Steven Pirnik

Unlocked Networks was a Supplier-to-Business (S2B, Supplier-to-Business) commerce platform that connected companies of all sizes directly with infrastructure suppliers and manufacturers, bringing buyers closer to the source. The platform reduced reliance on traditional intermediaries by increasing transparency across supplier capabilities, manufacturing context, reviews, and procurement workflows—improving supply-chain visibility and purchasing decisions. In this role, I architected and delivered supplier research, evaluation, and commerce applications that reduced customer interaction time from initial supplier review to purchase by 70%+. Focusing on removing friction introduced by middlemen through digitally-native supplier discovery, structured comparison, and purchase-ready procurement flows, enabling faster, more informed supplier selection and direct infrastructure procurement.

Layer99 Services provides technical sourcing, infrastructure strategy, and data center operations consulting for clients across telecom, enterprise networking, and cloud infrastructure sectors. The company focuses on aligning engineering and commercial priorities through optimized vendor strategies, OEM-to-ODM transitions, and scalable hardware lifecycle programs. Layer99 supports clients in designing, deploying, and maintaining efficient, resilient network and data center systems through hands-on technical and operational expertise.

• Managed global vendor and supply relationships for Cloudflare’s network, compute, and power infrastructure portfolio, optimizing sourcing operations, lifecycle management, and continuity across data center platforms. • Worked with hardware engineering, capacity planning, and BizOps teams, providing technical, market, and sourcing feedback to define and guide hardware roadmaps for servers, power delivery systems, and networking equipment. • Drove an ODM multi-sourcing strategy, diversifying the supply base and reducing risk while maintaining flexible CapEx and OpEx structures through improved payment terms, scalable volume planning, and optimized contract frameworks. • Negotiated large-scale agreements and strategic partnerships totaling more than $12 million in lifetime savings, while enhancing support contracts and strengthening executive-level relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. • Partnered closely with hardware engineering teams on New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives, providing engineering and sourcing input to drive hardware adoption, integration, and design efficiency in alignment with business and operational goals.

• Contributed to the deployment and expansion of 200+ global Points of Presence (PoPs), delivering faster, more reliable, and secure internet services to tens of millions of users worldwide. • Worked directly with Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) to triage and resolve system-level issues including CPU power state instability, BIOS configuration errors, SSD endurance degradation, and HDD vibration imbalances. • Defined and implemented Data Center Operations (DC Ops) SOPs and deployment processes, standardizing infrastructure readiness and improving deployment consistency across global regions. • Optimized hardware netboot integration and on-site netboot workflows, reducing overall deployment cycle time by 19% through automation and orchestration-driven provisioning. • Improved rack power density and thermal efficiency, reducing required data center floor space by 12% while maintaining uptime and environmental compliance.

• Supported AWS Edge and Point-of-Presence (PoP) expansion initiatives across 100+ North American regions, contributing to deployments exceeding 50,000 servers and forming a key part of AWS’s backbone interconnectivity. • Collaborated with Technical Program Management, Network Engineering, Capacity Planning, Legal, and Colocation/Data Center providers to execute approved expansion and infrastructure upgrade plans. • Coordinated vendor and contractor activities for power, cooling, and network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with AWS design and operational standards. • Conducted detailed site readiness reviews, audits, and commissioning inspections to verify infrastructure integrity, environmental performance, and deployment quality. • Oversaw on-site installation, validation, and system bring-up, ensuring successful integration into AWS production environments for services including CloudFront, Prime Video, and AWS backbone platforms. • Provided ongoing operational and technical support during commissioning, incident response, and maintenance events to maintain uptime and network performance.

• Coordinated vendor construction and infrastructure expansion projects covering power, cooling, and security systems for colocation data center facilities. • Oversaw site readiness and commissioning activities, conducting detailed facility walkthroughs and compliance reviews prior to customer deployments. • Supported data center provisioning from power allocation through full rack installation, ensuring proper infrastructure capacity and load balancing. • Managed and participated in incident response related to power, cooling, and network systems to maintain uptime and operational stability. • Monitored and maintained critical infrastructure including CRAH/CRAC units, fan walls, heat exchangers, PDUs, ATS, and UPS systems. • Performed preventive maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems to ensure continuous reliability. • Provided NOC support for monitoring network infrastructure events, coordinating response efforts, and assisting with hardware deployment and maintenance.

• Supported security operations for aerospace and defense clients, focusing on facility assurance, operational continuity, and site compliance. • Conducted facility and site security reviews, walkthroughs, and risk assessments to evaluate physical safeguards and system readiness. • Operated within a Security Operations Center (SOC) environment, monitoring systems, investigating alerts, and coordinating incident responses. • Performed security infrastructure audits and recommended procedural or technical improvements to strengthen compliance and resilience. • Maintained accurate records of access activity, system performance, and audit findings to support regulatory and client reporting standards.

• Enforced military law, base regulations, and security protocols across active installations, maintaining order and operational safety. • Executed special security and transport missions involving high-value assets and personnel under varied operational conditions. • Conducted law enforcement patrols, investigations, and incident response to ensure stability and compliance across military facilities. • Oversaw access control, perimeter security, and area defense operations to maintain secure environments. • Supported mission readiness through consistent enforcement of safety procedures and operational standards.

Focused on Fire Systems Technology with an emphasis on building construction, infrastructure systems, and safety design. Studied fire protection engineering principles, alarm and suppression systems, building materials, and structural fire behavior. Gained hands-on experience with system installation, maintenance procedures, and compliance inspections. Developed foundational skills in infrastructure support systems, preventive maintenance, and facility risk assessments to ensure code adherence and operational reliability.

Completed coursework toward an AS in Network Administration focusing on computer networking, system configuration, and IT infrastructure. Studied network design, routing and switching, TCP/IP, and hardware/software maintenance. Gained hands-on experience in lab environments with network setup, troubleshooting, and system performance optimization.

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