Esoteric Infrastructure

Mike Schwarz

AI Engineer & Cloud Developer

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer with 15+ years of experience, recently transitioned to full-time development focusing on AI applications and cloud-native solutions.
Extensive background spanning on-premises to cloud infrastructure, with 10+ years of Python experience for automation and development.
Unique blend of hands-on technical expertise and enterprise sales acumen, providing a holistic understanding of both development and business needs.
Proven track record of adapting to diverse tools and technologies across various projects, applying consistent principles to different technical landscapes.
Recent focus on building agentic AI applications, positioning as an expert in the emerging LLM app ecosystem.
Strong foundation in cloud architecture, security, business continuity, networking, and cost optimization across multiple cloud platforms.
Startup mindset with the ability to innovate and execute in fast-paced environments.

Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, On-premise (Vmware, Nutanix), with hands-on experience in various services and architectures
Development: Python (FastAPI, Pydantic), JavaScript (Next.js), SQLite, PostgreSQL
AI Engineering: LLMs, Prompt Engineering (Chain Of Thought, Structured Outputs, ReAct, DSPy), RAG, Agentic Frameworks (Assistants, Swarm), LLMops Tools (Evals, Tracing)
DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible, AWS CloudFormation, CI/CD
Networking: Advanced VPC design, subnets, load balancers, DNS, routing/switching
Cloud Security: IAM, encryption, network security, compliance (SOC 2, GDPR)
Enterprise Sales: Lead generation, POC management, deal closure, customer retention
Public Speaking: Comfortable presenting to large audiences, technical staff, and C-level executives

Mar 2023 – Present

Developed practical AI apps on top of LLMs like GPT-4, focusing on agentic functionality using Python.
Evaluated 100+ SaaS Tools and Open-Source Projects to maintain a broad understanding of the LLM app ecosystem.
Created a Personal Framework for rapidly building AI app MVPs that are production-ready, employing curated approaches.
Developed a highly customized "Ansible-like" AI-assisted coding workflow using Cursor AI, significantly improving efficiency and code quality.
Implemented Python/FastAPI/Pydantic backend for optimal AI feature integration.
Utilized Next.js frontend for quick, reliable web app development.
Began working with React Native for cross-platform mobile app adaptation.
Managed end-to-end product lifecycle, from conceptualization to production deployment, for multiple AI-powered applications.
Optimized cloud resource usage and implemented cost-effective solutions, leveraging expertise in cloud cost management.
Mentored team members, sharing knowledge on AI/LLM tools and best practices in cloud infrastructure.

Jan 2018 – Feb 2022

Designed and implemented scalable, high-performance computing solutions for data-intensive applications.
Collaborated with clients to integrate Nutanix solutions, focusing on hybrid cloud deployments with AWS, Azure, and Kubernetes orchestration.
Automated deployment processes using Ansible and Terraform.
Implemented cloud security measures, encryption, DR and business continuity, and advanced network configurations.
Provided training and support to clients on best practices for cloud infrastructure and application deployment.

Mar 2015 – Jan 2018 (~3 years)

Architected and deployed on-premise and hybrid cloud solutions for enterprise clients during the high-growth startup phase.
Developed automation scripts in Python for infrastructure management and monitoring.
Assisted clients in cloud security and compliance such as SOC 2 and GDPR.
Consistently exceeded quota by 1.5-2X, closing 40+ new logos and securing a record $16M deal.

Silver Peak (2014-2015): Early technical evangelist for SD-WAN solutions, later acquired by HPE.
Zones (2011-2014): Led converged infrastructure practice, implementing vBlock and FlexPod solutions.
Various roles (pre-2009): Designed and implemented dozens of large datacenter projects, deploying thousands of Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls.

AI Application Framework: Created a personal framework for rapidly building AI application MVPs, utilizing LLM OS metaphors and modular components for scalability.
Enterprise Sales Success: Leveraged technical expertise in previous roles to close significant deals, demonstrating strong communication and negotiation skills.
Public Speaking & Workshops: Presented at industry conferences on topics like cloud security, infrastructure automation, and AI applications.