Derek Laubacher
IT Professional
Welcome to my professional portfolio. I am Derek Laubacher, an IT Systems Engineer and former IT Team Lead who bridges the gap between robust system administration and full-stack software development.
My technology journey began as an Airfield Systems Technician in the United States Air Force, instilling a mission-critical mindset that I later brought to leading IT operations for a high-volume e-commerce environment. In that role, I specialized in architecting scalable infrastructure, deploying expansive UniFi networks, and managing comprehensive Microsoft 365 and Active Directory ecosystems.
Beyond network infrastructure, I've built custom web integrations using PHP and Laravel to automate IT user workflows. When I am not focused on professional development, you can usually find me tinkering with my home server rack, experimenting with 3D printing, or out cycling.
Professional Goals
My primary professional goal is to build upon my foundation in system administration and network management while actively expanding my expertise into emerging areas of IT. I am particularly focused on deepening my practical knowledge of containerized environments, security orchestration, and AI deployment. By continuously gaining hands-on experience with enterprise hardware and refining my skills in full-stack web development, I aim to design, secure, and maintain highly scalable technology solutions, leveraging AI to the best of its abilities in the process.
Work experience
IT Team Lead
Tradefull/ Aug 2018 - June 2024
In this role I managed general IT needs, ranging from Active directory to Laravel integrations. Starting as IT help desk I learned a great deal and moved into system administration and management tasks leading a team of myself and one help desk associate.