Complex network problems.
Clear plans. Clean execution.
Independent network engineering consultant specializing in high-risk migrations, routing architecture, and infrastructure automation. I also offer hands-on Claude Code coaching for technical professionals who want to build with AI.
How I Can Help
Network Engineering Consulting
Firewall migrations, BGP/OSPF/MPLS design, VPN architecture, SD-WAN/SASE deployments, and vendor-specific troubleshooting across Juniper, Cisco, OcNOS, FortiGate, and Cato Networks environments. Remote and on-site consulting for telecom, ISP, and enterprise networks.
Discuss a projectProject Rescue & Design Review
Stalled deployments, failed migrations, and risky maintenance windows. I specialize in taking over stuck projects, auditing existing designs, and delivering clear plans to get things back on track. Second opinions before your next change window.
Get a second opinionNetwork Automation
Infrastructure-as-code with Ansible, Python, and NetBox. Automated documentation, config generation, compliance checks, and deployment workflows. I help teams move from manual CLI work to repeatable, version-controlled automation.
Explore automationClaude Code Coaching
Hands-on Claude Code training for technical professionals who want to build tools, automate workflows, and work more effectively with AI. I'm not a software developer — I'm a domain expert who learned to build production systems with Claude Code. If I can do it, I can teach you.
Learn moreWhat a Non-Developer Built with Claude Code
Company-Wide AI Assistant Platform
13 platform integrations • 5 custom MCP servers • SSO • Analytics dashboard • Team onboarding
I built a full-stack production AI assistant for my 35-person telecom and cybersecurity company using Claude Code. It features SSO authentication, an executive analytics dashboard with per-user cost tracking, and a NOC mode for role-based access control. It connects to 13 platforms spanning routers, firewalls, SBCs, ticketing, billing, monitoring, documentation, and project management.
I built 5 of the MCP servers from scratch — for Cato Networks, Sansay SBC, Rev.io billing, Request Tracker, and a document generator. I directed every integration based on my domain knowledge of what our team needed. I also created a Claude Code onboarding package with safety-first configuration to roll the tool out to my engineering team.
Cyan border = built from scratch • Gray = integrated existing servers
I am not a software developer. I am a network engineer who learned Claude Code.
Selected Projects
Specific client details are anonymized for confidentiality. Technical scope and outcomes are accurate.
Environment
Regional telecom provider, multi-site ISP infrastructure
Tools
Problem
Critical MX204 router deployment had been stalled for 8 months under previous engineering leadership. No clear timeline. Management couldn't get a completion estimate.
Approach
Took ownership of the project, audited existing progress, identified architectural gaps, created a phased implementation plan, and provided a target completion date within the first week.
Result
Delivered full deployment in 9 weeks. BGP peering, IPv6 transit, VoIP services, and multi-site backhaul — all validated and in production.
Environment
Telecom VoIP infrastructure, Cisco ASA firewalls protecting SBC and voice services
Tools
Problem
Critical VoIP firewall migration from Cisco ASA to FortiGate in HA configuration. Project had scattered notes, no clear plan, and a tight deadline with multiple team members needing coordination.
Approach
Consolidated scattered project notes into a coherent execution plan. Configured BGP, OSPF, MPLS, routing, and switching for redundant paths. Coordinated with team leads, delegated tasks across the team, and drove the project to meet the tight deadline.
Result
Successful maintenance cutover completed on schedule with no unplanned events. Full HA redundancy operational.
Environment
Multiple enterprise customers transitioning from legacy SD-WAN to Cato SASE platform
Tools
Problem
Multiple enterprise customers needed migration from legacy 128T SD-WAN to Cato's SASE platform. Each customer had unique network requirements, tight timelines, and needed clear communication throughout.
Approach
Delivered detailed network diagrams and MOPs for each customer. Tailored the migration approach to each customer's needs and technical team. Used lab environments to test configurations before production deployment. Maintained clear communication with all stakeholders throughout.
Result
Achieved 99.9% accuracy within critical timeframes. Third-party customer engineer described it as "one of the smoothest projects he had experienced." Successful migrations led to customers purchasing additional services.
Environment
Telecom service provider, 100+ network devices across multiple sites
Tools
Problem
Network documentation was manual, inconsistent, and perpetually outdated. The company was evaluating outsourcing automation work at significant cost. Engineers spent hours maintaining spreadsheets and diagrams that were always behind reality.
Approach
Stepped in to lead the Ansible-NetBox integration codebase. Built automated documentation pipeline using Ansible to pull live device data and populate NetBox as the source of truth. Led major version upgrades of both NetBox and Ansible, including database migration to newer PostgreSQL as part of Ubuntu OS upgrade. Resolved compatibility issues in Ansible Playbooks.
Result
Saved the company over $150,000 by bringing automation in-house instead of outsourcing. Reduced documentation maintenance from hours of manual work to automated, always-current records. New devices automatically documented on deployment.
Environment
Internal tool for a 35-person telecom and cybersecurity company
Built With
Problem
Engineering and operations teams were context-switching across dozens of platforms — routers, switches, SBCs, ticketing, billing, monitoring, documentation — with no unified interface. No existing product addressed the specific needs of a multi-vendor telecom environment.
Approach
Used Claude Code to build a full-stack web application that connects to all major internal systems through 13 MCP server integrations. I defined the requirements, specified which platforms to integrate, and directed the security model — including SSO authentication, role-based access for the NOC team, and an analytics dashboard for executive visibility. Built 5 custom MCP servers from scratch for Cato Networks, Sansay SBC, Rev.io billing, Request Tracker, and document generation. Created an onboarding package to safely roll Claude Code out to the engineering team.
Result
Deployed company-wide on first day. Immediate adoption and feature requests from across the organization. Additional MCP servers built same day based on user feedback. Formal product proposal submitted to executive team.
"One of the smoothest projects he had experienced."
Engagement Options
60-Minute Advisory Call
Architecture review, second opinion, or troubleshooting guidance. Come with your problem, leave with a plan.
Migration Planning & MOP Review
Fixed-scope review of your migration plan, method of procedures, and rollback strategy before your maintenance window.
Project Rescue Engagement
I take over stalled or failing network projects and get them to completion. Hourly or fixed-scope.
Network Automation Audit
Assessment of your current infrastructure-as-code readiness with a concrete automation roadmap.
Claude Code Coaching Session
Live screen-share session where we build something real together while I explain every step. For technical professionals, not developers.
Claude Code Workshop
Multi-session engagement: setup, first project, and ongoing coaching to get you productive with Claude Code independently.
Project-based and hourly engagements available. Let's discuss what works best for your situation.
How Engagements Work
Discovery
We discuss your situation, constraints, and goals. I'll ask targeted questions to understand the technical landscape and what success looks like.
Plan & Scope
I provide a clear scope, timeline, and approach document. No surprises, no scope creep. You approve before work begins.
Delivery
I execute the work, keep you informed, and deliver thorough documentation. For coaching sessions, we work live together on your schedule.
Good Fit?
I work well with
- MSPs and telecom providers that need senior-level project help
- IT teams with stalled or high-risk infrastructure changes
- Companies planning firewall migrations, routing redesigns, or automation initiatives
- Technical professionals who want practical, hands-on Claude Code training
- Founders and ops leads who need an experienced engineer to review a risky change before execution
Not the right fit for
- 24/7 NOC outsourcing or helpdesk support
- Generic "prompt engineering" or AI hype consulting
- Enterprise-scale software development (I build tools, not SaaS platforms)
About
Justin Thompson
Network Engineer & AI Automation Specialist · Santa Barbara, CA
14+ years at the same telecom and cybersecurity service provider, progressing from technical support through network administration to network engineer — building deep, hands-on expertise across Juniper, Cisco, OcNOS, FortiGate, and Cato Networks platforms. I've led firewall migrations, SD-WAN-to-SASE transitions, BGP/MPLS routing redesigns, and VoIP infrastructure projects for production ISP and enterprise networks. I own our Ansible-NetBox automation codebase and have saved my company over $150K by bringing automation in-house. In recent years, I've become deeply invested in AI-assisted engineering, using Claude Code to build production tools including a company-wide AI assistant with 13 platform integrations. I approach every engagement the same way: understand the problem, build a clear plan, execute cleanly, document everything.
Certifications
Core Technologies
Let's Talk
Upwork
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Schedule a callResponse time: I typically reply within one business day. For urgent production issues, mention it in your message and I'll prioritize accordingly.