$ Carl du Preez

DevOps engineer & occasional blogger

Carl du Preez

DevOps Engineer | 8+ Years in IT & DevOps

Durban, KZN · https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdptk

Profile

Versatile and results-oriented IT professional with a strong foundation in software development, DevOps engineering, and SQL database administration. Skilled in building and optimizing scalable systems, automating deployment pipelines, and designing efficient, well-structured databases. Known for a proactive mindset, analytical problem-solving, and a collaborative approach in fast-paced, agile environments.

Skills

  • Azure (VMs, App Services, Networking, Private Link, DNS, Key Vault)
  • Azure DevOps (YAML Pipelines)
  • Terraform
  • Fortigate / FortiWeb
  • Docker
  • Prometheus / Grafana
  • TeamCity
  • Git
  • PowerShell
  • Python
  • C# / .NET (Framework & Core)
  • SQL
  • Bash
  • VM Management
  • Windows / Linux
  • Power BI

Certifications

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate (AI-200) — In Progress

Experience

  1. DevOps Engineer

    Global Trade Solution Sept 2025 – Present
    • Manage and maintain Azure cloud infrastructure across 10-30 virtual machines and environments, including App Services, virtual networks, Private Link, and Azure DNS services.
    • Administer Fortigate and FortiWeb firewalls to secure cloud and network environments.
    • Design and maintain CI/CD build and release pipelines using YAML in Azure DevOps, supporting daily deployments of .NET Framework and .NET Core applications.
    • Deployed a custom-trained AI model to QA and production environments, and built a Python-based interface to support it.
    • Debug and resolve issues across in-house C# applications and third-party Java-based software to maintain system stability.
    • Run and manage Docker containers to host services, including the development environment.
    • Monitor server and service health across 10-30 VMs using Prometheus, with Grafana dashboards for visualising results.

  2. DevOps Engineer

    Derivco Dec 2021 – June 2025
    • Experienced in end-to-end solution delivery with a focus on deployment automation, software development, and system integration.
    • Built and maintained automated deployment pipelines using Terraform, PowerShell, and Azure DevOps.
    • Responsible for releasing new modules, updates, and fixes across development environments on a monthly cadence, ensuring knowledge transfer and documentation for ongoing support.
    • Provided technical mentoring to a team of 5-15 members and collaborated with vendors to troubleshoot and enhance system functionality.
    • Participated in a weekly 24/7 on-call support rotation, responding to alerts to keep services running smoothly and supporting staff and developers with pipeline and server troubleshooting.
    • Actively involved in planning and executing maintenance tasks and refining operational processes.
    • Developed scalable IT solutions integrating across platforms, creating reusable components and automation frameworks using Python, C#, and SQL.

  3. Junior Research and Development Developer

    Contour Technology Sept 2021 – Dec 2021
    • Led research and development initiatives to explore new market opportunities and support business growth.
    • Ensured software compliance with customer and Eskom regulatory standards through rigorous testing and quality assurance practices.
    • Implemented and maintained automated deployment pipelines using Octopus Deploy, Docker, and Azure DevOps Server, streamlining delivery and improving deployment efficiency.

  4. Junior Engineer

    Contour Technology May 2018 – Sept 2021
    • Maintained and updated vending terminals across 20+ clients, ensuring accurate credit allocations to vendors.
    • Designed and developed custom client reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and created or enhanced SQL scripts to improve database functionality.
    • Led database design efforts, including development of stored procedures, and performed data analysis to generate actionable management reports.
    • Built operational dashboards to support customer service teams by highlighting system outages and enabling faster response times.

  5. Technical and Customer Support

    VM Consulting Mar 2017 – Apr 2018
    • Developed and maintained SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports to meet client and business needs.
    • Managed and tracked 30+ support queries, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.
    • Provided client support for retrieving data from document management systems, including assistance with system setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance.

  6. Web Developer (WordPress)

    Blue Juice Designs Nov 2016 – Feb 2017
    • Collaborated with clients to analyse requirements and recommend tailored web solutions.
    • Developed responsive, user-friendly websites using PHP, HTML, and CSS for various clients.
    • Maintained and updated existing websites, and built custom blogs and websites using WordPress to meet specific client needs.

Education

  • National Diploma in Information Technology — Software Development, Durban University of Technology | 2014 - 2016
  • Matric — George Campbell School of Technology, 2009

Activities

  • Youth Leader at Hillary Methodist Church
  • Chess
  • PC Games
  • Experimenting with IoT devices, including Raspberry Pi