Donald Lopez

Entry-level Cybersecurity professional with background in full-stack development and cloud technologies (AWS), with foundational knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and GitOps practices. Strong understanding of Linux and Windows environments, access control concepts, and security best practices. Adept at investigating issues, documenting findings, and collaborating cross-functionally in fast-paced environments. US Citizen (eligible for DoD Security Clearance).

Operations Specialist (Problem Solver) - TARGET - Riverside, CA

(2023-09)

Monitored operational data flows and system logs to detect anomalies, preserve data integrity, and support root cause analysis across high-volume workflows. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve system discrepancies and improve reporting accuracy in time-sensitive environment.

• Identified and escalated 15+ potential security-relevant daily events for example system, operational, and data discrepancies violations, ensuring accuracy and integrity across high-volume workflows.
• Applied basic forensic analysis techniques when investigating system logs and data discrepancies to determine timeline and root cause of anomalies, containing potential data integrity exposures and documenting findings for audit and process improvement.
• Assisted in maintaining compliance tracking and security documentation to support audit readiness and vulnerability mitigation efforts, ensuring compliance, consistency, and operational reliability.
• Applied critical thinking and pattern recognition, identifying recurring issues and recommending process improvements.
• Delivered consistently high accuracy under competing priorities in fast-paced, high-volume operational environment, ensuring reliable execution of time-sensitive tasks and data integrity.

Junior Full-Stack Developer - REVATURE - Remote

(2021-02 - 2023-08)

Built and maintained full-stack applications with focus on back-end data handling, REST API integration, and secure user authentication. Supported data exchange between front-end and back-end systems while applying structured troubleshooting and version control in Agile team environments.

• Resolved 5-10+ application issues daily through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis, implementing long-term stability fixes.
• Designed and implemented secure authentication and RBAC controls, applying least-privilege principles aligned with NIST SP 800-171 concepts for CUI protection.
• Built and integrated REST APIs, enabling reliable data exchange between front-end and back-end systems.
• Managed source control using Git-based workflows, supporting collaborative development and CI/CD-style release processes.
• Participated in code reviews, improving code quality, maintainability, and adherence to development best practices.
• Collaborated in Agile ceremonies (standups, sprint planning, retrospectives), supporting iterative delivery of scalable solutions.
• Identified and resolved performance bottlenecks through debugging and testing, improving application efficiency and reliability.

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Cybersecurity - University of Maryland (2025)

Associate of Science (AS) - Riverside College (2021)