Damien B.

DevOps Engineer

Dallas, Texas, United States8 yrs 6 mos experience
Highly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Expert in Cloud Security and DevSecOps practices.
  • Proven track record in automating incident response frameworks.
  • Passionate educator in the field of Cloud Security.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Cloud Security and DevSecOps expert with a focus on automation and compliance.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

DevsecopsCloud SecurityTerraformAmazon Web Services (aws)Security OperationsApplication SecuritySoftware Development Life Cycle (sdlc)Security Architecture DesignSoftware Development SecurityTechnical Support

Other Skills

AWS CloudFormationAWS CodePipelineAWS Command Line Interface (CLI)AWS Identity and Access Management (AWS IAM)AWS LambdaAWS SecurityActive Directory ExperienceAmazon EC2Amazon S3AnsibleBashC (Programming Language)C++CommunicationCross-functional Team Leadership

About

"All views and opinions expressed are my own." ****I am not interested in any sales calls.***** Hey y’all! I’m Damien Burks, a Cloud Security & DevSecOps Engineer passionate about building secure, scalable, and automated cloud infrastructures. I specialize in cloud security, automation, and multi-cloud environments, leading projects that streamline DevSecOps practices, reduce technical debt, and enhance incident response capabilities. Over the years, I’ve designed high-performance systems, integrated security tooling into CI/CD pipelines, and developed frameworks aligned with modern compliance and security standards. I also contribute to open-source initiatives like Common Cloud Controls (CCC) and Open Policy Agent (OPA) to help advance security engineering across cloud ecosystems. When I’m not deep in code or automating security workflows, I’m creating educational content for The DevSec Blueprint and my YouTube channel, where I share insights, tutorials, and stories to empower the next generation of Cloud Security and DevSecOps professionals. Outside of tech, you’ll find me watching anime (Demon Slayer), gaming (Persona 5 Royal), or binge-watching car videos on YouTube.

Experience

8 yrs 6 mos
Total Experience
2 yrs 6 mos
Average Tenure
10 mos
Current Experience

Fico

Senior Security Engineer

Jul 2025Present · 10 mos · Remote

  • Helping secure your credit scores in the cloud ⛅️ (pun intended)

Linkedin

LinkedIn Learning Instructor

May 2025Present · 1 yr

Citi

2 roles

Cloud Security Engineer - SVP

Jan 2024Jul 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos · Irving, Texas, United States · Hybrid

  • Spearheaded enhancements in incident response by automating threat detection and mitigation across cloud infrastructure, which has strengthened response times and bolstered security posture.
  • Led the strategic migration from AWS CDK to Terraform Enterprise, supporting the roll-out of our automated incident response framework (CCAF) on both AWS and Google Cloud.
  • Reduced technical debt by 85% by streamlining AWS controls and migrating incident response tools to compliant platforms.
  • Integrated tools like Snyk, SonarQube, and Tflint into CI/CD pipelines to boost security and code quality.
  • Created playbooks and standardized secure coding practices, empowering our incident response teams in AWS and GCP environments.
  • Designed custom incident response strategies for Amazon EKS with AWS-specific security protocols.
  • Architected and deployed an automated response framework on Google Cloud, leveraging Terraform Enterprise, Cloud Workflows, Cloud Functions, and Pub/Sub for scalable incident response.
  • Contributed insights in Cloud Security Architecture Review forums, shaping security recommendations for critical products in AWS and GCP.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)Google Cloud Platform (GCP)TerraformPython (Programming Language)Cross-functional Team LeadershipCloud Security

Cloud Security Engineer - VP

Aug 2021Jan 2024 · 2 yrs 5 mos · Irving, Texas, United States · Hybrid

  • Led the development of an AWS Incident Response framework using AWS CDK, cutting response times by over 65% through automation.
  • Built a custom AWS acceptance testing platform with Terraform to ensure the resilience of our incident response framework.
  • Developed a DevSecOps pipeline using AWS services like CodePipeline, SonarQube, CodeCommit, and CodeBuild for secure and seamless deployments.
  • Strengthened AWS security with preventive controls using HashiCorp Sentinel and Open Policy Agent.
  • Established security metrics and analysis through Splunk, providing actionable insights on performance and trends.
  • Partnered with stakeholders to gather requirements and develop custom AWS security controls aligned with business objectives.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)SplunkRegoDevSecOpsCross-functional Team Leadership

The devsec blueprint (dsb)

Founder & Tech Lead

Jan 2024Present · 2 yrs 4 mos · Dallas, Texas, United States

  • The DevSec Blueprint is a comprehensive, free, and open-source learning guide designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to transition into DevSecOps or grow within your DevSecOps career.
DevSecOpsTechnical WritingGitHubCloud Security

Verizon

3 roles

Security Software Engineer II

Promoted

Jul 2020Jul 2021 · 1 yr

  • Developed proof-of-concept applications to enhance IT security operations and support key security governance initiatives.
  • Built and implemented a scalable DevSecOps pipeline, streamlining large-scale deployments and reducing overhead using Jenkins, SonarQube, Fortify, BlackDuck, and Ansible.
  • Designed and deployed an AI/ML-powered video recommendation engine for an enterprise-wide ticketing system, improving ticket management efficiency and reducing open requests by over 35%.
  • Delivered technology solutions that consistently met or exceeded performance standards by thoroughly analyzing project requirements.
  • Authored clear, comprehensive API documentation and automated deployment guides, enabling seamless use and understanding for development teams.
DevSecOpsJavaPython (Programming Language)Security System DesignSecurity Operations

Security Software Engineer I

Jan 2019Jul 2020 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Developed efficient, high-quality code across various projects, enhancing system functionality and performance.
  • Built and maintained a custom email management system for the Application Security team, improving the tracking and updating of service tickets.
  • Engaged in the full software development lifecycle—prototyping, designing interfaces, implementing, testing, and maintaining solutions—to deliver robust, reliable applications.
  • Contributed to the development of scalable REST APIs for an in-house Data Loss Prevention (DLP) product, serving over 1,000 internal users.
  • Implemented information security standards, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance and strengthen the overall security posture.
Application SecuritySoftware Development Life Cycle (SDLC)REST APIsData Loss PreventionSpring MVC

Security Software Engineer

Jun 2018Aug 2018 · 2 mos · Irving, Texas

  • Designed, maintained, and supported robust information security systems to ensure secure and efficient daily operations.
  • Developed a comprehensive security framework using Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes, Python, Git, Blackduck, Twistlock, and Zap, enhancing container security and streamlining development workflows.
  • Conducted static and dynamic code testing, automated security scans, threat modeling, design reviews, and penetration testing of Docker containers, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities to strengthen security defenses.
  • Assisted in establishing AWS EC2 baselines and created detailed standard operating procedures, supporting consistent security practices and compliance.
Security Architecture DesignSoftware Development SecurityDockerJenkinsAmazon Web Services (AWS)

Texas southern university

Sr. Computer Technician

Sep 2017Dec 2018 · 1 yr 3 mos · Houston, Texas Area

  • Installed and maintained university systems, network infrastructure, and the Remedy ticketing system, ensuring smooth and reliable operations.
  • Performed troubleshooting and repairs to resolve technical issues, minimizing downtime and enhancing system reliability.
  • Provided recommendations and developed technical designs for new application features, contributing to system improvements and boosting user satisfaction.
  • Trained users on effective hardware and software usage, equipping them with troubleshooting skills and improving overall productivity.

Tokio marine hcc

Desktop Support Specialist

May 2017Aug 2017 · 3 mos · Houston, Texas Area

  • Evaluated applications and software patches for desktop applications, ensuring compatibility and resolving desktop issues effectively.
  • Developed and implemented PowerShell scripts to enhance desktop deployment performance and efficiency.
  • Collaborated with vendors to assess new technologies and provided management with strategic recommendations on adoption and integration.
Desk Top SupportTechnical SupportActive Directory ExperiencePowershell

Education

University of Maryland Global Campus

Master of Science - MS — Cybersecurity Technology

Jan 2020Mar 2023

Texas Southern University

Bachelor’s Degree — Computer Science

Aug 2015Dec 2018

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