Nicholas Gootos
Systems Engineer

I keep infrastructure, identity, and security running for 2,500+ end users across 20+ clients.

I built my first computer at eight, and that curiosity turned into a career. Today I manage IT infrastructure and security for 2,500+ end users across 20+ clients at InterWorks, mostly self-taught in scripting and AI along the way.

2,500+End users supported
20+Clients managed
Since 2021At InterWorks

01About

Originally from East Setauket, New York, I made the move to Oklahoma State University, where I earned a degree in Management Information Systems with minors in Data Science and Information Assurance. I built my first computer at eight, and that early curiosity turned into a career managing large, high-density client environments. I'm mostly self-taught in scripting and AI, and security has been a constant thread since my earliest days with computers.

I love going above and beyond what's actually asked of me, and lately that's meant exploring how AI can augment IT operations: searching and remediating niche issues faster, and documenting what gets done along the way. I take that same curiosity into personal projects too, building tools like a stock-trading screener and a pipeline for generating kids' coloring books. I still build computers for fun, including every gaming rig my friend group uses to play together remotely.

02Technical Skills

Platforms

Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu/Debian/CentOS/Red Hat), macOS

Identity & Directory

Active Directory (on-prem, cloud, hybrid), Azure AD / Entra ID, Group Policy, AWS, Google Workspace

Data & Databases

SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Tableau, Databricks, Access Management, API setup & testing

Networking

Dell, Cisco, Ruckus, Aruba, HPE, Ubiquiti (UniFi) — switching, routing, firewalls, wireless, VLANs

Security & Forensics

Forensic investigations, incident reporting, compliance audits, client security reviews, pen test remediation, Autopsy, Magnet Forensics

MDM

Microsoft Intune, Jamf Pro, Jamf

RMM & Tooling

Datto RMM, Freshdesk, Freshworks, ScreenConnect, Zendesk, ServiceNow

Support

Desktop support (Mac, Linux, Windows), mobile (Android, Windows, Apple), PC & application lifecycle management, asset tracking (procurement to depreciation)

03Professional Experience

Systems Engineer — InterWorks, Inc.

December 2022 – Present · Oklahoma City, OK
  • Manage a portfolio of 20+ clients, including their sub-clients and tenants, supporting approximately 2,500+ end users across diverse technical environments.
  • Administer and maintain Linux (Ubuntu/Debian/CentOS/Red Hat) and Windows servers across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments for multiple client organizations.
  • Serve as team subject matter expert for Google Workspace (Admin Console, Google Apps, Analytics, Postmaster Tools) and MDM platforms (Microsoft Intune, Jamf Pro, Jamf).
  • Manage Windows and macOS endpoints and mobile devices (iOS/Android) across the full client base, including provisioning, policy enforcement, and lifecycle management.
  • Handle networking tasks across Dell, Cisco, Ruckus, Aruba, HPE, and Ubiquiti (UniFi) equipment, including switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and routing configurations.
  • Maintain deep Active Directory expertise, including user and group management, GPO configuration, and hybrid identity environments.
  • Lead Databricks environment setup and SQL permissions projects, including contractor account provisioning with least-privilege access controls across Active Directory, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and Databricks.
  • Troubleshoot and support BI solutions, including Tableau reporting and data access issues.
  • Conduct forensic investigations, produce detailed incident reports, perform compliance audits and pen test remediation, and deliver security-focused findings and recommendations to clients using tools including Autopsy and Magnet Forensics.
  • Provide escalated desktop and helpdesk support alongside standard break/fix and end-user support across all managed clients, using platforms including Datto RMM, Freshdesk, Freshworks, ScreenConnect, Zendesk, and ServiceNow.
  • Service clients across multiple time zones, ensuring consistent support and response regardless of geography.

IT / Security Intern — InterWorks, Inc.

May 2021 – December 2022 · Stillwater, OK
  • Supported internal IT and security operations, providing in-person and remote assistance to users across an international scope.
  • Remediated emerging security vulnerabilities and assisted with security policy enforcement.
  • Worked through vendor security assessments.
  • Assisted with managing servers, wireless networks, and IT infrastructure for all of InterWorks.

Helpdesk Phone Agent — Oklahoma State University

February 2019 – February 2020 · Stillwater, OK
  • Monitored multiple ticket queues and provided phone-based support to students, faculty, and staff across the OSU system.
  • Resolved technical and non-technical issues, ensuring satisfactory outcomes through consistent follow-up.

04Certifications & Learning

CompTIA Security+

Studying now

In Progress

Zoom Phone Certified

Certified, not current

Lapsed

Zoom Admin Certified

Certified, not current

Lapsed

Datto RMM Technician

Certified, not current

Lapsed

Datto RMM Admin

Certified, not current

Lapsed

05Projects

Real-Time Data Platform for a Global Enterprise Client

Rebuilt a failed vendor implementation into a production Azure Databricks environment, VNet-injected into a global client's existing network and connected via a real-time change-data-capture pipeline. Pushed back on an insecure vendor-proposed shortcut in favor of VPN- and AD-gated access with zero public exposure.

Azure Databricks Network Architecture Security
Read the full case study →

StatTracker-Golf

Golf stat tracking web app, built with AI-assisted development on Replit and shipped through a GitHub deployment workflow.

Web App GitHub
View on GitHub ↗

Bethpage Black Tee-Time Automation

Tampermonkey userscript that automates competitive tee-time booking on ForeUp — handles timing, form submission, and retry logic against a high-contention booking window.

Automation JavaScript
View on GitHub ↗

06Education

Oklahoma State University

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration — GPA 3.5

Major: Management Information Systems · Minors: Information Assurance & Data Science

Graduated May 2022