Senior Systems Engineer · Stamford, CT

Twenty years on systems that aren't allowed to fail.

After two decades building and running broadcast and network infrastructure, I'm at home in systems where downtime isn't an option and there's no maintenance window to hide in. I still do it every day. But the problems I pick up on my own time keep pulling toward IT and cloud infrastructure, and that's where I'd like to take things next. If you're working on something hard, let's talk.

The value I bring

Hard problems are the fun part.

Broadcast was the proving ground. The instincts — keep it up, stay calm, learn the new thing fast — come with me to whatever you're running.

Your systems stay up

Twenty years keeping critical systems alive. That instinct comes with me — whatever you put me on, uptime is the floor.

A calm head when it breaks

When something goes sideways, I get calm, find it fast, and fix it. Two decades of live, real-time work builds that.

Networking that goes anywhere

Deep IP networking across Cisco, Arista, and Fortinet — the fundamentals that hold any network together. Vendors change; the core skill travels.

Fluent in cloud and on-prem

I've led migrations to cloud-first workflows with hybrid disaster recovery, and I run on-prem every day. Wherever your stack lives, I'm at home.

How I operate

Hand me a problem and I won't
put it down until it's solved.

I tinker with things that already work, just to see if they can run better — that's where most of what I know came from. So when work doesn't hand me a new problem, I build my own: a retirement-planning app with Monte Carlo simulation, a job-search tool that scrapes ATS APIs, a few internal tools that started as me scratching an itch.

I taught myself whatever each one needed. Once I've got my teeth into something, I have to crack it open — it's not discipline, it's just how I'm built. Give me a domain I don't know yet and I'll worry it like a loose tooth until it gives. That instinct is my biggest asset, and it's exactly why I'm looking for something harder to chew on.

Experience

Twenty years, the short version.

Jul 2022 — Present Current Encompass Digital Media
Senior Systems Engineer
  • Led design, configuration, and migration of 35+ video playout services to cloud workflows with hybrid disaster recovery
  • Tier 3 support for all software components and SRT/multicast video flows — reducing downtime and accelerating incident resolution
  • Configure and maintain all monitoring & control systems — upgrades, patches, RCA analysis
  • Manage Windows domain environment and user authentication across multiple platforms
Feb 2021 — Jul 2022 The Switch
Network Engineer
  • Tier 3 support for all video and data services — high availability and reliability focus
  • SRT video workflows through Fortinet and Arista network infrastructure
  • Net Insight equipment upgrades
Sep 2019 — Feb 2021 LTN Global
Senior Solutions Architect
  • Technical discovery, project scoping, and solutions design with enterprise clients
  • Detailed documentation for cross-functional project launches
Jul 2014 — Oct 2018 Encompass Digital Media
Director, Broadcast & Network Engineering
  • Managed and mentored engineering staff across Network, Broadcast, and Automation disciplines — 24/7/365 facility
  • Network infrastructure design — Cisco Catalyst 6832/4500/3850, Nexus 3172, ASA 5585 firewall
  • Budget, procurement, and capital planning — delivered on time and within budget
Jan 2012 — Jul 2014 Encompass Digital Media
Manager, Broadcast & Network Engineering
  • LAN/WAN topology design and Cisco configuration — 99.999% uptime for broadcast automation clients
  • Automated workflows to improve operational productivity
Jul 2007 — Jan 2012 Encompass Digital Media
Broadcast Network Engineer
  • Cisco ASA 55XX, Catalyst 2960/3750/4500, ASR1001, VPN concentrators
  • Automation systems: Snell Morpheus, Omnibus, Avid · LTO tape libraries
  • SQL for proactive storage management and file transfer reliability
Oct 2003 — Jul 2007 Ascent Media Network Services
Broadcast Systems Engineer → PPV Coordinator → Encode Operator
  • NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN PPV — commercial integration and satellite transmission
  • Live encoding for 12 networks: A&E, YES Network, NFL, NBA, and more
  • Foundation in schematics, troubleshooting, and broadcast workflows
Off the clock

I love making and fixing things with my hands.

Mostly all home repairs, the family cars, a desk for my wife, furniture that needs refinishing, a lawn I'm a little too into. Give me a free weekend and a project and I'm a happy man.

Let's talk.

I'd like to hear what you're building. If your systems have to hold and you want someone who's spent twenty years making sure they do, reach out — let's talk it through and see if it's a fit.

Email me →
Contact
NameEric Sullivan
LocationTrumbull, CT
FocusSystems & Network Eng.
LinkedInin/ericdsullivan
StatusOpen to interesting problems