Karl Blythe

Karl Blythe

System Administrator

About Me

About Me


Systems Administrator with 10 years of experience in Linux server administration across cPanel and DirectAdmin hosting environments, with experience in data centre operations, virtualisation platforms (Proxmox, AWS EC2, ESXi), and infrastructure monitoring and asset management.

  • Proven ability to manage and maintain complex IT systems, including Linux servers, cPanel and AWS loadbalancers
  • Expertise in all aspects of systems administration, including troubleshooting, security, and performance optimisation
  • Strong understanding of data centre operations and management
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Highly motivated and results-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Experience in working with Bash/Python and PowerShell for scripting/automation
Newtownabbey, United Kingdom [email protected]

Experience


2023 – Present

Server Administrator

MTC Media

Dundee (remote)

  • Implementing Netbox for IP management and VPS tracking
  • Implementing Icinga2 to replace previous monitoring system
  • Deploying virtualised servers using AWS EC2, ESXi, and Proxmox
  • Supporting developers with deployment of required modules and software on servers
  • Setting up an AWS multi-instance platform for a CMS system, with separate database and API servers, and ensuring connectivity between instances
2022 – 2023

Senior Systems Administrator

BigWetFish Web Hosting

Carrickfergus

  • Managing the tracking of hardware and its location within the data centre
  • Hardware maintenance and monitoring, including upgrades for existing hardware
  • Monitoring RAID on servers and ensuring failed drives were replaced in an appropriate timescale
  • Advanced support for clients, focused on hardware optimisation and security
2018 – 2022

Level 2 Support Technician

BigWetFish Web Hosting

Carrickfergus

  • Deploying dedicated and virtualised CentOS servers using Iomart, Hetzner, SolusVM, and XCP-NG
  • Gained further experience with Bash scripting and began developing skills in Python
  • Took on responsibility for training staff in company systems and writing internal knowledgebase articles
  • Worked with the senior system admin team to automate complex tasks
2016 – 2018

Level 1 Support Technician

BigWetFish Web Hosting

Carrickfergus

  • Handled level 1 hosting issues including firewall blocks and email client setup via live chat and help desk
  • Developed expertise in WordPress, drawing on a web development background
  • Began learning Bash scripting to work towards automation of longer manual processes

Skills


Linux Administration
Since 2016
CentOS
Since 2016
cPanel
Since 2016
Bash Scripting
Since 2017
PHP
Since 2018
Python
Since 2018
DirectAdmin
Since 2018
Ubuntu
Since 2020
Almalinux
Since 2021
AWS EC2 Loadbalancing
Since 2024
Proxmox
Since 2025
PowerShell
Since 2026

Education


2014 – 2016
Foundation Degree — Interactive Media

Northern Regional College

Distinction
2012 – 2014
Level 3 BTEC — Creative Media Production

Northern Regional College

DMM