# Richard Kelsch

[![Author](pics/author.jpg?raw=true "Richard Kelsch")](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5cJD5heaV0)

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I am a Perl Programmer and Linux System Administrator by profession.  I specialize in code optimization and multi-threading.  I have been coding professionally for nearly 4 decades.  I am a [published author](#achievements) as well.

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# RESUME

# RICHARD KELSCH

**Sandy, UT** (Open to 100% Remote / Distributed Roles)

* **LinkedIn:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkelsch/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkelsch/)
* **GitHub:** [https://github.com/richcsst](https://github.com/richcsst)
* **MetaCPAN:** [https://metacpan.org/author/RKELSCH](https://metacpan.org/author/RKELSCH)

## PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Highly accomplished Infrastructure Engineer and Software Developer with over two decades of experience specializing in high-performance Perl development, Linux Systems Administration, and large-scale system optimization. Proven track record of architecting automated solutions that eliminate manual overhead, managing global data center clusters completely via remote orchestration, and developing open-source utilities. Expert in diagnosing complex system anomalies and keeping mission-critical systems running with maximum uptime.

## CORE ACHIEVEMENTS & OPEN SOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS

* **CPAN Module Creator & Maintainer:**
* `Graphics::Framebuffer` – A Perl graphics module for drawing directly on Linux framebuffer devices.
* `Debug::Easy` – A modular, switchable debugging utility designed to remain safely in production code.
* `Term::ANSIEncode` – A utility utilizing a simple markup language to generate ANSI color and graphics output.


* **Published Programmer:** Feature author in *ST Format Magazine* (Issue #65, Cover Disk).
* **Financial Impact:** Re-architected infrastructure for *Retired.com*, saving the organization **$50,000 monthly** in operational and server overhead costs.

## TECHNICAL SKILLS

* **Linux & Systems Admin:** Apache, Nginx, IIS, SOAP, REST, TCP/IP, MySQL, Oracle, Security Auditing, Remote Cluster Orchestration, Solutions Implementation.
* **Programming Languages:** Perl (mod_perl, Template Toolkit, emb_perl, OOP), JavaScript (Ajax, jQuery), HTML5, CSS, Bash, C-Shell, eZ80/Z80 Assembler, PHP, C / C# (debugging and modification).
* **Operating Systems:** Linux (RedHat/RHEL, Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, SUSE), Windows Server, True-64 Unix, Apple OS-X, FreeBSD, Solaris.
* **Specialties:** Infrastructure design, parallel processing, code & process optimization, automated workflows, asynchronous systems engineering.
* **Tools & DevOps:** Git, Perforce, Nagios, ClearCase, Reviewboard, Electric Commander, Configuration Management, AI Developer Tools.

## PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

### Estee Lauder (Contracted via Cognizant)

**Senior Linux System Administrator (100% Remote)** | *October 2020 – October 2025*

* Remotely managed and orchestrated large-scale, high-availability Linux clusters across four global data centers for a major multinational consumer brand.
* Provided expert high-tier technical support to distributed client engineering teams for seamless asynchronous code deployment across staging and production systems.
* Diagnosed and resolved complex Linux server anomalies remotely, significantly enhancing global system reliability, security, and performance.
* Maintained flawless system availability through proactive remote monitoring, configuration automation, and log analysis.

### CargoTel

**Perl Software Engineer / Linux System Administrator** | *November 2014 – April 2020*

* Updated, optimized, and maintained a core enterprise web application written in mod_perl, improving stability and transaction speed.
* Engineered custom API interfaces to integrate Git, Zoho, and ProWorkFlow into a unified, automated ecosystem.
* Managed, updated, and configured critical Linux infrastructure services including Apache, Nagios, and Nginx.
* Authored comprehensive technical and architectural documentation for department staff to streamline onboarding and asynchronous cross-training.

### Qualcomm (Contracted via WinMax Systems Inc.)

**Release Engineer** | *July 2013 – September 2013*

* Managed server environments hosting instances of ExtraView, Apache Web Server, and Apache Tomcat.
* Created customized Perl scripts for intercommunication between applications, databases, and automated server maintenance routines.
* Developed clear technical documentation for engineering staff to ensure release consistency.

### Cricket Communications (Contracted via Insight Global)

**Perl Internal Applications Engineer** | *June 2012 – August 2012*

* Developed and managed internal, secure Perl file transfer automation scripts to safely exchange sensitive data between clients and SOX auditing firms.
* Leveraged Object-Oriented Perl (OOP) and Oracle database technologies to ensure high-security compliance.

### Broadcom Inc. (Contracted via Apex Systems)

**Perl Internal Applications Engineer** | *December 2009 – March 2012*

* Developed internal Perl/HTML/JavaScript client and server applications focused on infrastructure automation and process control.
* Wrote robust automation scripts to facilitate interactive workflows between Perforce, ReviewBoard, Git, Electric Commander, and Linux Bash.
* Specialized in complex code optimization and parallel processing to handle large enterprise data streams.
* Utilized an agile tech stack including Perl, PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, XML, REST, and Apache across hybrid Linux and Windows environments.

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### PRIOR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

* **E.F. Johnson Technologies** | *Perl Embedded Software Engineer* (2008 – 2009)
* Co-designed Network Management Software (NMS) for IP25 digital radio systems used by government and emergency services.


* **Napster Music LLC** | *Perl Internal Applications Engineer* (2005 – 2008)
* Developed internal server automation, ticketing, and client management tools using mod_perl, Template Toolkit, and MySQL.


* **4Retired.com** | *Chief Information Officer (CIO)* (2003 – 2004)
* Oversaw complete IT infrastructure and streamlined server management on RedHat Linux to maximize uptime.


* **eBuilt** | *Perl Software Engineer / System Auditor* (2003)
* Audited and mapped data replication for 36 multi-OS servers during a complex data center migration.


* **My Home Technology** | *Chief Information Officer (CIO)* (2003)
* Managed IT infrastructure and led recruitment of engineering talent for a proprietary home automation software project.


* **Retired.com** | *Web Designer & Perl Software Engineer* (2002 – 2003)
* Migrated a legacy Java/Solaris application onto a lean Perl/Linux architecture, slashing operational costs by $50k/month.


* **United States Navy (METOC Services, NAS North Island)** | *Web Portal Specialist* (2001)
* Consolidated global meteorological data into a secure, centralized web portal for naval captains using Perl and XML on Solaris.


* **LPL Financial Services** | *Perl Internal Applications Engineer / Nameserver Admin* (2000 – 2001)
* Designed Perl-ASP/VB-ASP applications and completely overhauled the corporate DNS infrastructure for improved speed and security.


* **CTS Network Services** | *Customer Support Supervisor* (1996 – 1999)
* Supervised top-tier technical support team assisting enterprise clients with complex internetworking and configuration issues.

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## EDUCATION & TRAINING

### Columbia School of Broadcasting

**Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology & Voice Training**

* Curriculum focus on Broadcast Engineering, Voice Talent, and Technical Communications.
* Certification attained.
