Hello and Welcome!

My name is Steven Day, and I am excited to share a bit about myself. I am a 39-year-old disabled veteran with a strong background in engineering and technology. I was born in Chicago and raised in Vancouver, Washington, where I developed a deep appreciation for hard work, problem-solving, and dedication. Throughout my life, I have been driven by a passion for electronics, technology, and continuous learning, which has shaped my career and personal growth.

In 2008, I made the life-changing decision to join the United States Navy, where I served for six years until 2014. During my time in the military, I worked as a Fire Controlman, specializing in the maintenance and operation of the AN/SPY-1D radar system. This role required me to troubleshoot complex electronic systems, perform preventive and corrective maintenance, and collaborate with my team to ensure the radar’s operational effectiveness. My service not only strengthened my technical expertise but also instilled in me the values of discipline, adaptability, and leadership.

My military experience also provided me with the opportunity to travel extensively. I was stationed in San Diego, California, where I gained valuable experience working aboard guided-missile destroyers. I participated in several deployments, including operations in the Asia-Pacific region, where I collaborated with international naval forces. These experiences gave me a global perspective on teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability under pressure.

After my military service, I transitioned into the tech industry, where I spent several years working in engineering roles for leading companies. I began as a Field Service Engineer at LPKF Lasers and Electronics, where I specialized in troubleshooting and maintaining prototype circuit board production equipment. In this role, I completed extensive training, performed maintenance and repairs, and quickly advanced into working with 3D-printed circuit systems. This experience expanded my expertise in cutting-edge electronics technology and strengthened my skills in problem-solving, equipment optimization, and technical support. I then moved on to Lam Research, working inside Intel’s cleanroom fab. There, I performed preventive maintenance, system upgrades, and network troubleshooting on highly advanced electroplating and robotic systems. These roles allowed me to further develop my skills in hardware installation, software configuration, and customer support.

My most recent civilian role was as a Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin, where I worked on the AN/SPY-1D radar system, a continuation of my Navy expertise. I was responsible for removing, installing, and repairing radar hardware and software, as well as training military personnel on proper maintenance and operation techniques. I spent 6 months when Covid hit working in Pascagoula MS working on a destroyer that needed a complete redo of one of their radar antennas due to a collision. I was able to help in the progress of returning the US Navy Destroyer back to fleet readiness. This experience enhanced my ability to manage complex projects, solve technical issues, and collaborate with diverse teams in high-stakes environments. I also became proficient in fiber optics, completing a certification in fiber installation, repair, and testing, which added another dimension to my technical expertise.

On a personal level, I consider myself a family man. I am married to my wonderful wife, and together we have two children who keep life exciting and fulfilling. Spending time with my family is a top priority, and I cherish weekend outings, family game nights, and spontaneous road trips. My two boys are competitive gymnasts, so this increases our travel around the east coast during the winter season. I enjoy watching them grow as people and seeing the strides they take in gymnastics, and it gives me motivation to continue to try and be the best role model I can be. These experiences help me stay grounded and provide a refreshing balance to my professional life.

Outside of my family, I enjoy watching sports, particularly football and baseball. I am a dedicated Chicago bears and Marlin’s fan, and I make a point of watching as many games as possible. In addition to watching sports, I also enjoy leisurely bowling. Bowling provides me with an opportunity to unwind, enjoy friendly competition, and socialize with friends. It is an activity that allows me to relax while also sharpening my focus and coordination. I also have a massive collection of sports cards that I enjoy going through and reminiscing like I did when I was younger and spread these types of experiences with my sons while creating these bonding moments.

Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University, with an expected graduation date of May 10, 2025. This educational pursuit reflects my commitment to cybersecurity and have used this experience to expand my knowledge in digital security, forensics, and risk management. My coursework has equipped me with hands-on experience in network defense, penetration testing, and incident response, providing me with practical skills applicable to the modern cybersecurity landscape. I am particularly interested in digital forensics, which combines my technical expertise with investigative problem-solving. These types of roles can push me into the field with government entities like the FBI or the local police. This intrigues me because it mixes the art of technology with the detective type work of solving problems, while helping in the efforts the bring down the crime statistics.

As I approach the final stretch of my studies, I am also working diligently to complete the Security+ certification exam before entering the workforce. This certification will validate my competency in core cybersecurity skills, including threat management, risk mitigation, and network security. Balancing my academic workload with exam preparation demonstrates my dedication to professional growth and readiness for a career in cybersecurity. I am confident that achieving this certification will further enhance my marketability and technical proficiency in the field.

Looking ahead, my goal is to transition into a cybersecurity role where I can apply my skills to protect systems and data from emerging threats. I am particularly drawn to opportunities that involve digital forensics, vulnerability assessments, and incident response. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the defense of critical infrastructure and sensitive information in both the public and private sectors. I have ambitions that will drive me into a managerial position and further, paving the way for a lengthy career in the cyber world.

Thank you for taking the time to read my personal narrative. I look forward to connecting, sharing experiences, and continuing my journey of growth, learning, and contribution. I look forward to the future where I can spread my knowledge to the next generation and keep the momentum of our cybersecurity framework moving forward.