Rich Knowles
Elgin, IL 60123 · 847-892-6123
Senior Systems Administrator and Innovation Leader with 25+ years revolutionizing enterprise IT infrastructure. Pioneered Motorola's industry-first Certified Factory Image (CFI) program and led global engineering standards adopted across 7 business units worldwide. Architect of production-scale applications including a 2.2M-line WhatsApp messaging platform and the world's first custom MCP server for Linux AI integration. Deep expertise in validated systems, compliance-driven environments, disaster recovery planning, and modern full-stack development. Marine Corps veteran eligible for security clearance. Passionate about building innovative solutions that solve impossible problems. I'm not your typical IT guy. I toured with Slaughter, mixed my own album on Logic Pro X, and approach every project like a rock show—it has to be flawless, on time, and leave everyone wanting more.
Core Competencies
Leadership & Innovation
Global Standards Development | Industry-First Solutions | Cross-Functional Team Leadership | Strategic Planning
Enterprise Systems
System Administration & Configuration | Change Control & Validation | User Access Management | GxP-Ready Documentation | Audit Support & Compliance | Disaster Recovery Planning
Development & Architecture
Full-Stack Development | AI/LLM Integration | Cloud Architecture (AWS/Azure/GCP) | Infrastructure as Code | DevOps | CI/CD
Technical Stack
Languages: Python | Rust | JavaScript/TypeScript | Shell Scripting | SQL | VBScript
Infrastructure: VMware | Proxmox | Docker | Active Directory | Linux | Windows Server
Databases: SQL Server | MySQL | Database Migration & Integration
Cloud: AWS | Azure | GCP | Cloudflare | Linode
Security: SentinelONE | Compliance | Threat Mitigation | Vulnerability Assessment
Tools: Git | Terraform | Ansible | Veeam | Logic Pro X
Experience
Sr. System Administrator & Infrastructure Lead @ iTWerks
2013-04 – Present, Elgin, IL
Administer enterprise systems for 40+ small business clients, managing user provisioning, role assignments, permission management, and maintaining meticulous documentation of all configuration changes and system modifications.
Software Development & Innovation:
- Architected AJ Sender: Professional WhatsApp bulk messaging platform with 2.2 MILLION LINES OF CODE - Production-ready full-stack application: React, TypeScript, Node.js, Docker deployment - Features: CSV contact upload, campaign management dashboard, real-time analytics, dark/light mode UI - SSL support, automated monitoring, scheduled backups, security (CORS, rate limiting) - One-command installation with automated system optimization scripts - Demonstrates modern development practices and production deployment expertise
- Built Peacock: World's first custom Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for Claude Desktop on Linux - Revolutionary AI/system integration providing filesystem access, command execution, directory browsing - Python async programming with security-conscious design (home directory restriction, 30-second timeouts) - Enables context-aware AI assistance with granular, controlled system access - Industry innovation - pioneered custom MCP server development
- Developing Pluck: Wayland-native clipboard intelligence tool in Rust - Modern architecture with workspace crates (CLI, daemon, GUI, shared components) - Context-aware paste intelligence with cloud sync via rclone - GTK4 GUI for native Wayland experience - Demonstrates active skill development in cutting-edge systems programming
- Produced complete music album in Logic Pro X - Solo composition, mixing, and mastering published on SoundCloud - Professional-grade audio engineering demonstrating technical depth and creative problem-solving - Contacted by music producer—demonstrates quality and commercial viability - Proves complex software mastery and project completion capability
Systems Administration & Infrastructure:
- Supported client audits by providing system evidence, access reports, change history, and compliance documentation—critical skills for GxP-regulated environments
- Implemented and maintained change control procedures ensuring all system modifications are documented, tested, and approved before deployment
- Designed and deployed validated system images, custom Active Directory schemas, and automated provisioning workflows
- Built custom Tactical RMM platform (POTA4 - Django/Vue/Go stack) for real-time server/workstation monitoring, automated patching, and proactive alerts
- Performed SQL Server administration including database migrations during M&A activity, integrating acquired firm data into parent environments and resolving access, policy, and identity conflicts
- Managed Microsoft 365 environments, DNS infrastructure (Cloudflare, MXToolBox, Google Workspace), certificate authorities, and backup/disaster recovery systems using Veeam
- Deployed and maintained multi-layered security with SentinelONE, multi-WAN failover firewalls (Cisco, SonicWall, Barracuda), and Ubiquiti UniFi WiFi with AWS EC2 controllers
- Provided 24/7 on-call support, incident response, and root cause analysis for critical system issues
- Performed server sales and licensing as Dell Reseller and Microsoft Partner; designed RAID configurations and storage pools based on capacity planning
- Delivered 99.9% uptime across 40+ client environments over 11+ years
Project Manager @ Structured Communications, Inc. & Anstar Corporation
2007-01 – 2013-04, Illinois
Led enterprise infrastructure deployments and datacenter migrations for healthcare, financial, and union facilities.
- Delivered $30M Central DuPage Hospital infrastructure rollout under budget and ahead of schedule, managing system validation, regulatory requirements, and cross-functional coordination with IT, Operations, and Quality teams
- Decommissioned 560+ legacy servers for NYSE datacenter migration with zero downtime through phased validation, controlled transitions, and meticulous documentation
- Managed system documentation, change requests, and stakeholder communications across multiple business units
- Served as project manager for complete infrastructure buildout at IUOE Local 150's Chicago headquarters on the river—delivered firewall setup, LAN/WAN design, VoIP integration, and Cisco network/robotics deployments
- Led Structured Communications' initial network engineering team as project manager for new Chicagoland market expansion
- Coordinated client briefings and sales-engineering collaboration; successful contract completion led to establishment of Warrenville, IL division
Team Lead | Systems Architect | Asset Manager | Global Standards Chair @ Motorola Solutions
1997-01 – 2006-06, Schaumburg, IL
PIONEERED CERTIFIED FACTORY IMAGE (CFI) PROGRAM — INDUSTRY FIRST
- Founded and led Motorola's Desktop Architecture team, creating the world's FIRST Certified Factory Image (CFI) program
- Revolutionized enterprise deployment by partnering with Dell, HP, and Lenovo to pre-install Motorola's validated system images at the factory before shipping
- Eliminated the operational bottleneck of manually imaging thousands of machines after delivery
- Saved millions in labor costs and deployment time across global operations
- Developed comprehensive validation documentation, testing protocols, and change control procedures for factory-installed images
- Created and maintained system configuration specifications, metadata, and deployment documentation for global rollouts
- This innovation became industry standard practice and is now used by enterprises worldwide
GLOBAL ENGINEERING STANDARDS LEADERSHIP
- Chaired the GLOBAL HARDWARE STANDARDS COMMITTEE
- Established hardware/software requirements adopted across 7 business units worldwide
- Authored division-wide technical specifications and procurement standards
- Led hardware sourcing partnerships with Dell, HP, and IBM for engineering divisions
- Served as technical liaison between IT, vendors, and business units for system validation and compliance activities
DISASTER RECOVERY & COMPLIANCE
- Authored COMPLETE DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN for Motorola's WSDD division
- Created comprehensive DR documentation including recovery procedures, testing protocols, and validation processes
- Led disaster recovery planning and documentation across engineering divisions
- Maintained detailed audit trails for all hardware assets, leases, and system configurations
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Recovered $3M in duplicate charges through meticulous system audits, cross-referencing multiple databases, and line-by-line vendor contract review
- Recognized with maximum bonus, stock awards, and division-wide honors
- Managed user access, permissions, and role assignments for engineering divisions across multiple systems and applications
- Promoted to Team Lead after 6-month initial contract; later promoted to Asset Manager overseeing 3 storerooms and all tracked hardware across engineering labs
- First in program history to zero-out call queue through process optimization and efficiency improvements
Education
PortSwigger Web Security Academy
BSCP in Cybersecurity: Web Application Security (Ongoing), Remote
2025-07 – Present
College of DuPage
Computer Science & Business, Glen Ellyn, IL
1992-09 – 1995-06
United States Marine Corps
Aircraft Electronics (Avionics Technician), Millington, TN
1994-01 – 1995-01
Technical Skills
Languages: Python | Rust | JavaScript/TypeScript | Shell Scripting | SQL | VBScript · Infrastructure: VMware | Proxmox | Docker | Active Directory | Linux | Windows Server · Databases: SQL Server | MySQL | Database Migration & Integration · Cloud: AWS | Azure | GCP | Cloudflare | Linode · Security: SentinelONE | Compliance | Threat Mitigation | Vulnerability Assessment · Tools: Git | Terraform | Ansible | Veeam | Logic Pro X
