Matthew Burns
DevSecOps Engineer • Cloud-native & Kubernetes • Secure software delivery
- Email: pro.mattburns@gmail.com
- GitHub: github.com/binbashburns
- Certifications: See the Certifications page

About me
Hi, I’m Matt: a DevSecOps Engineer focused on secure software delivery and cloud-native platforms.
I specialize in Kubernetes, containerization, and platform engineering across AWS, Azure, and GCP. I’m big on Infrastructure as Code, GitOps, and automation with tools like Terraform, Helm, and GitHub Actions, grounded in a strong Linux foundation.
I’m also deeply interested in OT/ICS security. In my home lab I tinker with PLC programming and Modbus/TCP traffic, and I study ICS defense patterns informed by SANS ICS 130 and ICS 515. Lately I’ve been exploring how cloud-native practices (like policy-as-code, GitOps, and telemetry) translate to industrial environments while respecting safety and reliability constraints.
Recent work includes architecting and shipping cloud-native solutions on regulated networks, building declarative delivery pipelines, and hardening multi-cluster environments. I enjoy bridging the gap between modern platform engineering and the unique realities of OT; especially where visibility, segmentation, and secure delivery meet.
Experience
Penchecks Trust - DevSecOps Engineer
Aug 2025 – Present • penchecks.com
- Managed and automated AWS infrastructure and services using IaC (Terraform/CloudFormation), improving provisioning consistency and repeatability.
- Administered Microsoft Entra ID: user/group/app lifecycle, role assignments, and access controls to support secure developer workflows.
- Built and maintained CI/CD pipelines to automate secure, auditable deployments and compliance checks.
- Collaborated closely with developers and security teams to integrate security controls early and streamline vulnerability remediation.
Army National Guard (KY) - Cyber Warfare Technician (170A), Warrant Officer
Jun 2020 – Present • nationalguard.com
- SME and advisor on the employment of offensive/defensive cyber capabilities.
- Direct, plan, and assess cyberspace technical operations and readiness.
- Provide guidance across Army/Joint and interagency cyberspace efforts.
Defense Unicorns - DevSecOps Engineer
Aug 2024 – August 2025 • defenseunicorns.com
- Delivered GitOps-managed, cloud-native infrastructure via UDS platform.
- Templated Helm charts for consistent K8s app deployments and policy.
- Built GitHub Actions CI/CD for automated, secure delivery.
- Engineered Kubernetes network policies; leveraged Istio service mesh.
- Collected/ analyzed telemetry with Prometheus to drive performance work.
- Published integrations for the Airgap App Store; supported multi-cluster ops (k3d, Docker).
- Partnered with stakeholders to turn complex requirements into declarative, secure solutions.
Coalfire - Cloud Engineer II
Jul 2023 – Aug 2024 • coalfire.com
- Transitioned FedRAMP/DoD environments to NIST 800-53 rev.5.
- Architected IaC-driven cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) with automation.
- Authored reference architectures and executive-ready deliverables.
- Produced network diagrams and documentation aligned to best practices.
- Supported A&A phases and security program improvements.
DHS CISA - IT Cybersecurity Specialist
Oct 2022 – Jul 2023 • cisa.gov
- Contributed to solution definition, non-functional requirements, and architectural runway.
- Supported Continuous Exploration / Delivery pipeline activities.
- Participated in PI planning, demos, and Inspect & Adapt events.
- Provided oversight to foster built-in quality and technical agility.
Coalfire - Cloud Engineer I
Feb 2022 – Oct 2022 • coalfire.com
- Designed and deployed secure architectures in AWS/Azure/GCP with IaC.
- Implemented compliant servers, networks, and boundary protection.
- Drove testing and data reviews for effectiveness of security controls.
- Supported assessment & authorization processes and security documentation.
Bechtel Corporation - Cybersecurity System Administrator
Nov 2021 – Feb 2022 • bechtel.com
- Supported the BGCAPP Cybersecurity Program (ATO sustainment, continuous monitoring).
- Tracked processes, tested safeguards, and participated in incident response.
Senture, LLC - Security Analyst
Nov 2019 – Oct 2021 • senture.com
- Ran compliance & risk posture assessments (FISMA, NIST SP 800-53, SOC 2, PCI DSS).
- Built SIEM dashboards/automation; performed risk assessments and OA/ATO support.
- Managed vuln scans (Nessus); authored SOPs; coordinated across IT and vendors.
Education
University of the Cumberlands - B.A.S. Information Technology (Cybersecurity)
Apr 2022 – May 2023
- GPA: 4.0 • Honors: Summa Cum Laude • President, UC Cyber Club
- Designation: NSA/DHS CAE-CD program
- Selected coursework: Application Software, Programming, Networking, Server Admin, Web Design, Business Intelligence, Policy & Compliance (SOX/GLBA/HIPAA), DR/BCP, Secure Configurations
Somerset Community College - A.A.S. Information Security
2017 – 2019
- GPA: 3.88 • Phi Theta Kappa
- Selected coursework: Hardware/Software, AD Services, Network Security & Perimeter Defense, Linux/UNIX Admin, Python/Programming, Database Design
Volunteer & Community
Pet Cancer Foundation - Governance, Risk & Compliance (Volunteer)
June 2025 – Present
- Established a lightweight GRC framework mapped to NIST CSF / CIS Controls
- Authored foundational security policies (access control, data classification, vendor risk, incident response, acceptable use).
- Performed vendor due-diligence for enterprise platforms; implemented data-minimization and retention standards.
Projects
SoldierSave.com - Resources for military veterans
- Antora-based static site hosted on GitLab Pages with CI/CD.
- Ongoing content curation; community suggestions welcome.
- Link Email: soldiersave.suggestions@gmail.com
Interested in collaborating on cloud-native or DevSecOps work? I’m always happy to connect.