, Bash, and Python.
- Represent Discovery at the VMware Customer Technical Advisory Board (CTAB).
Technical Specialist (VMware) — Discovery Holdings
April 2013 – August 2021 | Johannesburg, South Africa (Remote since 2014)
- Designed, implemented, and administered VMware vSphere environments.
- Automated key operational workflows with PowerShell and Bash.
- Managed vRealize Operations and Log Insight platforms.
- Supported cloud adoption and automation initiatives across Azure and AWS.
- Built vRealize Automation 8 for hybrid provisioning and lifecycle management.
Senior Systems Engineer — Business Connexion
March 2010 – March 2013 | Johannesburg, South Africa
- Maintained and supported enterprise server environments (Dell, IBM).
- Managed patching, firmware updates, and monitoring systems.
- Administered Hyper-V and VMware vSphere clusters.
- Oversaw SOX compliance and process documentation.
- Led migration projects from physical and Hyper-V environments to VMware.
System Engineer — Business Connexion
May 2008 – March 2010 | Secunda, South Africa
- Provided hardware and OS support for IBM, Dell, and HP servers.
- Implemented new systems and maintained uptime standards.
- Handled disaster recovery and proactive maintenance.
Customer Engineer — Business Connexion
June 2007 – May 2008 | Secunda, South Africa
- Delivered field support for HP, Dell, and IBM devices.
- Managed spare parts logistics and vendor coordination.
Junior Customer Engineer — Business Connexion
October 2006 – May 2007 | Secunda, South Africa
- Managed desktop repair workshop and end-user support.
- Built and deployed Windows XP images for large rollouts.
Professional Certifications
- MCSE 2003
- MCITP Enterprise Administrator
- VMware VCAP 5 — Data Center Administration
- VMware VCP 6.5 — Data Center Administration
- VMware VCP-CMA — Cloud Management & Automation
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ104)
- Terraform Associate (HCTA0-004)
Personal Strengths
- Analytical and methodical under pressure
- Fast learner with a practical approach
- Excellent communication and teaching skills
- Highly organized, reliable, and motivated
Hobbies & Interests
- Aviation and flight training
- Cycling and skiing
- Historical reading
- Travel and exploring new cuisines