Chris Hughes

Systems Engineer
(902) 302-7225
chris@chris-hughes.dev
3903 Hwy. 252
Mabou, Nova Scotia
Website: chris-hughes.dev
GitHub: github.com/naokotani

Summary

Linux-focused systems engineer with 5+ years of experience supporting production Linux systems and backend infrastructure. Strong in operational troubleshooting, system stability, patching workflows, and diagnosing issues across services and environments. Diploma in IT Programming and a BA in Anthropology.

Skills

  • Cloud & Virtualization: Linux workloads on cloud and VPS platforms (AWS, DigitalOcean)
  • Containers: Docker, Podman, Docker Compose, Systemd Quadlet
  • Web & Services: Nginx, Caddy, PostgreSQL, REST APIs
  • Scripting & Programming: Bash, Java, Go, SQL
  • Troubleshooting: Log analysis, issue reproduction, regression testing, data validation

Professional Experience

2020-present – Freelance Web Developer – Chris Hughes dot Dev

  • Supported and maintained production servers and APIs for small clients
  • Diagnosed and resolved issues involving databases, deployments, and Linux servers
  • Designed and operated containerized services managed by Docker compose and systemd
  • Implemented authentication, integrations with third-party services, and business logic
  • Performed routine system maintenance including updates, patching, log review, and service health checks across Linux servers

2025 – LMS Administrator – LearnNorth

  • Migrated learning management system (LMS) data from Brightspace to Buzz while preserving data integrity
  • Wrote HTML and CSS conforming to accessibility and style standards
  • Developed JavaScript and shell scripts to automate workflows and reduce manual errors

2023–2024 – Programming Tutor – NSCC

  • Tutored web development topics including Java Spring, Node.js, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS
  • Tutored C programming with a focus on dynamic memory management, data structures, and error handling

Projects

Atlantic Emissions Map (Java/React)

Website : GitHub

  • Built and supported a containerized backend service for querying and aggregating emissions data
  • Implemented dataset versioning and rollback mechanisms to prevent data loss during updates
  • Added caching and invalidation strategies, reducing response times from seconds to under 100ms

Homelab Infrastructure (Podman/Quadlet/Linux/Systemd)

Technical Write-Up : GitHub

  • Designed and operated a multi-service homelab using Docker and systemd Quadlet
  • Deployed containerized services with persistent storage, networking, and backups
  • Troubleshot container lifecycle, networking issues, and service failures
  • Documented setup and operational decisions for repeatability and learning
  • Applied enterprise-style operational practices including service monitoring, controlled updates, and repeatable configuration

Static Site Generator (Go)

Website : GitHub

  • Go project that provides a seamless blogging experience in Emacs Org mode.
  • Allows for configuration of content, custom pages, font faces, color schemes via easy to edit TOML files.
  • Creates a static website that can be hosted as a static site on GitHub pages or a similar hosting service by simply pushing the created files to the server.

Encounter Builder (Rust/PostgreSQL)

Website : GitHub

  • Web application that provides a convenient way to create quick and balanced encounters for the popular table-top role-playing game Pathfinder Second Edition.
  • Wrote an application to scrape and verify creature data from open source web documents.

Education

2023–2025 : IT Programming Diploma : NSCC

  • Two-year program focused on software development.
  • Courses: database fundamentals, Java Spring, Node.js, data structures, Linux.

2004–2008 : Bachelor’s Degree : Trent University

  • Specialization in cultural anthropology.
  • Minor in Spanish.

Languages

  • English: native
  • Spanish: intermediate