Hello, I’m Xavier Jimenez

I’m a software developer, infrastructure engineer, and tech enthusiast who loves building practical solutions—whether that’s web applications, containerized services, network infrastructure, or hardware projects. I’m passionate about cybersecurity, network administration, and server management, and I’m actively working toward a career in one of these fields.

What I Do

Infrastructure & Homelab — I run a 3-node Proxmox cluster that I’ve maintained for over 4 years. My infrastructure hosts primarily Ubuntu Linux VMs, most of which run Docker and Docker Compose services. I’ve transitioned from deploying pre-made containers to building custom Docker images tailored to my needs. I use my homelab to experiment with new technologies and host production services.

Networking & Security — I have hands-on experience designing and implementing complex networks from the ground up. I work with:

  • Firewalls & Security: OpenSense, OpenWRT, firewall configuration
  • VPN & Remote Access: OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tailscale
  • Network Management: DHCP, VLANs, DNS configuration, Unifi
  • Security Concepts: Network segmentation, firewall rules, VPN tunneling, access control

Having rebuilt my network multiple times, I have a strong foundation in network architecture and security best practices.

Building Tools & Web Development — I create web applications and utilities that solve real problems. Recently, I built ServiceHelper, a tool that makes formatting and generating HTML-enhanced comments easier in ServiceNow. I enjoy turning frustrations into solutions.

Hardware & Microcontrollers — Beyond software, I work with physical hardware. I’ve programmed ESP32s and other microcontrollers to automate tasks, design custom enclosures, and bring ideas to life. One example is Making a Mute Pedal using a microcontroller; a project that combines hardware design, programming, and practical utility.

Gaming & Community Projects — I’ve collaborated with friends on Minecraft Java Edition projects, including server setup and custom datapacks. These collaborations taught me about teamwork, version control, and working with other developers.

Cybersecurity & CTF — I’m actively learning through platforms like PicoCTF, diving into binary exploitation, cryptography, forensics, and web exploitation. These challenges keep my problem solving skills sharp and support my goal of entering the cybersecurity field.

Technical Writing — I document my projects and learning experiences on my blog. Whether it’s setting up GitHub SSH, configuring infrastructure, or explaining security concepts, I believe sharing knowledge benefits the community.

My Tech Stack

Infrastructure & DevOps:

  • Containerization: Docker, Docker Compose
  • Virtualization: Proxmox, KVM
  • Container Hosting: Private Docker registries, self-hosted deployments
  • Version Control: Git, GitHub, Gitea (self-hosted private instance)

Networking:

  • Firewalls & Routing: OpenSense, OpenWRT, firewall rules
  • VPN Technologies: OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tailscale
  • Network Services: DHCP, DNS, VLANs, network monitoring
  • Networking Tools: Unifi for network management

Web Development & Tools:

  • Languages: JavaScript, Python, C++, Bash
  • Web Stack: HTML, CSS, vanilla JavaScript
  • Platforms: ServiceNow, Cloudflare

Hardware & Embedded Systems:

  • Microcontrollers: ESP32, Arduino
  • Hardware Design: Custom enclosures, circuit design
  • Automation: IoT device programming

Operating Systems:

  • Linux: Ubuntu (primary), various distributions
  • Environment Management: Linux hardening, security best practices

Currently Pursuing:

  • Cybersecurity fundamentals and penetration testing
  • Network administration concepts and certifications
  • Server administration and infrastructure automation
  • Advanced Docker and container orchestration

Why I Write

I document my projects and learning experiences because:

  • It helps me solidify my understanding of new concepts
  • It provides a reference for my future self
  • It might help someone facing the same challenge I just solved

Let’s Connect

If you’re interested in:

  • Collaborating on projects
  • Discussing security and tech topics
  • Sharing cybersecurity learning resources
  • Or just want to chat about tech

Feel free to reach out via GitHub or connect with me through the contact form.