Alan Sieg

Current

Network Systems Analyst for NASA at Colsa Corporation
WB5RMG, ARES Asst Emergency Coordinator for Madison County, AL at Amateur Radio

Past

Unix Systems Analyst at Colsa Corporation
System Specialist at WareOnEarth Communications, Inc.
Operations Manager at ZFx, Inc.

Support Engineer at Digital Equipment (DEC)

see less...

1 more...

Recommended

16 people have recommended Alan

Connections

199 connections

Industry

Defense & Space

Websites

HMC RACES/ARES

Alan Sieg’s Summary

To be a successful Systems Analyst today, I draw upon skills that have been accumulating over the last 40 years. Understanding large scale integrations and interoperabilities is based upon awareness of and exposure to considerable detail of endless subsystems. The basic subsystems include : audio, video, radio, television, control logic, telemetry, and computational electronics. More recent technologies require proficiency with TCP/IP, WAN/LAN, Windows/Unix and IT Security to maintain these systems.

My expertise includes detail oriented implementation and problem solving methods for these subsystems and technologies, tempered by strong organizational and effective communications skills. This mix would not be complete without the motivation to pass on my understanding of this world's workings through documentation, instruction, and a passion to learn more.

Alan Sieg’s Specialties:

My good fortune is to work in a NASA facility that manages a nearly continuous data stream arriving from the International Space Station. We support hundreds of routers, switches, and servers that support thousands of users world-wide. We also support propulsion engineering data for every flight of the Space Shuttle. The HOSC is positioned to assist with requirements definition for future exploration directives such as Constellation, and ongoing improvements for ISS communications such as ODAR.

Alan Sieg’s Experience

Network Systems Analyst for NASA

Colsa Corporation

(Privately Held; 501-1000 employees; Defense & Space industry)

January 2007 — Present (2 years 11 months)

Perform network engineering and operational support for NASA within the Huntsville Operations Support Center at Marshall Space Flight Center. The HOSC operates the 24x7 Payload Operations Center for the International Space Station, as well as existing Space Shuttle and future Space Transportation Engineering projects.

This relatively small group is responsible for developing and integrating new network designs as well as troubleshooting and modification of existing designs; to include routers, switches, firewalls, and new server technologies. Encompassing command and control, telemetry gathering and archiving, science data accumulation and distribution, as well as future interplanetary communications; this 100% redundant/high-availability mission essential environment requires a thorough understanding of topologies, protocols, and the glue that holds it all together. Experience with troubleshooting tools and test equipment, operating systems and security methods is essential.
WB5RMG, ARES Asst Emergency Coordinator for Madison County, AL

Amateur Radio

(Non-Profit; Publishing industry)

1976 — Present (33 years )

My interest in Amateur Radio began as a teenager, but I didn't master the Morse Code until I was in College - well, at least enough to pass the 5 wpm test. I upgraded to Advanced Class in 1978. I finally upgraded to Extra Class in 2008. My activities and experimentation with this communications technology has contributed greatly over the years towards my professional career path. Both at work and at home I get to mess with hardware, software, antennas, satellites, communications networks, emergency management planning, and of course 'people'.

My job here is to research everything interesting, and encourage others to get involved and develop their potential. It is difficult to find time for everything, but over the years I have accumulated a long list of personal acheivments and meaningful friendships. I enjoy explaining and teaching, both in the classroom and by example. Ham Radio gives me an opportunity to give some back to the community that has helped me get where I am today.

Most recently I have applied my experience and expertise toward building an on-line environment for our local ARES/RACES EmComm group : http://hmcraces.org ... I have accepted an appointment to contribute training and organizational motivation as an ARES Assistant Emergency Coordinator for the Huntsville-Madison County group. We enjoy a close relationship with the Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency, and other served agencies such as the National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross. We have a strong core group of volunteers that provide valuable communication resources in time of need.
Unix Systems Analyst

Colsa Corporation

(Privately Held; 1001-5000 employees; Defense & Space industry)

May 2006 — January 2007 (9 months)

Perform general system administration of UNIX systems for the Integrated System Test Capability (ISTC) Lab within the SMDC Advanced Research Center (ARC). Provide analysis on system problems, working with system users to define problem areas, coordinate data availability, and support general user needs. Understand and define system objectives to ensure that mission and security objectives are met. Actualize and recommend updates for Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) for various operating system environments, including: Solaris, IRIX, Linux, HPUX, and AIX. Act as Alternate ISSO for assigned systems, to meet auditing requirements defined by NISPOM Chapter 8 Requirements. Provide backup support for other Alternate ISSO members of the team. Provide user account management as directed by ARC Policies, for user account creation, locking, or deletion. Coordinate any maintenance activities with the end-users and any outside vendors as necessary
System Specialist

WareOnEarth Communications, Inc.

(Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Computer & Network Security industry)

June 2004 — May 2006 (2 years )

WCI provides contract Information Assurance services to the HPCMPO. As a System Specialist, I supported multiple corporate and client AIS and LAN/WAN. Our global staff provides IA services for DREN, and other contracts. I provided expertise in system and network management as well as routine operations. This includes SSP self-inspection, audit review, user management, email/DNS troubleshooting, configuration management, vulnerability assessment, patch management, and documentation maintenance. I participated in the definition of security requirements, risk assessment, analysis of data management, and the certification and accreditation required for DITSCAP and/or NISPOM. This is accomplished with a solid understanding of workstations, servers, firewalls, routers, various operating systems, best security practices, and many years of hands-on experience. This experience most recently includes: Linux, Solaris, IRIX, Windows, Cisco, Netscreen, Taclane, 3Com, APC, and even a little PBX ..
Operations Manager

ZFx, Inc.

(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Internet industry)

1990 — 2003 (13 years )

Provided primary technical expertise for Internet consulting, web hosting, and software development operations. Built and managed dozens of Linux servers to host hundreds of domain-named web sites, with thousands of email accounts. Gained expert familiarity with Bind (DNS), Apache (HTTPD), and Sendmail (SMTP) services. Developed the Internet infrastructure in 1994 for Tricon.NET, first regional ISP in NE Tennessee.
Support Engineer

Digital Equipment (DEC)

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Information Technology and Services industry)

1980 — 1990 (10 years )

I provided telephone and on-site technical support to Field Engineers across the seven state Rocky Mountain District. This gave me exposure to diverse clients, networks, and applications within University, Government, Medical and Fortune 500 contract base. As part of a seven member "flying-squad", I supported high-profile clients such as NORAD, Martin-Marietta, Rockwell, NOAA, and a variety of military installations. Primarily mainframe and VAX hardware maintenance, but introduced me to operating system support.

Additional Information

Alan Sieg’s Websites:

HMC RACES/ARES

Alan Sieg’s Interests:

Recently completed training: * USArmy - on-line certification, Mar 2006 "Information Assurance Security Officer" * DSS - on-line certification, Nov 2005 "NISPOM Chapter 8 Requirements for Industry" * ARRL - on-line certification, Sep 2005 "ARECC-Emergency Communications, Level 1" * Carnegie-Mellon SEI - 3 day class, Aug 2005 "Introduction to CMMI v1.1" * FEMA - on-line certifications, Aug 2005 "IS700-National Incident Management System Intro" "IS100-Incident Command System Intro" "IS200-Incident Command System Basic"

Alan Sieg’s Groups:

Emergency Communicator - registered with ARES/RACES,
Huntsville/Madison County Emergency Management Agency

Amateur Radio License WB5RMG (since 1976)
NWS Skywarn Certified severe weather spotter