Mark LaCore
After 25 years in IT, I've learned that the best technology solves real problems - and I love building things that do exactly that. My sweet spot is automating the boring stuff so teams can focus on what matters. I've spent my career diving deep into cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and system architecture, always looking for that elegant solution that makes everyone's life easier.
I'm fully embracing this new wave of AI coding tools, and honestly, it's the most excited I've been about development in years. Whether I'm building security microservices at work or tinkering with robotics projects at home, these AI assistants help me write cleaner code faster and catch things I might have missed. It's like having a really smart pair-programming buddy who never gets tired.
My home lab is where I really geek out. I've got robots with mecanum wheels roaming around, a 324-LED matrix displaying everything from Conway's Game of Life to real-time weather patterns, and enough Raspberry Pis to start my own compute cluster. It's part mad scientist workshop, part cybersecurity testing ground - and it keeps my skills razor-sharp.
As a hacker at heart, I enjoy participating in Capture the Flag competitions where I can exercise my extensive knowledge of the tools necessary to perform on both red and blue teams. This competitive cybersecurity experience keeps my skills sharp and provides practical experience with the latest attack vectors and defensive strategies.
In my personal life, I'm a devoted husband and father. I find joy in playing guitar, often accompanying my favorite bands. As a gaming enthusiast, I enjoy connecting with friends through video games. My curiosity extends to the world of microdrones, where I find building and flying them to be an exhilarating hobby.
This diverse set of interests and experiences allows me to approach technical challenges with creativity and adaptability, making me a valuable asset in dynamic IT and cybersecurity environments.
Core Competencies
- Cloud Technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Automation & DevOps
- Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM)
- Infrastructure as Code
- Full-Stack Development
- Windows & Linux Administration
- Security & Compliance
- CI/CD Pipelines
Professional Experience
Sr. Software Engineer at Apple Cupertino, 2017 - Present- Developed and maintained security tools and microservices for automatic onboarding of Windows systems into internal security platforms.
- Built and maintained SCCM environment for Windows systems.
- Created PowerShell-based "Minimum Security Requirements" telemetry tool.
- Implemented Python-based ServiceNow ticket/work order automations.
- Designed web service for software signing of PE binaries and MSI files with Microsoft Authenticode certificate in HSM.
- Applied red team methodologies and offensive security knowledge to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen defensive capabilities across enterprise systems.
- Leveraging modern AI development tools to enhance code quality, security, and maintainability across legacy systems while accelerating development cycles for new security initiatives.
- Managed Configuration Manager for ongoing configuration management, reporting, patch management, and compliance enforcement.
- Developed zero-touch computer provisioning task sequences for Desktop team.
- Designed Retail/Wellness Center IT support infrastructure.
- Implemented System Center Orchestrator to automate IT processes, including new hires and terminations.
- Provided customer support for Windows Client/Server environments.
- Worked with System Center Configuration Manager, Microsoft Exchange, Linux, Active Directory, and Citrix.
- Developed and maintained custom tools for internal use.
- Designed entire network infrastructure based on Active Directory, Exchange, and BlackBerry.
- Provided comprehensive IT support for all users.
- Provided IT support for all users and maintained McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator.
- Performed server rack & stack for IT and user systems.
- Provided 2nd-tier desktop support to local users.
- Assisted in the deployment of Windows 2000.
Technical Proficiencies
- Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS , Azure , GCP , Docker , Kubernetes, VMware, Hyper-V, KVM
- Programming & Development: Python (Flask, OpenCV, hardware control), C++ (YOLO post-processing, xtensor), JavaScript/ES6 (computer vision, React), MicroPython, CircuitPython, PowerShell
- AI & Machine Learning: Google Gemini AI integration, Hailo AI processor, Computer Vision (OpenCV), Stable Diffusion, LLM integration
- Robotics & Motion Control: 6-wheel mecanum drive systems, Adafruit Motor HAT, stepper motor controllers (HRB8825), servo control (PCA9685), PID tuning, pan-tilt mechanisms
- Microcontrollers & SBCs: Raspberry Pi 5 (Hailo AI, dual cameras), Raspberry Pi Pico W (RP2040) (LED matrix, overclocking), GPIO programming, I2C/UART communication
- Sensors & Electronics: MPU9250 (9-axis IMU), compass calibration, infrared cameras (Pi NoIR), INA219 battery monitoring, power management (3.3V/5V/12V domains)
- Display Technologies: WS2812B NeoPixel LED programming (324 LED matrix), SSD1306 OLED displays, real-time graphics rendering (50+ FPS), LCD display systems
- Computer Vision & Image Processing: Real-time object detection, motion tracking, pose estimation, image stacking, dual-camera synchronization, MJPEG streaming
- Game Controller Integration: Steam Controller zero-latency robot control, input event handling (100Hz), joystick service integration, WASD keyboard mapping
- Performance Optimization: 2.8x performance boost achieving 50+ FPS on 324 LED matrix, C programming optimization, vectorized operations, real-time processing
- Mathematical & Physics: Mandelbrot/Julia fractals, Conway's Game of Life, trajectory calculations, optimization algorithms, audio synthesis
- Cybersecurity: Penetration testing, red/blue team operations, CTF competitions, vulnerability assessment, Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, Burp Suite
- Networking & Protocols: WiFi router management, HTTP/HTTPS APIs, WebSocket real-time communication, ADSB flight tracking, satellite trajectory calculations
- System Administration: Linux systemd services, network management, Windows /Linux /macOS administration, Active Directory, Exchange
Certifications
- CISSP - ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- CC - ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
- MCSE - Microsoft Certified System Engineer
- MCSA - Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate
- MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional
- RHCSA - RedHat Certified Systems Administrator
- RHCT - RedHat Certified Systems Technician
Additional Skills
- 3D Modeling & Printing (STL design for custom robot enclosures, household parts, costumes, props)
- Electronics & Prototyping (Circuit design, transistors, resistors, capacitors, piezo buzzers)
- Home Automation & IoT Device Development
- Maker Technologies (Arduino, Raspberry Pi , MicroPython/CircuitPython)
- Demoscene Programming (Starfield effects, plasma rendering, rotozoomer, copper bars)
- Astronomy & Astrophotography (Long exposure techniques, image stacking, satellite tracking)
- Audio Systems (DarkIce streaming, mood-based music engines)
- Microdrone Building & Flying (Custom flight controllers, FPV systems)
Professional Preferences
- Flexible working arrangement: Home office, 7AM - 4PM
- Open to hybrid arrangement if office is in Downtown San Jose
- Seeking a mutually supportive team environment
- Interested in companies valuing diversity and inclusion
- Competitive compensation and benefits appropriate for Silicon Valley
Note: Currently open to hearing about technical lead, creative coding, AI research, or principal computer scientist roles in Downtown San Jose only. Not considering remote-only positions or locations outside of Downtown San Jose.
