Hello I'm

Charles
O'Brien

Bridging Technology and Business for Innovative Solutions

Multi-Disciplinary Tech Leader | Software, DevOps, Security & Data Engineering | Business-Focused Solutions Architect

Scroll to Explore My Expertise


About Me

As a versatile technology leader with over 5 years of engineering experience combined with an additional 10 years of experience in accounting and finance, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to the table. My proficiency spans multiple domains, allowing me to adapt swiftly and deliver high-impact solutions.

I excel in multiple roles, including:

  • Software Engineer
  • DevOps/DevSecOps Engineer
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Data Engineer
  • Full Stack Developer
  • Business Intelligence Developer

This versatility enables me to approach complex challenges from multiple angles, ensuring comprehensive and efficient solutions.

My technical skills encompass a wide range of languages, frameworks, and tools, including:

  • Languages: JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, Python, SQL
  • Frameworks: React, Angular, Next.js, Svelte/SvelteKit, Blazor, .NET
  • Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure
  • DevOps Tools: Azure DevOps, Github Actions, Gitlab CI, Docker, Kubernetes, Dagster
  • Security Frameworks: FedRAMP, NIST 800-53 Rev4/Rev5, DoD CMF

With expertise in cloud platforms and security frameworks, I'm well-equipped to drive digital transformation and ensure regulatory compliance. I'm dedicated to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies, with a focus on:

  • Generative AI
  • Machine Learning
  • Edge Computing

I'm seeking opportunities to leverage my diverse expertise in spearheading technological advancements and driving business growth.


Areas of Expertise



With a multifaceted skill set spanning the full software development lifecycle, I offer comprehensive expertise in:

Software Engineering

Designing, developing, and maintaining robust software solutions. Expertise in multiple programming languages and frameworks to create efficient, scalable applications that solve real-world problems.

Cloud Engineering

Architecting and implementing cloud-based infrastructure and services. Proficient in leveraging cloud platforms to optimize performance, ensure scalability, and enhance security for modern applications.

DevOps Engineering

Bridging development and operations to streamline software delivery. Implementing continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, automating processes, and fostering a culture of collaboration and efficiency.

Data Engineering



Building and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure. Skilled in designing systems to collect, process, and store large volumes of data, enabling effective data analysis and informed decision-making.


Major Projects

Full Stack Enterprise Web Application

Designed and developed a comprehensive full-stack web application for enterprise data management and analytics. This project showcases proficiency in modern web development technologies, cloud deployment, security best practices, and user-centric design.

Key Features

  • Multi-page form system with dynamic dropdowns and confirmation dialogs
  • Data gallery with advanced sorting, filtering, searching, and export capabilities
  • Customizable dashboard with dark mode and interactive data visualization
  • Admin panel for field management, API documentation, and data versioning
  • Robust security measures and comprehensive testing suite
  • Bulk data import using Python Azure Serverless Function
  • Deployment automation using Terraform

Tech Stack

  • Frontend: Next.js, React, TypeScript
  • Backend: Next.js, TypeScript, Python
  • Database: PostgreSQL with Prisma ORM
  • Deployment: Azure App Service with O365 Authentication
  • CI/CD: GitHub Actions
  • Security: Sonarcloud, ESLint, Dependabot, NPM Audit, Terrascan
  • Automation: Terraform
  • Testing: Playwright (E2E), Jest (Unit/Integration)

Azure DevOps CI/CD Pipeline Automation

Spearheaded a major version control and CI/CD pipeline overhaul, modernizing the development process and enhancing security measures.

Key Features

  • Successfully migrated non-version controlled local repositories to a new on-premises Azure DevOps instance, improving code management and collaboration.
  • Designed and implemented new CI/CD pipelines incorporating advanced vulnerability package scanning and dependency management tools, including JFrog X-Ray.
  • Integrated language-specific built-in audit and vulnerability scanners (NPM-Audit for JavaScript/TypeScript, dotnet list package --vulnerable for C#, safety check for Python) alongside Snyk for comprehensive multi-language scanning.
  • Developed a custom solution to programmatically create work items in Azure DevOps from JFrog X-Ray Audit output, prioritizing issues by criticality for efficient resolution.

Tech Stack

  • Frontend: C#, JavaScript, Blazor
  • Backend: C#, .NET 
  • Database: Microsoft SQL Server
  • Deployment: Windows IIS Web Server
  • CI/CD: Azure DevOps
  • Security: NPM Audit, Dotnet List --Vulnerable, JFrog X-Ray
  • Testing: XUnit, NUnit, Mocha

FEDRamp OSCAL Analytics Automation

Developed a Python-based Web Dashboard application that automates the parsing of OSCAL-formatted XML files to create a comprehensive Business Intelligence analytics dashboard. This project was integrated into an existing FedRAMP web application, enhancing its capabilities with advanced data visualization and risk analysis features.


Key Features

  • Automated parsing of OSCAL XML files for efficient data extraction.
  • Interactive BI dashboard presenting aggregated risk and vulnerability data.
  • Drill-down functionality for detailed analysis of risk levels and vulnerability statuses.
  • CVE vulnerability tracking with aging and risk level assessment.
  • FedRAMP guideline adherence recommendations for risk and vulnerability management.

Tech Stack

  • Frontend: Python (Dash)
  • Backend: Python (Flask)
  • Data Processing: Custom Python scripts for OSCAL XML parsing
  • Testing: pytest, pytest-cov
  • Integration: Existing FedRAMP web application

Software Integration: Concur Cloud

Led and developed an automated ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipeline to seamlessly integrate legacy on-premises banking software with Concur's cloud-based expense management system. This project significantly streamlined the Accounts Payable process, eliminating hours of daily manual work.

Key Features

  • Automated data extraction from legacy banking applications
  • Data transformation to align with Concur's required format
  • API integration for bidirectional data flow between legacy systems and Concur
  • Reverse transformation of approved expense data for legacy system compatibility
  • Fully automated file transfers and movement, eliminating manual intervention

Tech Stack

  • Languages: Python, PowerShell
  • Data Processing: Custom Python scripts
  • Testing: Pytest, Postman
  • Systems: Legacy on-premises banking software, Concur cloud instance

High Volume WebSocket Client

Developed a high-performance WebSocket client in C# as a critical component of a larger financial reconciliation system. This client was integral to processing and verifying Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) transactions from numerous merchants.

Key Features

  • Implemented a robust C# WebSocket client capable of handling hundreds of concurrent connections.
  • Designed the client to efficiently listen for and process real-time event messages from merchant systems.
  • Integrated the client into a larger tool that aggregated and reconciled EFT transactions throughout the day.
  • Enabled end-of-day processing verification, ensuring accurate totaling and reconciliation of all transactions.

Tech Stack

  • Languages: C#
  • Back-End: C#, .NET Core
  • Database: PostgreSQL
  • CI/CD: Gitlab CI
  • Testing: XUnit

GRC Integration & Vulnerability Reporting

Contributed to a complex GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) application integration and image hardening solution, focusing on advanced security measures and data management:


Key Features

  • Implemented secure network architecture using VPCs and Bastion Jumphosts to enhance system security.
  • Performed container hardening to meet stringent standards using tools such as Anchore Grype, Trivy, Wiz, and Tenable Nessus.
  • Designed and developed ETL pipelines to process vulnerability scanning reports from CI/CD pipelines, transforming raw data into a structured format for secure storage in an AWS data warehouse.
  • Created a data model that condensed CI/CD reporting data into manageable tables for import into Regscale, facilitating efficient management and reporting.

The ETL process handled a wide range of vulnerability data, including:

  • Basic vulnerability information (affected packages, CVE numbers, CVSS scores, severity ratings)
  • Detailed vulnerability descriptions and attack vectors
  • Temporal information and remediation details
  • References to official advisories and related vulnerabilities
  • Scanning metadata and assignee information
  • Custom tagging and dependency analysis

Tech Stack:

  • Languages: Python
  • Database: Microsoft SQL Server
  • Security: Nessus Tenable, Trivy and Grype
  • Testing: Pytest, Postman

Skills & Tools

Programming Languages

  • Python

  • Javascript

  • Typescript

  • C#

  • SQL

Front End
Frameworks

  • React

  • Angular

  • NextJS

  • Blazor

  • Svelte/SvelteKit

Back End
Frameworks

  • Express

  • Django

  • Flask

  • ASP.NET Core

  • .NET Framework

DevOps Tooling

  • Azure DevOps

  • Github Actions

  • Gitlab CI/CD

  • Docker

  • Kubernetes

  • Dagster

Cloud
Platforms

  • Azure

  • AWS

  • GCP

  • Vercel

  • Heroku

  • IaC / Terraform

Testing
Frameworks

  • Jest

  • Mocha

  • Pytest / Unittest

  • Selenium

  • Playwright

  • XUnit / NUnit

Security &
Vulnerability
Scanning

  • SonarQube

  • Snyk / Snyk IaC

  • Nessus Tenable

  • OWASP

  • Trivy / Grype

  • JFrog X-Ray

  • TFSec / Terrascan

Database
Technologies

  • SQL Server

  • PostgreSQL

  • Redis / Elasticache

  • CosmosDB

  • Aurora / Hyperscale

  • GraphQL


Work Experience

Software Engineer
Full Stack & DevOps
C2 Labs, Inc.

9717 Cogdill Rd #101, Knoxville, TN 37932

September 2022 - Current
Full-Time
Software Integration Engineer
Finxact

1301 Riverplace Blvd #2501, Jacksonville, FL 32207

September 2021 - September 2022
Full-Time
Data Engineer
SmartBank

2430 Teaster Ln Ste 205 Pigeon Forge, TN, 37863-5274

June 2020 - September 2021
Full-Time
Sr. Business Intelligence Developer
Magna Exteriors

675 Corporate Pkwy, Belvidere, IL 61008

May 2019 - June 2020
Full-Time

Certifications

Databricks Fundamentals Accreditation

October 2024

Generative AI Fundamentals Accreditation

October 2024


Education

The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Master's of Science in Accounting

1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294

2014 - 2015
Graduated
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor's of Science in Accounting

1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294

2011 - 2012
Graduated

Testimonials

Tom Volpe Jr., CISSP, CISM, PMP

VP - Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance, C2 Labs, Inc.

“I highly recommend Charles for any position requiring a strong ability to learn and implement innovative technologies. I have had the pleasure of working with Charles on various projects, where his ability to quickly grasp new technologies and apply them effectively was remarkable. He consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in areas like OSCAL, cloud technologies, and full-stack development, which enabled him to spearhead crucial automation processes and develop innovative solutions that significantly improved our project outcomes. 

Charles’s technical versatility and passion for continuous learning make him an outstanding asset to any organization. His ability to quickly master complex technologies and apply them to solve real-world problems speaks volumes about his dedication and capability.“

Danny Etheredge

Cybersecurity Program Manager

“I worked closely with Charles O’Brien over the past 1.5 years and he has shown himself to be an extremely knowledgeable DevOps engineer. While working together, we collaborated on several DevOps and cybersecurity compliance projects, supporting customers in meeting FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorization frameworks. Charles’ expertise and diligence were vital to bringing these projects to successful conclusions and, as the project manager, I heard firsthand how the customers appreciated his contributions. 

Also, I value Charlie’s willingness to provide hands-on support or expert advice, regardless of whether he was directly involved with a project. I appreciate him and I would be happy to work with him again.“

Geoff Mazeroff

Software Engineering Manager, Regscale

“Charles played a critical role in delivering high-quality technical solutions to complex, non-trivial problems. He demonstrated exceptional skills in building out several integrations with industry-standard tools that our customers use and consistently ensured that his work was well-organized and clearly communicated. His willingness to assist other engineers and his ability to dive head-first into any technical challenge made him a key part of our success. I highly recommend Charles for any role that requires technical expertise, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. He would be a excellent addition to any team.“

Daryl Scrivner, CISSP

Sr. Security Engineer, Guidepoint Security

“I always found Charles to be extremely knowledgeable in the field of data engineering/software development. He understood how things worked at a deeper level, and was constantly looking for improvements to the processes he designed and implemented. He understood the details from the hardware all the way up to the reporting. He was easy to work with and was an immediate asset to the team. I would highly recommend Charlie as a standout employee, person, and developer to anyone looking for help on their team.“

Lisabeth Uranga

Technical Project Manager, C2 Labs, Inc.

"I strongly recommend Charlie, with whom I have had the privilege of working closely at C2 Labs on numerous projects, where he served as both a Data Engineer and Full Stack DevOps Engineer while I served as the Project Manager.

Charlie consistently demonstrates the ability to navigate complex projects while delivering high-quality solutions. His technical proficiency is impressive, but what truly distinguishes him is his leadership in driving teams toward successful outcomes. Whether troubleshooting challenges or devising innovative solutions, Charlie leads by example, guiding with clarity and purpose."

Get in Touch

I'm open to roles where I can leverage my diverse expertise to spearhead technological advancements and drive business growth. Let's connect to explore how we can create impactful, scalable solutions together!

Prefer a specific contact method? Feel free to reach out through any of these channels.

linkedin.com/in/charles-obrien-sr/
charles.a.obrien@outlook.com
@COBrienSr
205-568-8394
https://github.com/cobriensr