Hey, I'm Schalk Olivier
Senior Infrastructure & Cloud Engineer
Full-stack engineer bridging infrastructure, cloud, and development to deliver scalable enterprise solutions.
What I Do 💪
Architecting end-to-end solutions from infrastructure to application
Cloud Architecture
Full ownership of organizational cloud infrastructure with expertise in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Full-Stack Engineering
Bridging infrastructure, networking, development, and operations to deliver comprehensive solutions.
Technical Leadership
Leading strategic initiatives and driving technical excellence across diverse technology stacks.
10+
Years Experience
40+
Sites Managed
∞
Cups of Coffee
100%
Passion for Tech
About Me 🤔
I'm a Senior Infrastructure & Cloud Engineer with over a decade of experience spanning the full technology stack—from network infrastructure and cloud architecture to software development and operations. Currently serving as Senior Specialist IM DC & Cloud Engineer at Valterra Platinum, where I am the appointed Cloud Owner leading the organization's separation from Anglo American and establishing independent cloud infrastructure.
My unique background bridges multiple disciplines: enterprise networking, operational technology, software development, cloud architecture, and DevOps. This comprehensive skillset allows me to architect end-to-end solutions that seamlessly integrate infrastructure, applications, and operations—delivering both technical excellence and business value.
I excel at translating complex technical challenges into scalable, secure solutions. Whether it's designing cloud-native architectures, leading cross-functional teams, or building custom applications that integrate with enterprise systems, I bring both deep technical expertise and strategic vision to drive organizational success.
🎯 Current Focus
- Senior Specialist IM DC & Cloud Engineer at Valterra Platinum
- Cloud Owner for Valterra Platinum's independent infrastructure
- Leading cloud separation & migration from Anglo American
- Architecting future cloud infrastructure roadmap
📍 Location
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Professional Journey 🚀
Evolving from networking specialist to full-stack infrastructure leader
Senior Specialist IM DC & Cloud Engineer
Valterra Platinum
September 2025 - Present
Appointed as Cloud Owner for Valterra Platinum following its demerger from Anglo American in May 2025. Leading the critical separation and migration of cloud infrastructure workloads to establish Valterra Platinum as an independent entity with its own cloud infrastructure. Responsible for architecting the strategic roadmap for future cloud operations.
Separation & Migration:
- Cloud infrastructure separation from Anglo American
- Workload migration to independent infrastructure
- Multi-cloud architecture design
Strategic Leadership:
- Future cloud infrastructure roadmap
- Enterprise-scale transformation
- Independent operational capability
Senior Network Engineer: LAN
Valterra Platinum
May 2025 - September 2025
As LAN Product Owner, designed and deployed unified, secure network infrastructure across all sites, integrating SD-WAN, cloud services, and security platforms for seamless operations.
OT Specialist: Operations Centre
Anglo American
July 2024 - May 2025
- Led IM Support Centre operations including Service Desk and Monitoring
- Optimized IT and OT monitoring systems for improved reliability
- Drove observability initiatives to enhance proactive insights
OT Specialist - Voice Data Networks
Anglo American
January 2023 - June 2024
Played a crucial role in design, implementation, and maintenance of voice and data network systems within operational technology environments.
Key Achievements:
- Network infrastructure design & configuration
- Hardware/software installation & maintenance
- Regular network assessments
Technical Focus:
- L3 support & complex issue resolution
- Cross-functional team collaboration
- Voice & data integration optimization
OT Network Engineer - Team Lead
Anglo American
September 2020 - March 2023
Led a team in managing and enhancing operational technology network infrastructure. Balanced technical network management with leadership, ensuring optimal system performance and team development.
Software Developer
RSAWEB
April 2020 - September 2020
Focused on integrating networking with systems using Python, Django, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, PHP, and Sandvine PSM.
Earlier Career Highlights
Network Engineer - RSAWEB
Aug 2018 - Sep 2019
Specialized in ISP-grade infrastructure with VoIP, AAA, Cisco, Extreme, Mikrotik technologies.
Technology Architect - INDUSNET
Jan 2018 - Jul 2018
Advised on Enterprise Roadmaps, infrastructure and security strategic planning.
Technical Expertise 🛠️
Full-stack capabilities spanning infrastructure, cloud, and development