Full Curriculum Vitae of Jaco Moolman

[bws_pdfprint display=’pdf’]

I am an experienced Machine Learning Engineer and Certified System Administrator with a diverse technical skill set that includes server administration, scripting, software support, and troubleshooting. I am fully bilingual in English and Afrikaans and possess a valid driver’s license with my own transportation. With extensive experience in the IT industry, I have developed a strong work ethic, excellent analytical and communication skills, and thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

I have completed several technical certifications, including AWS Cloud Practitioner, RED HAT System Certified Administrator, and ICP-ICAgile Professional Certified & Certified Disciplined Agilist. In addition, I have a strong understanding of machine learning concepts and have completed several courses on Kaggle, including Introduction to Machine Learning 2021. I have a diverse skill set in various programming languages, including Bash, PowerShell, MQL4/5, Python, and Terraform.

During my time at Capitec Bank, where I served as a DEV OPS and Machine Learning Engineer Level 1, I gained experience in deploying code, server maintenance, backup operations, and assisting with implementing and optimizing machine learning algorithms and models. In my previous roles at FNB Bank, SPI, MTN, IBM, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, I gained experience in system automation, report generation, software administration, and troubleshooting, among other responsibilities.

CERTIFICATIONS

I am a self-starter who is dedicated to achieving results and committed to providing excellent customer service. I am comfortable working independently or as part of a team and am always looking for ways to improve processes and add value to the organization. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my technical expertise, strong work ethic, and ability to work collaboratively with others to a new role.

 

AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty

• AWS Cloud Practitioner
• Red Hat System Administrator
• IBM Power Systems (AIX Administrator)
• Certified Agilest

EDUCATION

AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty 2023 – Hands on – 2023
A modern & essential guide to mastering the Python programming language in 2024
AWS Cloud Practitioner – 2019
AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03)
RED HAT system certified Administrator – 2017
ICP – ICAgile Professional Certified & Certified Disciplined Agilist: Agile 2.0 Process Decision Framework, Values, Principles and practice – 2017
AIX 7 Certification -2013
AIX: Shells and processes, advanced user functions & admin – 2006
Mysql – 2016
AIX Basics. AIX V6.1 – 2009
Unix Sys Admin 1 Sol 10 – 2005 (Intermediate Sys Admin)
Unix Sys Admin 1 Sol8 – 2003
Unix Fundamentals – 2002
Tandem Concept and Facilities – 2001
Account Service Management -2000
US Export Regulations & IBM Global Delivery Operations – 2009
ITD Commercial Data Incident Handling Process – 2009
Secure IT overview V1.0 – 2010
ITD SARM – Patch Management Process – 2010
Installing SUSE Linux – 2011
Introduction to Machine Learning 2021 – Kaggle

SKILLS SET

PAST PERSONAL PROJECTS

Throwing out calculus and determining approximate brachistochrone using genetic algorithms and physics

An experiment to see if I should replicate the brachistochrone using a generic algorithm instead of using calculus. I manage to prove by getting a very close approximation purely by mutating a platform millions of times.

Using AI to iteratively generate and correct another AI’s code

A project that focuses on autonomous code and model optimization through iterative machine learning, aiming to create self-improving AI models that enhance their performance with each iteration by fixing their own code and improving based on feedback.

Automating Grocery Expense Tracking with AI Vision

The “AI Shopping List” project automates grocery expense tracking using AI vision. It involves photographing till slips, extracting food items with GPTVision, and creating individual CSV files. These files are merged into a master CSV and categorized with CLAUDE to analyze spending across different food categories, simplifying the expense tracking process.

SnapSight: AI’s Role in Enhancing Accessibility for the Visually Impaired

SnapSight is an AI-powered app designed to assist visually impaired individuals by describing their surroundings. Users take a photo with their phone, and the app uses AI to generate and vocalize a description of the scene. The project utilizes various technologies, including GPTVision for image description, AWS Polly for text-to-speech conversion, and several local and cloud-based tools to enhance accessibility. SnapSight aims to provide detailed environmental descriptions to improve daily activities and independence for visually impaired users.

Pixelated Memories: Crafting a Custom Mosaic of Love and Technology

The “Pixelated Memories” project involves creating a custom mosaic using personal photos. The project enhances an existing GitHub script by adding features like custom tile size, local randomness control, and transparency levels. This script processes photos to match colors and overlays a mosaic onto the original image, resulting in a blended final product. The project is open for contributions on GitHub.

Banking on Machine Learning: Generating and Training on Synthetic Data for anomaly Detection

I created a project to generate synthetic bank statements for anomaly detection model training. By using Python libraries like Faker and PIL, I generated realistic banking transactions, including both normal and anomalous data. This allowed me to create datasets for training machine learning models to identify fraudulent activities in banking transactions. The project aims to enhance the accuracy of anomaly detection in financial data by providing a controlled, synthetic environment for model training.

Driving to AWS Certification with the help of AI and my partner’s voice

I developed a project utilizing GPT-3 and AWS Polly to summarize and convert study notes into audio format, allowing me to effectively use commuting time for studying. Additionally, I experimented with ElevenLabs for voice cloning to create a personalized learning experience, significantly optimizing the process of obtaining IT certifications.

Graphing automated support and resistance levels for currency forex markets.

I developed an indicator using MQL5 to generate support and resistance levels for forex markets. This tool analyzes bar data to create a color heat map, indicating high and low levels. It operates on various timeframes and improves trading precision by visually representing significant price points.

Using Genetic Algorithms to find winning lotto numbers

I designed a project using genetic algorithms to generate lottery numbers. By analyzing seven years of historical lotto data, the algorithm evolves a population of number sets through selection, crossover, and mutation to maximize winning potential. The process demonstrates the complexities of using past results to predict future outcomes, ultimately showing the limitations of such an approach in truly randomized scenarios. The project primarily served to enhance my programming skills.

Automating YouTube Fame

I created an automated pipeline to convert a list of pre-compiled jokes into videos and upload them to YouTube. The project involved generating video content using AWS Polly for text-to-speech, randomizing fonts and backgrounds, and automating the upload process with scheduled releases. This project demonstrates my ability to integrate various tools and scripts to create a fully automated content generation and publishing system.

 

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

I have worked for the following companies in order:

South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
Johannesburg stock Exchange (JSE)
Discovery (Health Insurance)
IBM (Technology company)
MTN (Telecommunications company)
FNB (Banking)
Capitec (Banking)

Capitec Bank

Machine Leaning Engineer Level 1 (MLE) for Capitec Bank
Timeframe: 01/2022 till current(Working from home & Office)
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Incentives
Permanent skilled level position at Capitec Bank in the AI Platform division (Stellenbosch).

I work as a Level 1 MLE at this point, however, I’m learning new things every day be it directly in my work or via another project I’m doing in my own time. I’m proficient with AWS and Linux specially in terms of hosting machine learning models.
Troubleshooting is the name of the game since most problems one finds can not be found on the internet. I assist data scientist and date engineer on a regular basis with any issues they might have.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Builds and tests basic machine learning models under supervision
• Helps to prepare and clean data for machine learning algorithms
• Assists with implementing and optimizing machine learning algorithms and models
• Collaborates with senior MLEs and data scientists to develop new algorithms and models
• Supports the deployment and maintenance of machine learning systems
•  

DEV OPS
Timeframe: 01/2017 till 01/2022 (Working from home & Office)
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Incentives
Permanent skilled level position at Capitec Bank in the Digital Solutions division (Stellenbosch).

Part of my role included in update the banking app for Android/Apple and MS. I also was responsible for updating the main banking website using code developed by die developers. Making sure good SDLC processes is followed and automating the entire process mostly using PowerShell. Before I started one deployment took about 10 hours. When I left it was automated to run in under 30min. I was also involved in assisting Entersect (the company who hosts the encryption hardware for the bank) in integrating their systems into the flow of the back end app and website as part of authentication.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Deploy code to the INT, QA and PROD environment via Pipeline and PowerShell.
• Server maintenance including log management and server monitoring.
• Change management.
• Direct and indirect Server maintenance.

FNB (First National Bank)

Software Support Engineer
Timeframe: 09/2015 till 01/2017
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Standby Allowance, Incentives)
Permanent skilled level position at FNB Bank in the IT Credit Card division. (JHB CBD)

I was working in the online credit card division. Specifically the online transaction department. I was responsible for the OPT systems, Certificate renewals between the bank and VISA. I also was responsible in creating and maintaining new credit card types such a clicks credit card that used FNB. Other roles was maintaining and running the Linux infrastructure running Centos or RedHat. This also included maintaining the databases on these systems that stored and processed all the online credit card transactions. I also created a multitude of bash and perl script to automate most common tasks and to automatically notify and inform me if something went wrong. System monitoring was also a large part of my role. I also assisted developers deploying new code to the environment following the SDLC process and partook in daily CAB sessions to get changes in production.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• System automation and report generation
• Main resource for Verified by VISA ACS. (Moduruim)
• Compiling of scripts
• Ensuring systems are up and running 24/7
• Software support for system running on Linux environments (Red hat and Centos)
• Database support. (Mysql, Postgres)
• Deploying new code to systems.
• General Linux related administration related to maintaining applications.
• Assisting developers with access and general trouble shooting
• Other software used: Dynatrace and Zabbix and more

SPI

Systems & Software Specialist. – SPI (www.spi.co.za)
Timeframe: 09/2015 till 01/2017
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Standby Allowance, Incentives)
Permanent skilled level position at SPI in the IT industry. (Sunning Hill, JHB)

I was the technical support for SPI. A company that was reseller for printing drivers used by universities and other large companies. I was part of installing and maintaining the software as well as helping clients with any issues they might have mostly face to face. as this was before remote working was a thing. I also had to maintain the companies internal IT infrastructure including the website. I worked with Unix/Linux and Windows systems depending on the clients infrastructure.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• General office IT administrating. Server admin, Backups, PC maintenance, Internet issues etc.
• Software Admin
• Training for SPI’s software for clients
• Clients Include: UNISA, UJ, SASOL, Collage of UKZN, University of Stellenbosch, Cape University of Technology, Metropolitan health group, Sefako Magto Univercity, BCX, PG Bison
• Installation and customization software on UNIX or Windows servers
• Forms design
• Troubleshooting
• Assisting clients with issues / problems
• Meeting current and new clients for onsite visits, presentations and updates.
• Administration, installation, training and troubleshooting in main software namely: Esker, Goanywhere (Windows), Xi-text,Cosprint (Unix)
• Unix scripting from time to time to streamline clients environment

MTN

System Admin – Second Level Unix/HP UNIX/ Admin (MTN)
Timeframe: 02/2012 till 01/2015
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Standby Allowance, and Overtime.
Permanent skilled level position at MTN in the IT industry. Located: 14 Ave Fairlands.

I was part of the main team maintaining the IBM AIX system. I created new server, configured filesystems, did system monitoring, maintaining users, configured space for databases, software configurations and installation, setting up clusters, created script to streamline and automate configuration and monitoring of about 250+ servers. System performance monitoring and trouble shooting. Setting up DR and doing DR testing. Backup and restoring of servers. Joined in CAB sessions. This also included working on physical servers in server rooms.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Unix Administration
• Software installation & management.
• File system creation, monitoring etc.
• User administration, creation, deletion & assistance.
• System performance reporting
• LPAR (Server) creation, administration and modification.
• General server administration
• Cluster server setup and administration
• Script creation and maintaining.

IBM

EMPLOYMENT IN VARIOUS POSITIONS 2006 – 2012

I started at IBM in operations monitoring, then worked as a technical SME on an internal project before moving over the internal AIX/Linux team. I also worked with MVS / AS400 Mainframe systems as part of my ops role.
In ops I was responsible for monitoring various client’s infrastructure and sending out alerts if needed. This included checking backups statuses and doing rudimentary administrative tasks on Windows and Linux Servers.
I briefly was part of a portal project as an SME advisor before moving over to the AIX/Linux department that then was responsible for MTN’s AIX server maintenance.

IT Specialist – Second Level Unix/HP UNIX/Linux Admin (MTN Account – Midrange)
Timeframe: 01/2011 till 01/2012
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance, Petrol and Food Allowance when working overtime.
Permanent skilled level position at IBM in the IT industry. Located: Sandton.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Junior level sysadmin
• Record keeping
• Assisting with closure of tickets and Issues
• General Record keeping and generating of reports.

IT Specialist – Second Level System Engineer (MTN Account – Client Services)
TimeFrame:11/2009 till 12/2010
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance, Petrol and Food Allowance when working overtime.
Permanent skilled level position at IBM in the IT industry. Located: Sandton.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Second level support for MTN on Wintel platforms (XP, Vista, Server 2003/8)
• Second level support for MTN client services.
• Responsible for resetting user accounts.
• Making back-ups and restoring of back-ups.
• Server maintenance.
• General fault finding.
• Maintaining network stability.

Snr Operator – First Level System Engineer (Various accounts in Belgium & France)
Timeframe: 02/2007 till till 11/2009
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance, Petrol and Food Allowance when working overtime.
Permanent skilled level position at IBM in the IT industry. Located: Sandton.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• First line support (operations) for SAP, Intel, AIX, Unix, Linux and more.
• Some Second level support as well.
• Mostly supported IBM accounts with companies in Belgium and France.

Subject Matter Expert (IDC Portal Project)
Timeframe: 10/2006 till 01//2007
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance, Petrol and Food Allowance when working overtime.
Permanent skilled level position at IBM in the IT industry. Located: Sandton.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Project: Transfer all windows based applications to a web based environment.
• Head developer, administrator and coordinator of the IDC’s Portal Project.
• Lead contact person for South Africa’s IBM Portal Project.
• Weekly teleconference meetings with Head Office on progress, needs assessment, action points follow-up, etc.
• Compiled reports on a weekly basis.
• Kept constant eye on Project Plan.
• Liaise with various departments and executives relating to implementation of project.
• Thorough research and reporting on best suited applications.
• Instillation, set-up and implementation of software onto the web based environment (Portal)

Operator (Denmark Account)
Timeframe:04/2006 till 10/2006 
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance, Petrol and Food Allowance when working overtime.
Permanent skilled level position at IBM in the IT industry. Located: Sandton.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitoring, escalating and resolving problems / faults logged in line with Service Level Agreement with client (Denmark Account).
• Worked on MVS, AS400 Unix and INTEL.

Discovery Health

Operator (First Level Systems Engineer)
Timeframe: 07/2001 till 03/2006 
Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance and Overtime.
Permanent skilled level position at Discovery Health contracting through Comparex, in the Health Care Industry. Located: Sandton.

I was part of the operations team responsible for system monitoring, backups and restore of data, Linux and windows user management. Helpdesk support and after hours onsite monitoring. I worked with Solaris, Linux and Windows server mostly.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Unix / Backup Operator (Sun Solaris)
• ● Backup Operator
• ● After Hours helpdesk
• ● Unix
  • Monitoring of Server’s file systems
  • Doing backups of file systems
  • Managing users. (Killing users, resetting passwords, maintaining filesystems etc.)
  • BCV’s and Syncs for Servers.
  • Monitoring batch runs.
• NT
  • Backups
  • User management

JSE

Operator (First Level Systems Engineer)
Timeframe: 03/2000 till 06/2001
CTC (Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance, Overtime, Petrol Allowance).

I was an mainframe operator in the South African Reserve bank working shift hours. My role was to monitor the mainframe servers, do backups via LTO tapes. I also had to monitor the SWIFT network and find and resolve issues between banks in terms of money transfers. I also worked in the TANDEM system that monitored higher level functions of the reserve bank systems.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• MVS Mainframe Operator
• Back-up Operator

Reserve Bank

Operator (First Level Systems Engineer)
TimeFrame:03/1999 till 02/2000
CTC (Benefits included: Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Shift Allowance, Overtime, Petrol Allowance).

I was an mainframe operator in the South African Reserve bank working shift hours. My role was to monitor the mainframe servers, do backups via LTO tapes. I also had to monitor the SWIFT network and find and resolve issues between banks in terms of money transfers. I also worked in the TANDEM system that monitored higher level functions of the reserve bank systems.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• MVS Operator
• Backup Operator
• M.A.P. Operator
• S.W.I.F.T. helpdesk support.

Brunel

IT Administrator
Timeframe:11/1998 till 02/1999

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Y2K Administrator 
• General computer admin

CERTIFICATES