Darrell Burgher

I help organizations build modern cloud platforms that enable engineering teams to deliver software faster, more reliably, and at scale. With over a decade of experience in Platform Engineering and DevOps, I've designed, automated, and operated cloud-native infrastructure across AWS, GCP, VMware, and OpenStack. My expertise spans Kubernetes, Platform Engineering, GitOps, Terraform, CI/CD, observability, infrastructure automation, and building secure, highly available platforms.

More recently, I've been focused on applying AI to platform engineering. I've designed and built AI-powered Kubernetes agents and autonomous platform automation capable of assisting with cluster operations, infrastructure management, troubleshooting, and developer workflows. By leveraging large language models (LLMs) and agentic AI patterns, I've created intelligent automation that reduces operational overhead, accelerates incident resolution, and improves platform reliability.

I'm equally passionate about using AI to improve engineering productivity. I've implemented AI-driven workflows that automate sprint planning, backlog refinement, documentation, knowledge management, task generation, and other software delivery processes, allowing engineering teams to spend more time building products and less time on repetitive operational work.

Throughout my career, I've led engineering teams, modernized infrastructure, and delivered scalable platforms supporting mission-critical production environments. I enjoy solving complex technical challenges, mentoring engineers, and driving platform strategies that improve developer experience, operational excellence, and business outcomes.

Core expertise: Platform Engineering • Kubernetes • Cloud Architecture • DevOps • GitOps • Terraform • CI/CD • AWS • GCP • VMware • OpenStack • Observability • Infrastructure as Code • Automation • AI Agents • LLMs • Agentic AI • Platform Automation • Engineering Leadership

Systems Infrastructure Specialist – Livescore (2018-01 – 2026-03)

• Guided enterprise workload migrations from on-premises infrastructure to AWS.
• Managed VMware environments supporting thousands of virtual machines.
• Implemented ISO, SOC2, and HIPAA compliance automation.
• Developed and maintained system documentation to ensure compliance and standardization.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Implemented software updates to enhance system performance and functionality.

Systems Specialist at Hozi Holdings (Caxton Media) (2017-01 – 2018-12)

• Led enterprise workload migrations from on-premises infrastructure to AWS.
• Managed VMware environments supporting thousands of virtual machines.
• Implemented ISO, SOC2, and HIPAA compliance automation.

Owner at Infrabyte Technologies (2015-01 – 2017-12)

• Designed enterprise data center infrastructure and high-availability systems.
• Managed NetApp storage environments and Fortinet security infrastructure.
• Led VMware vSphere and Linux systems engineering initiatives.

Head Systems Administrator at wiGroup (Pty) Ltd (2012-01 – 2015-12)

• Managed enterprise Linux infrastructure and production operations.
• Implemented Fortinet-based security infrastructure and VoIP environments.
• Provided senior escalation support and infrastructure optimization.

LPIC1 / LPIC2 – Torque IT

CCV, CCNA, RHCP – Cisco Networks