My Journey at Second Front Systems: Growth, Mentorship, and Tenacity

This article was written by Ryan Morris , DevSecOps Engineer at Second Front .

Working at Second Front Systems has been a journey marked by constant evolution and opportunities for growth. I started here as a junior engineer, focused on technical tasks, but over time, my role has transformed significantly. Today, I manage both small and large teams, and my responsibilities span a wide array of areas from architecture to customer relations.

How My Role Has Evolved

When I first joined, my work centered around using Terraform and Terragrunt for infrastructure management. But, as the industry evolved and Second Front embraced new technologies, I found myself learning Pulumi and Go, transitioning to more modern infrastructure-as-code and programming languages. The progression didn't stop there—I've had the chance to help architect solutions, refactor existing systems, and work on customer infrastructure. Beyond the technical side, I’ve onboarded customers, participated in sales calls, and even represented Second Front at conferences.

Perhaps the most challenging and exciting part of this journey has been the sheer pace of learning. Every day brings new challenges that push me to expand my knowledge. This constant need to grow has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career here.

The Most Rewarding Work: Mentorship and Teaching

When I reflect on my most rewarding experiences at Second Front, I don’t immediately think of projects or technical accomplishments. Instead, what stands out to me is the opportunity to mentor and teach others. Through these activities, I’ve been able to develop deep, meaningful relationships with my colleagues. Having moved frequently throughout my life, both geographically and professionally, I’ve come to value these connections immensely. Building relationships through mentorship has been the most fulfilling aspect of my time here.

The Key to My Continued Success: Tenacity and Empathy

Two traits I attribute to my success are tenacity and empathy. It took me a long time to find my footing in my career, and along the way, I developed the resilience to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Tenacity has helped me face the technical challenges and growing responsibilities of my role.

At the same time, empathy has been equally important. It’s what allows me to help others overcome their challenges, fostering collaboration and trust within my teams. The combination of these two qualities—persistence and compassion—has been crucial in my journey at Second Front.

A Supportive and Dependable Team

The culture here at Second Front is another big part of why I’ve enjoyed my work. If I had to describe my team in a few words, I’d say they are supportive, reinforcing, close, and dependable. It’s the kind of environment where people have each other’s backs, and that makes tackling even the toughest challenges easier.

My Favorite Engineering Tool

When it comes to engineering tools, my favorite has to be Kubernetes. While I’m not sure if it’s technically considered a tool, Kubernetes has provided me with endless learning opportunities. It’s been fascinating to deepen my knowledge of it and apply it in new ways over time.

How I Wind Down

When it’s time to step away from work, I like to unwind by reading or watching movies. Sometimes I’ll hop in the car and drive for hours, listening to music. And when I need a change of pace, conversations with random people at McSorley’s offer a chance to hear new perspectives and relax.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my time here, I’m grateful for the growth I’ve experienced, the relationships I’ve built, and the lessons I’ve learned. I’m excited to see what the future holds at Second Front Systems, both for myself and for the company.