David Newcomb

David Newcomb

IT Architect | Infrastructure & Automation Strategist

Experienced IT Architect and Infrastructure Specialist with a proven record of designing, integrating, and automating enterprise-scale systems. Recognized for leading modernization initiatives, mentoring technical staff, and developing architecture standards that improve scalability, security, and efficiency. Skilled in aligning infrastructure strategy with organizational goals, integrating on-prem and cloud environments, and fostering collaboration across operations, cybersecurity, and development teams. Known for bridging technical depth with leadership vision to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions.

Experience

IT Architect

Idaho National Laboratory · Idaho Falls, ID

Jul 2025 – Present

Serve as a technical lead and architect for enterprise infrastructure supporting national research and operational systems. Provide architectural direction across Linux, storage, virtualization, automation, cloud, and emerging technologies, developing standards and solutions that improve scalability, reliability, security, and operational consistency. Lead technical design and troubleshooting efforts across multidisciplinary teams, evaluating new technologies and translating organizational requirements into practical infrastructure solutions. Guide automation and configuration-management strategy using Ansible and related tooling, with an emphasis on repeatable deployments and standardized configurations. Partner with cybersecurity, networking, data engineering, and research teams to ensure solutions align with organizational requirements and applicable DOE, FISMA, and NIST standards. Mentor engineers and administrators in troubleshooting, system design, automation, and architectural decision-making while remaining hands-on with complex infrastructure challenges and modernization efforts, including hybrid cloud, enterprise storage, containerization, and infrastructure supporting AI and machine-learning workloads.

Linux System Administrator

Idaho National Laboratory · Idaho Falls, ID

Nov 2021 – Jul 2025

Administered and supported enterprise Linux infrastructure underpinning national research and operational systems. Managed RHEL and Ubuntu environments across physical and virtual infrastructure, including multi-petabyte enterprise storage and systems integrated with Azure and AWS platforms. Developed Ansible playbooks and configuration baselines to automate system provisioning, patching, configuration, and routine administration, improving consistency and reducing manual effort. Troubleshot complex Linux, storage, networking, and application issues and collaborated with cybersecurity, networking, and data engineering teams to maintain reliable and compliant infrastructure. Supported infrastructure modernization, containerization, and emerging technology initiatives while helping maintain systems in accordance with DOE, FISMA, and NIST requirements.

System Architect

National Strength and Conditioning Association · Colorado Springs, CO

Oct 2019 – Nov 2021

Directed enterprise infrastructure architecture and IT operations for a national membership organization, overseeing system design, helpdesk, and operations teams to ensure reliability, scalability, and security across all technology services. Led modernization initiatives integrating hybrid Windows and Linux environments, leveraging virtualization, storage optimization, and cloud-readiness strategies. Implemented PowerShell and SNMP-based automation to streamline patching, monitoring, and asset management—reducing maintenance overhead and improving system visibility. Provided hands-on leadership and mentorship to IT staff, fostering skill growth in automation, documentation, and problem resolution while building a collaborative and service-focused culture. Partnered with executive leadership to align infrastructure strategy, security, and performance goals with long-term business objectives.

System Administrator

National Strength and Conditioning Association · Colorado Springs, CO

Dec 2016 – Oct 2019

Managed and optimized the organization's IT infrastructure, ensuring reliability, security, and performance across servers, storage, and network systems. Implemented proactive maintenance and patching strategies that reduced downtime and strengthened system stability. Supported modernization projects involving virtualization, Active Directory, and storage expansion, contributing to scalable infrastructure growth. Collaborated closely with leadership to align technology priorities with organizational goals and began formalizing internal documentation, maintenance procedures, and automation workflows that evolved into enterprise standards. Provided mentorship and advanced troubleshooting support to operations staff, laying the groundwork for a more structured and efficient IT environment.

Software Developer

National Strength and Conditioning Association · Colorado Springs, CO

Aug 2015 – Dec 2016

Developed and modernized internal applications and legacy systems to improve usability, reporting, and performance. Collaborated with stakeholders to translate business needs into functional software solutions, laying the groundwork for process automation and infrastructure integration later adopted across the organization.

Web Developer

Cherokee Nation Technology Services · Fort Carson, CO

Sep 2013 – Aug 2015

Designed, developed, and maintained over 1,200 secure web applications supporting U.S. Army operations. Modernized outdated platforms to improve accessibility, performance, and compliance with federal security standards.

SharePoint Lead

Vista International Operations

Apr 2010 – Sep 2013

Led the design and deployment of SharePoint solutions that streamlined IT workflows, automated reporting, and supported over 9,000 deployed personnel. Developed and implemented systems that reduced work order resolution time and improved operational visibility.

Tactical Network Specialist

United States Marine Corps Reserve

Jun 2006 – Feb 2010

Supported the deployment and maintenance of tactical data networks in high-demand operational environments. Ensured secure, reliable communications and mission continuity through disciplined network management and field readiness.

Skills

Enterprise & Cloud Architecture

AzureAWShybrid datacenter designcapacity planningpolicy developmentdocumentationsystems modernization

Automation & Configuration Management

AnsiblePowerShellPythonBashInfrastructure as CodeGitGitLab CI/CDpatch automationconfiguration standardization

Virtualization & Infrastructure Platforms

VMware vSphereESXivCenterDockerKubernetesDell EMCNetAppCephhigh availabilitydisaster recoverynetwork virtualization

Operating Systems & Identity Management

RHEL 5-9UbuntuWindows Server 2013-2022Active DirectoryGroup PolicyIAMMFASSO

Security & Compliance

system hardeningvulnerability remediationFISMANIST SP 800-53CIS benchmarksMFAaudit documentationsecurity automation

AI Infrastructure

GPU-optimized serversAI model deploymentdata pipelinesscalable storagesecure research environmentsnon-HPC compute clusters

Leadership & Collaboration

team mentorshipcross-functional collaborationstakeholder engagementoperations oversightroadmap planningexecutive communication

Tools & Supporting Technologies

ServiceNowOffice 365Exchange OnlineSharePointTeamsmonitoringperformance tuningCisco networkingGitGitHub

Certifications

Azure Fundamentals

Microsoft · Dec 2024

Security+

CompTIA · Mar 2020

Green IT Specialist

CompTIA · Sep 2013

Network+

CompTIA · Jul 2010

A+

CompTIA · Jul 2010

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business, Information Systems

University of Colorado Colorado Springs · May 2025

Associate of Applied Science, Computer Information Systems

Pikes Peak Community College · May 2017

Associate of Applied Science, Computer Networking Technology

Pikes Peak Community College · May 2017